Creamy Cranberry Bars
The moment the first chill of fall hits the air, I can’t help but think about baking something warm and comforting. One of my all-time favorites to whip up is Creamy Cranberry Bars. The combination of tart cranberries and a buttery, sweet crust brings back memories of holidays spent with family, where the aroma of freshly baked goods filled the home. There’s something magical about these bars; they are the perfect treat to share during gatherings, and they effortlessly shine on any dessert table. Every bite brings a delightful balance of flavors that makes you crave more.
Recipe Snapshot
45 mins
20 mins
25 mins
Medium
200 kcal
2 g
Vegan, Gluten-Free, AIP
9 g
Oven, Baking Sheet, Frying Pan, Whisk, Mixing Bowl, Wooden Spoon
What You’ll Enjoy About This Creamy Cranberry Bars
Bursting with Flavor
What sets these Creamy Cranberry Bars apart is their delightful flavor profile. The tartness of the cranberries perfectly complements the sweetness of the brown sugar and buttery crust. It’s a flavor that dances on your palate, making each bite an unforgettable experience.
Easy to Make
These bars are surprisingly simple to prepare. Even if you’re new to baking, you’ll find that the instructions are straightforward and the ingredients are easy to gather. Nothing beats the satisfaction of pulling a beautiful dessert from the oven that looks (and tastes) like it came from a bakery!
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, hosting a fall gathering, or simply want a sweet treat to enjoy with your afternoon coffee, these bars fit the bill. Their inviting color and texture make them an attractive choice for any occasion.
Make Ahead and Enjoy Later
Another fantastic feature of Creamy Cranberry Bars is their make-ahead potential. You can prepare them in advance, allowing you to savor time with family and friends without being tied to the kitchen. They hold up well when stored, making them a convenient option for busy days.
Great for Sharing
These bars are perfect for sharing. Cut them into squares, place them in a lovely box or on a platter, and they become an instant hit. Friends and family will appreciate the effort you put into making something so delicious.
Texture Awesomeness
The contrast between the soft filling and the crumbly top is something to behold. Each bite provides a satisfying combination of textures that keeps you coming back for more. It’s this unique texture that makes them different from other desserts you might find.
Creamy Cranberry Bars Ingredients
When it comes to baking Creamy Cranberry Bars, the ingredients you choose can make a world of difference. Each of these components serves a specific purpose, coming together to create a delicious dessert that’s both comforting and delightful. Let’s look at the key players and how they contribute to the magic.
- ½ cup light brown sugar – This adds sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor, which pairs beautifully with cranberries.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – The main body of the crust, providing structure and a soft texture.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda – Helps the crust rise slightly for a light and crumbly texture.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder – Works alongside baking soda to ensure the crust is fluffy.
- ¼ teaspoon salt – Enhances the sweetness and balances all the flavors.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled to room temperature – Adds richness and moisture to the crust.
- 1 (14-ounce) canned cranberry sauce, smooth or whole berries – The star ingredient, providing that signature tartness.
- 1 tablespoon orange zest – Brightens up the flavors and adds a fresh citrus note.
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest – Enhances the tartness and complements the cranberries.
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice – Adds moisture and a hint of citrus flavor to the filling.
Making Creamy Cranberry Bars
Let’s get started on making these delicious Creamy Cranberry Bars. The process is quite straightforward and allows you to enjoy the delightful scents wafting through your kitchen. Follow along as we create this mouthwatering dessert together!
- First things first, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your Creamy Cranberry Bars bake evenly and thoroughly.
- Next, prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan. Line it with parchment paper, leaving a 1-inch overhang on two sides. This will help you lift the bars out easily once they’re baked. Lightly spray the parchment with pan spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together ½ cup light brown sugar, 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt. This dry mix is the foundation of your crust.
- Next, stir in ½ cup unsalted butter. Mix until combined. You might need to use a hand mixer or your clean hands to fully combine the ingredients into a cohesive dough.
- Press about two-thirds to half of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan for the crust. You want it to be firm but not too thick.
- For the filling, take 1 (14-ounce) canned cranberry sauce and mash it in a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon orange zest, 2 teaspoons lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice. Mix these ingredients together until well combined.
- Spread the filling over the crust in the pan. Feel free to use all of the filling or just about half to two-thirds, depending on how jammy you want the center of your bars to be.
- Crumble the remaining dough over the top of the filling evenly. This will create a nice, crumbly topping when baked.
- Bake your bars in the preheated oven for about 22 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for a light golden brown on the top crust. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible!
- Once baked, let the bars cool in the pan for about 45 to 60 minutes. This cooling time allows them to set properly. Once cooled, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars from the pan and cut them into squares. You can cut them 3 by 3 for 9 bars or 4 by 4 for 12 smaller bars.
Things Worth Knowing
- Cooling Time: Let your bars cool completely before cutting them to maintain their shape and prevent them from crumbling.
- Ingredient Quality: Using fresh ingredients, especially the cranberries, can enhance the flavor significantly.
- Storage Tips: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
- Baking Pan Lining: Ensure that the parchment overhang is used for easy removal of the bars.
Change It Up
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to customize your Creamy Cranberry Bars. Here are some fun ideas:
- Storage: To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days, but I recommend enjoying them sooner!
- Freezing: You can freeze these bars! Cut into squares and place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to three months.
- Pairing: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
- Flavors: Try adding chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to the topping for added crunch.
- Citrus Twist: Experiment with different citrus zests—like lime or grapefruit—to change up the flavor profile.
What to Serve Alongside Creamy Cranberry Bars
These Creamy Cranberry Bars are a delightful dessert on their own, but pairing them with the right accompaniments can elevate your dining experience. Here are some ideas:
- Hot Beverages: Enjoy them with a steaming cup of tea or coffee. The warmth of the beverages complements the sweetness of the bars.
- Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream on the side can bring a delightful contrast to the tart cranberries.
- Cheese Board: Add your bars to a cheese platter with some sharp cheeses. The combination of flavors will surprise you!
- Fruit Salad: Serve with a light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits for a refreshing balance.
- Holiday Table: They make a perfect addition to your holiday spread, alongside roasted turkey and other traditional dishes.
- Picnic Treat: These bars are easy to transport, making them a great addition to summer picnics or potlucks.
FAQ
Conclusion
The Creamy Cranberry Bars are a unique dessert that combines sweet and tart flavors in a delightful way. Their simplicity and ease of preparation make them a perfect addition to any gathering. So, why not try your hand at making these bars? I promise they’ll be a hit!
Creamy Cranberry Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment, leaving a 1-inch overhang on two sides. Spray the parchment with pan spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large bowl, whisk together ½ cup light brown sugar, 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Stir in ½ cup unsalted butter and mix until combined.
- Press about two-thirds to half of the dough evenly into the bottom of the pan for the crust.
- Create the filling by mashing 1 (14-ounce) canned cranberry sauce, 1 tablespoon orange zest, 2 teaspoons lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice together. Spread the filling over the crust.
- Crumble the remaining dough evenly over the top of the filling and bake for 22-25 minutes, until the top crust is light golden brown.
- Let cool for 45-60 minutes before lifting out from the pan and cutting into bars.
Notes
- Tip 1: Let the bars cool completely before cutting to maintain their shape.
- Tip 2: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
- Tip 3: You can freeze the bars for up to three months.
- Tip 4: Serve with a scoop of ice cream for a delicious pairing.
- Tip 5: Try adding nuts for an extra crunch.
