Cranberry Bars are a delightful treat that combines rich, buttery flavors with the tartness of cranberries. These bars are not only easy to prepare but also perfect for various occasions, from holiday gatherings to casual family desserts. With their unique blend of textures and tastes, they stand out as a favorite among both kids and adults alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal effort, making it perfect for novice bakers or those short on time.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet and tart from the cranberries creates a mouthwatering experience in every bite.
- Versatile Use: Enjoy these bars as a dessert or snack, and they can even be served at festive events like Christmas parties.
- Great for Leftovers: If you have leftover cranberries or cranberry sauce, this is an ideal way to use them up without any waste.
- Perfectly Portable: These bars are easy to slice and pack, making them great for lunches or potluck gatherings.
Tools and Preparation
To ensure your Cranberry Bars turn out perfectly, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Pot for cooking cranberries
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- 9×13 inch baking pan: This size is ideal for even baking and helps achieve that perfect bar shape.
- Mixing bowls: Using different sizes allows for efficient mixing of ingredients without mess.
- Pot for cooking cranberries: A sturdy pot ensures even heating while preventing the mixture from sticking or burning.
Ingredients
Cranberry Bars are rich, buttery and so easy to make. Perfect for the holidays and a great way to use up any leftover fresh cranberries or cranberry sauce.
For the Cranberry Filling
- 1 12 oz package of cranberries (if using cranberry sauce, refer to notes section below)
- 1 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup water
For the Crust
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup butter; room temp.
- 1 egg; beaten
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Cranberry Bars
Step 1: Cook the Cranberries
Cook cranberries, sugar, and water in a pot over medium heat. Stir frequently for about 15 minutes until the mixture thickens. Once done, remove from heat and let cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix well until evenly distributed.
Step 3: Incorporate Butter and Egg
Cut in butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Then add the beaten egg and mix until combined.
Step 4: Form the Crust
Sprinkle just over half of the crumb mixture into a greased 9×13 pan. Pack it down firmly to create a solid crust layer.
Step 5: Add Cranberry Filling
Spread the cooled cranberry mixture evenly over the crust layer. Afterward, sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture on top for a delicious topping.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 40 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Allow your Cranberry Bars to cool completely before slicing them into squares. Enjoy your delightful treat!
How to Serve Cranberry Bars
Cranberry Bars make a delightful addition to any gathering, especially during the holiday season. Their rich flavor and buttery texture pair wonderfully with various accompaniments that enhance their taste.
With Whipped Cream
- A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy contrast to the dense cranberry bars.
Alongside Vanilla Ice Cream
- Serve warm cranberry bars with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
Pairing with Coffee or Tea
- Enjoy cranberry bars with your favorite coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat that warms the soul.
As Part of a Dessert Platter
- Include cranberry bars on a dessert platter alongside cookies and brownies for a variety of sweet options.
How to Perfect Cranberry Bars
To make your cranberry bars truly stand out, consider these helpful tips.
- Use fresh cranberries: Fresh cranberries provide the best tartness and texture. If using cranberry sauce, ensure it’s thick and flavorful.
- Don’t overmix: When combining the butter and flour mixture, mix just until crumbly. Overmixing can lead to tough bars.
- Let cool completely: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing. This helps them set and makes cutting easier.
- Experiment with spices: Adding cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the flavor profile, giving your cranberry bars an extra festive touch.
Best Side Dishes for Cranberry Bars
Cranberry Bars are versatile enough to be enjoyed with various side dishes that complement their unique flavors. Here are some excellent pairing options:
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses like brie or goat cheese balances the sweetness of the bars perfectly.
- Nut Mix: A crunchy nut mix adds texture and pairs well with the soft, buttery bars.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad offers a bright contrast to the rich flavors of the cranberry bars.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling chocolate sauce over warm cranberry bars creates a decadent dessert option.
- Mint Tea: Sipping on mint tea brings a refreshing palate cleanser alongside sweet treats.
- Spiced Apple Cider: Warm spiced apple cider enhances the cozy vibes when enjoying cranberry bars during winter months.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Cranberry Bars, a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some tips to help you succeed.
- Using frozen cranberries: Fresh cranberries yield the best flavor and texture. If you only have frozen ones, thaw them completely and drain excess moisture before cooking.
- Skipping the cooling period: Allow the cranberry filling to cool before spreading it on the crust. This prevents the layers from mixing and helps maintain a distinct texture.
- Overmixing the batter: When combining ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense bars instead of light and fluffy ones.
- Not measuring accurately: Baking is precise, so use measuring cups and spoons for accuracy. This ensures your Cranberry Bars turn out as intended.
- Ignoring baking time: Keep an eye on your bars as they bake. Ovens vary, so check for a golden top rather than relying solely on the timer.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Cranberry Bars in an airtight container.
- They can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing Cranberry Bars
- Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- They will maintain quality for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Cranberry Bars
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place bars on a baking sheet and warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate and heat bars for about 20-30 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
- Stovetop: For a quick reheat, place a bar in a pan over low heat, cover it with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use cranberry sauce instead of fresh cranberries?
Yes! You can substitute fresh cranberries with cranberry sauce. Adjust the sugar according to taste since sauces often contain added sugar.
How do I know when my Cranberry Bars are done?
Cranberry Bars are done when the top turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to my Cranberry Bars?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your bars by adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.
What should I serve with Cranberry Bars?
Cranberry Bars pair wonderfully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for added richness.
Final Thoughts
Cranberry Bars are not only delicious but also versatile. They make an excellent dessert for holidays or any gathering. You can easily adjust ingredients to suit your taste preferences, whether you want them sweeter or with added textures like nuts. Try this recipe today and enjoy this delightful treat!
Cranberry Bars
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Cranberry Bars are a delightful fusion of rich buttery crust and tangy cranberry filling, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or simply looking for a sweet indulgence, these bars are easy to prepare and sure to impress family and friends. The combination of sweet and tart flavors creates a mouthwatering experience with every bite, appealing to both kids and adults alike. Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or even as a cozy snack with your afternoon tea, these bars are not just delicious but also versatile. Use up leftover cranberries or cranberry sauce effortlessly while enjoying a dessert that is both comforting and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh cranberries (or cranberry sauce)
- 1 cup sugar (divided)
- 2 cups flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup butter (room temperature)
- 1 egg (beaten)
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook cranberries with 1 cup sugar and water over medium heat for about 15 minutes until thickened. Let cool.
- In a bowl, mix flour, remaining sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in butter until crumbly; add beaten egg to combine.
- Press half the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch pan for the crust.
- Spread cooled cranberry filling over the crust; top with remaining crumb mixture.
- Bake at 350°F for approximately 40 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool completely before slicing into squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: For best results, use fresh cranberries for their tartness. Don't overmix to keep your bars light and fluffy. Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor.