If you’re looking for a festive dessert to add to your holiday lineup, these Cranberry Bars are just the treat. Featuring a buttery crust, a vibrant cranberry filling, and a crumbly topping, these bars are a delightful combination of sweet and tart flavors that perfectly capture the essence of the season. Whether served as a holiday dessert or a cozy snack, these bars are sure to impress.
Ingredients:
Crust and Topping:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1 large egg, lightly beaten
Cranberry Filling:
2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 cup water
Zest of 1 orange (optional, for extra flavor)
Directions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal after baking.
Prepare the Crust and Topping:
In a medium bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter, and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the beaten egg until a crumbly dough forms.
Create the Base Layer:
Press half of the dough firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust layer. Set aside the remaining dough for the topping.
Make the Cranberry Filling:
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberries, sugar, cornstarch, and water. Cook, stirring frequently, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Add the orange zest for an extra burst of flavor if desired, then let the filling cool slightly.
Assemble the Bars:
Spread the cranberry filling evenly over the crust layer. Crumble the remaining dough over the cranberry filling for a rustic topping.
Bake:
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing.
Serve:
Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Slice into 12 squares and enjoy this seasonal treat!
Serving Tips:
Serve at Room Temperature: Cranberry bars are best enjoyed at room temperature, allowing the crust to soften slightly and the flavors to meld.
Add Toppings: For an extra festive touch, sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar over the top before serving. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can add a creamy contrast to the tart cranberries.
Perfect for Platters: Cut the bars into uniform squares for a beautiful presentation on a dessert platter. These bars are great for holiday buffets or parties as an easy-to-serve option.
Storage Tips:
Room Temperature: Store cranberry bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps the crust firm and the topping slightly crumbly.
Refrigerate for Longer Freshness: To keep them fresh for up to 5 days, store the bars in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Chilled bars have a firmer texture, which some people enjoy.
Freezing Cranberry Bars: For extended storage, cranberry bars can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight.
Related Recipes:
FAQs:
Can I use canned cranberry sauce instead of fresh or frozen cranberries?
While fresh or frozen cranberries are ideal for the best flavor and texture, you can use canned whole-berry cranberry sauce in a pinch. Be sure to reduce the added sugar in the filling, as canned cranberry sauce is already sweetened.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the topping is golden brown, and the cranberry filling is bubbly around the edges. This usually takes about 30-35 minutes. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to help them set.
What’s the best way to cut cranberry bars cleanly?
For clean slices, let the bars cool completely, then chill them in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before cutting. Use a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts to avoid smearing the filling.
Can I make these cranberry bars gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour in the crust and topping. Ensure the blend includes a binding agent like xanthan gum for the best texture.
Conclusion:
Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering or looking for a festive snack, these cranberry bars are sure to delight. With their buttery crust, tart cranberry filling, and easy preparation, they’re an irresistible addition to any dessert table. Serve them on their own, or add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra-special presentation. Enjoy!
📖 Recipe:
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Cranberry Bars
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cranberry Bars are a festive, sweet, and tart dessert made with a buttery crust, vibrant cranberry filling, and crumbly topping. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this easy-to-make recipe combines fresh cranberries, a hint of orange zest, and a delicious crumble for a crowd-pleasing treat.
Ingredients
For the Crust and Topping:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1 large egg, lightly beaten
For the Cranberry Filling:
2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 cup water
Zest of 1 orange (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and blend with a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the beaten egg to form a crumbly dough.
- Press half of the dough firmly into the bottom of the pan to create the crust. Reserve the remaining dough for the topping.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberries, sugar, cornstarch, and water. Cook, stirring often, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens (5-7 minutes). Add orange zest, if desired, and allow the filling to cool slightly.
- Spread the cranberry filling evenly over the crust. Crumble the reserved dough over the cranberry layer.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbly. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting out and slicing.
Notes
Use fresh or frozen cranberries; just thaw frozen cranberries beforehand.
Adding orange zest enhances the cranberry flavor, giving the bars a bright, citrusy taste.
Allow bars to cool fully for easy slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 bars
- Calories: 180 kcal
