Cranberry Bars

Indulging in Sweetness with Cranberry Bars

There’s something truly magical about the combination of buttery crust and tart cranberry filling that is found in cranberry bars. This recipe is not only a delightful treat but also a versatile dessert that fits perfectly into various occasions. Whether it’s a cozy winter gathering, a festive holiday brunch, or just a sweet snack at home, these cranberry bars are sure to impress. I remember the first time I made them; the aroma filled my kitchen and immediately brought back memories of family gatherings. With simple ingredients and an effortless process, this recipe is one to cherish.

What Makes This Recipe Special

So, why should you whip up a batch of these cranberry bars? For starters, they are incredibly budget-friendly, allowing you to enjoy a delicious treat without breaking the bank. The recipe is simple enough for beginners yet satisfying enough for seasoned bakers, making it an excellent choice for anyone. The combination of sweet and tangy flavors creates a balanced dessert that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth any time of year.

“These cranberry bars are now a staple in our house! They’re quick to make, and the kids can’t get enough. Perfect for holiday get-togethers!” – A happy home baker

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Let’s dive into how easy it is to prepare these delicious cranberry bars. In just a few steps, you’ll have a delightful treat that’s baked to perfection and ready to share (or keep all to yourself!). Here’s what to expect in the process:

1. Preheat your oven.
2. Create the crumbly mixture for the crust and topping.
3. Layer your ingredients beautifully.
4. Bake until golden brown and serve after cooling.

Gather Your Ingredients

To make your cranberry bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 3/4 cup butter (melted)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)

Feel free to substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative if desired. You can also swap the cranberry sauce for other fruit preserves for a twist on this recipe!

Cooking Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing it to overhang for easy removal later.
2. Mix the base: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar until smooth.
3. Add the dry ingredients: Stir in the flour, baking powder, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until the mixture becomes crumbly.
4. Create the crust: Press half of the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
5. Layer the cranberry sauce: Spread the cranberry sauce evenly over the crust.
6. Top it off: Sprinkle the remaining crumbly mixture over the cranberry sauce.
7. Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
8. Cool and slice: Allow the bars to cool completely before lifting them out of the pan and slicing into squares.

Best Way to Serve

When it comes to serving, cranberry bars shine bright on their own. However, there are plenty of ways to enhance your presentation and flavor profile:

• Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Pair with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for added indulgence.
• Enjoy with a warm cup of tea or coffee, making it a perfect afternoon snack.

Storage Tips

To keep your cranberry bars fresh longer, follow these storage tips:

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: If you’d like to keep them for a week, refrigerate.
• Freezing: These bars freeze well! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. Always remember to label your containers for easy identification.

Pro Chef Tips

1. Use chilled butter: If you want a flakier crust, chill your butter before melting it.
2. Mix with your hands: Sometimes, getting your hands in the dough gives the best crumbly texture. Just make sure to wash them first!
3. Add nuts: For an extra crunch, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble mixture.

Creative Twists

Using this basic recipe, you can explore numerous variations.

• Fruit options: Substitute cranberry sauce with raspberry, blueberry, or even apple pie filling for different flavors.
• Add-ins: Consider adding chocolate chips or toffee bits to the crumbly mixture for a sweeter twist.
• Spice it up: Experiment with seasonings like nutmeg or ginger to enhance the flavor profile.

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to prepare the cranberry bars?

Preparation takes about 15 minutes, with an additional 30 minutes for baking, totaling approximately 45 minutes.

Can I make these cranberry bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare them a day in advance. Just be sure to store them properly to maintain freshness.

Are there any gluten-free options for this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Ensure your other ingredients, like baking powder, are also gluten-free.

These cranberry bars are more than just a dessert; they’re an experience that brings warmth and joy to any occasion. Enjoy making them and savor the delightful flavors!

Cranberry Bars

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• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 9 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A delightful treat featuring a buttery crust and tart cranberry filling, perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3/4 cup butter (melted)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar until smooth.
3. Stir in the flour, baking powder, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until crumbly.
4. Press half of the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
5. Spread the cranberry sauce evenly over the crust.
6. Sprinkle the remaining crumbly mixture over the cranberry sauce.
7. Bake for 30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
8. Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing into squares.

Notes

Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch or serve with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 square
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: cranberry bars, dessert, baking, sweet treat, holiday dessert