Do Share Recipe

I have to admit, I don’t bake with fresh cranberries as often as I’d like, but when I made this Cranberry Bars Recipe, I was instantly hooked. The combination of tart cranberries, sweet buttery dough, and a hint of citrus made my kitchen smell amazing. They’re simple to prepare, perfect for holidays or just an afternoon snack, and every bite feels like a little celebration.

I love that they’re soft, chewy, and beautifully festive all at once. After making them, I couldn’t wait to share this recipe with everyone! You can also enjoy a hearty dinner with a Garlic Butter Ribeye Steak and Shrimp Recipe to pair with your sweet treats for a complete festive meal.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful bars. I’ve included some tips on why each ingredient works best:

1/2 cup butter, room temperature (unsalted; if using salted, omit the additional salt) – gives a rich, buttery base
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar – sweetens the sugar-cookie style dough perfectly
2 large eggs, room temperature – helps bind the dough together
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – enhances the overall flavor
Zest from one medium orange – adds a fresh citrus note that pairs beautifully with cranberries
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – forms the structure of the bars
1/4 teaspoon salt – balances sweetness and enhances flavors
1 teaspoon baking powder – helps the bars rise slightly for a tender texture
2 cups cranberries, fresh or frozen – provides tartness and beautiful bursts of color
1/2 cup sliced almonds (optional) – adds crunch and complements the citrus flavor
Powdered sugar (for dusting) – optional, for a festive finishing touch

Note: This recipe yields about 25–30 bars, perfect for sharing or storing for a few days.

Variations

You can easily tweak this recipe to suit your taste or dietary preferences:

Use dried cranberries instead of fresh if needed; just note the texture will be slightly different.
Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free cup-for-cup flour blend.
Add almond extract or an almond-flavored icing for extra depth.
Mix in other nuts like pecans, walnuts, or macadamias for texture.
Substitute lemon zest for orange zest for a tangy twist.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Equipment You Need

9×13-inch baking pan – to shape and bake the bars evenly
Mixing bowl – for combining ingredients
Paddle attachment or hand mixer – for creaming butter and sugar
Spatula – for folding in cranberries and nuts
Zester – to get fresh citrus zest

How to Make Cranberry Bars Recipe?

Preheat and Prepare

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your baking pan. This ensures your bars won’t stick and will bake evenly.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixer, cream the butter, sugar, and orange zest until light and fluffy. This step creates a smooth, airy base that makes your bars tender.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract. Make sure to scrape down the sides so everything blends uniformly.

Combine Dry Ingredients

Mix flour, baking powder, and salt separately, then slowly incorporate into your wet mixture. Avoid over-mixing to keep the bars soft.

Fold in Cranberries and Nuts

Gently fold in the cranberries and optional almonds with a spatula. This keeps the berries intact and evenly distributed.

Bake the Bars

Press the dough into your prepared pan. Bake for 40–50 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Let cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar or adding icing. You can also enjoy these alongside a sweet treat from No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Balls Recipe for variety.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

From my experience, a few tweaks make these bars even more amazing:

I always butter my hands to press the sticky dough into the pan easily.
Using room temperature ingredients helps everything mix faster and evenly.
I check the bars around 40 minutes to prevent over-baking.
I like to add a light drizzle of glaze for extra sweetness and presentation.

How to Serve Cranberry Bars Recipe?

These bars are versatile and can be served in many ways:

Dust with powdered sugar for a festive look.
Drizzle with simple icing for extra sweetness.
Cut into small squares for a party platter.
Serve alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a rough breakdown per serving:

Calories: 180–200
Protein: 2g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 7g

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They stay soft and flavorful.

Refrigerating

Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to extend freshness. I usually cover them tightly to prevent drying out.

Freezing

Freeze bars for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature before serving, and add powdered sugar or icing after thawing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

These cranberry bars are a must-try for several reasons:

They’re quick and easy, perfect for busy days or last-minute desserts.
The bars are soft, chewy, and visually stunning with bright cranberries.
You can customize flavors and add-ins to suit your taste or dietary needs.
They’re versatile, working for breakfast, snacks, or festive desserts.
The buttery dough paired with tart cranberries makes every bite irresistible.

These Cranberry Bars bring together simplicity, flavor, and beauty in one easy recipe. I’ve made them multiple times, and they never fail to impress friends and family. They’re perfect for holidays, gatherings, or just because you deserve a sweet treat!

Ben Carraoli