Cranberry bars are a delicious and easy-to-make dessert perfect for any time of the year. These cranberry crumble bars are made with fresh or frozen cranberries, a crumbly oat and brown sugar topping, and a hint of orange zest. You’ll love this recipe because it’s easy to prepare, perfect for a crowd, and can be made ahead of time. Whether you’re looking for a dessert to serve at a holiday gathering or a sweet treat to enjoy with your family, these cranberry bars are sure to be a hit.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
- Perfect for a crowd or a small gathering
- Can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen
- Delicious combination of sweet and tangy flavors
- Beautiful presentation with a crumbly topping
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
To make these delicious cranberry bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:
1. 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2. 1 cup granulated sugar
3. 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
4. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
5. 2 large eggs
6. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
7. 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
8. 1/2 cup chopped pecans
9. 1 tablespoon orange zest
10. 2 tablespoons orange juice
You can substitute the pecans with walnuts or almonds if you prefer. Additionally, you can use frozen cranberries if fresh ones are not available. Just be sure to thaw them first and pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. The orange zest adds a nice brightness to the bars, while the orange juice provides moisture and flavor. The cranberries are the star of the show, providing a sweet and tangy flavor combination.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Add the softened butter to the bowl and mix until a crumbly mixture forms.
3. Press the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Add the cranberries, pecans, and orange juice to the bowl and mix until well combined.
5. Pour the cranberry mixture over the baked crust. Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
6. Let the bars cool completely before cutting into them.
For more delicious dessert ideas, check out our Christmas Crack recipe or our Christmas Crack Recipe for a fun twist on a classic treat.
Expert Chef Tips & Troubleshooting
To ensure that your cranberry bars turn out perfectly, make sure to not overmix the batter. This can cause the crust to become tough and dense. Also, be sure to not overbake the bars, as this can cause them to dry out.
When handling the cranberries, be sure to follow safe food handling practices to prevent contamination. Additionally, when cooking the bars, make sure to check the internal temperature to ensure that it reaches a safe minimum internal temperature to prevent foodborne illness.
To achieve the perfect crumbly topping, make sure to use cold butter and mix it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You can also add a pinch of salt to the topping to balance out the sweetness of the bars.
Storage, Make-Ahead & Reheating
These cranberry bars can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days, refrigerated for up to 5 days, or frozen for up to 2 months. If freezing, make sure to wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to serve, simply thaw the bars at room temperature or reheat them in the oven.
To make ahead, prepare the crust and cranberry mixture separately and store them in the refrigerator overnight. Assemble and bake the bars the next day. You can also prepare the entire recipe and freeze it for up to 2 months. Simply thaw and reheat when you’re ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions
These cranberry bars are perfect for serving at a holiday gathering or as a sweet treat for your family. You can serve them warm or at room temperature, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. They’re also great as a snack or dessert for a potluck or picnic.
Some other serving suggestions include:
- Serving with a cup of hot coffee or tea
- Pairing with a green salad or fruit salad
- Using as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal
- Serving as a dessert for a brunch or breakfast gathering
Cranberry Bars with a Buttery Crumble Topping
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Medium bowl
- Large bowl
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
Filling
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Add softened butter to the bowl and mix until a crumbly mixture forms.
- Press the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Add cranberries, pecans, and orange juice to the bowl and mix until well combined.
- Pour the cranberry mixture over the baked crust. Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting into them.
Notes
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Potassium: 0mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 15g
- Vitamin A: 0 IU
- Vitamin C: 0mg
- Calcium: 0mg
- Iron: 0mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones in this recipe?
You can use frozen cranberries as a substitute for fresh ones in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them first and pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This will help prevent excess liquid from affecting the texture of the bars. Using frozen cranberries will not significantly alter the flavor or quality of the final product.
How do I store cranberry bars to keep them fresh for a longer period?
To keep cranberry bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 2 months. If freezing, make sure to wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to serve, simply thaw the bars at room temperature or reheat them in the oven.
Can I add other types of nuts or seeds to the recipe for added texture and flavor?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of nuts or seeds to add texture and flavor to your cranberry bars. Some options include walnuts, pecans, almonds, or even sunflower seeds. Just be sure to chop them finely before adding them to the recipe, and adjust the quantity according to your preference. This will allow you to create a unique flavor combination that suits your taste.
Are cranberry bars suitable for a gluten-free diet?
While traditional cranberry bar recipes often include wheat flour, you can easily make a gluten-free version by substituting the flour with a gluten-free alternative, such as almond flour or coconut flour. However, keep in mind that this may affect the texture and consistency of the bars. You may need to adjust the ratio of ingredients and add some xanthan gum to help with texture and structure. Always check the ingredient labels to ensure that the other ingredients, such as the sugar and vanilla extract, are also gluten-free.
