Go Back
–+ servings
Cranberry Bars

Delicious Cranberry Bars You Can Make Ahead for the Holidays

Easy make-ahead cranberry bars bursting with sweet and tart flavors, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Cooling Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Desserts
Cuisine American
Servings 9 bars
Calories 200 kcal

Equipment

  • 9-inch square baking pan
  • mixing bowls
  • electric mixer
  • Food Processor
  • spatula

Ingredients
  

For the Batter

  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter cold
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar or brown sugar
  • 2 large Eggs
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour or gluten-free blend
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder ensure it's fresh
  • 1 teaspoon Salt fine sea salt recommended
  • 1 cup Sour Cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 cup Fresh/Frozen Cranberries can use frozen without thawing
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract preferably pure
  • 1 tablespoon Orange Zest fresh

For the Crumb Topping

  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour keep it cold
  • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar or brown sugar for richer flavor
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt use sparingly
  • 1/2 cup Cold Butter cubed
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract use same pure extract

Instructions
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cranberry Bars

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C) and butter the 9-inch square baking pan.
  • Sift together flour, baking powder, and fine sea salt in a medium bowl.
  • Beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and orange zest until light and fluffy.
  • Add eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, then stir in vanilla extract.
  • Alternately add the dry ingredients and sour cream to the wet ingredients; mix until just combined.
  • Gently fold in cranberries into the batter.
  • Combine flour, sugar, and salt; pulse with cold butter in a food processor until coarse crumbs form.
  • Spread the batter evenly in the pan, sprinkle cranberries on top, and add the crumb mixture.
  • Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until edges are golden and center springs back when pressed.
  • Cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Lightly dusting cranberries with flour before adding to the batter helps prevent sinking. Check for a golden edge and springy center to ensure perfect baking.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 2gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Cranberry Bars, Dessert Recipe, easy recipes, holiday baking, Make Ahead
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!