Cranberry Bars

Cranberry Bars are a delightful treat that brings sweetness and tartness together in a rich, buttery dessert. Perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to casual family dinners, these bars make excellent use of leftover fresh cranberries or cranberry sauce. Their unique blend of flavors and easy preparation makes them a go-to recipe for anyone looking to impress their guests or simply enjoy a comforting dessert at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up these delicious bars.
• Delicious Flavor Combination: The tartness of cranberries balanced with a buttery crumble creates a mouthwatering experience.
• Versatile Ingredient Use: Perfect for using up leftover cranberry sauce or fresh cranberries, reducing food waste while boosting flavor.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: These bars are ideal for sharing at parties, potlucks, or family events, ensuring everyone will love them.
• Perfectly Portable: Cut them into squares for easy serving and transport—great for lunch boxes or picnics.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, it’s essential to gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your baking experience and help you achieve the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Pot for cooking cranberries
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk or fork for mixing

Importance of Each Tool

• 9×13 inch baking pan: This size is perfect for creating an even layer of crust and cranberry filling, ensuring uniform baking.
• Pot for cooking cranberries: A sturdy pot helps in evenly cooking the cranberries with sugar and water to achieve the right consistency.
• Mixing bowls: Using separate bowls keeps your ingredients organized, making the mixing process easier.

Ingredients

Cranberry Bars are rich, buttery and so easy to make. Perfect for the holidays and a great way to use up any leftover fresh cranberries or cranberry sauce.

For the Cranberry Filling

• 1 12 oz package of cranberries (if using cranberry sauce, refer to notes section below)
• 1 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup water

For the Crust

• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup butter; room temp.
• 1 egg; beaten

How to Make Cranberry Bars

Step 1: Cook the Cranberry Filling

1. Combine the cranberries, sugar, and water in a pot.
2. Stir frequently over medium heat for about 15 minutes until the mixture thickens.
3. Remove from heat and let it cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust Mixture

1. In a mixing bowl, combine sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add the beaten egg, mixing until just combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Bars

1. Sprinkle just over half of the crust mixture into a greased 9×13 pan.
2. Press down firmly to form a solid bottom crust.
3. Spread the cooled cranberry mixture evenly over the crust.
4. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture on top.

Step 4: Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake for about 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
3. Allow cooling completely before slicing into squares.

Enjoy your homemade Cranberry Bars as a festive treat that will surely brighten any occasion!

How to Serve Cranberry Bars

Cranberry Bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or enjoying them as a sweet snack, here are some creative serving suggestions.

With Whipped Cream

• Top each bar with a dollop of fresh whipped cream for extra creaminess and flavor.

A la Mode

• Serve warm Cranberry Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast of hot and cold.

Drizzled with Chocolate

• Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the bars for an indulgent touch that pairs perfectly with the tartness of cranberries.

Garnished with Nuts

• Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top for added crunch and nutty flavor.

Paired with Tea or Coffee

• Enjoy these bars alongside your favorite tea or coffee for a comforting afternoon snack.

How to Perfect Cranberry Bars

To ensure your Cranberry Bars turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Cranberries: For the best flavor, opt for fresh cranberries rather than canned sauce.
• Cool the Filling: Let the cranberry mixture cool completely before spreading it on the crust to avoid sogginess.
• Check Baking Time: Keep an eye on the baking process; ovens vary and you want a golden top without overbaking.
• Chill Before Slicing: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing to achieve clean cuts and maintain their shape.
• Store Properly: Keep leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Cranberry Bars

Cranberry Bars can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their flavors. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Fruit Salad
   A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the richness of the bars.

2. Cheese Platter
   A selection of cheeses like brie or cheddar provides a savory contrast that pairs well with cranberry flavors.

3. Gingerbread Cookies
   The spiced flavor of gingerbread cookies harmonizes beautifully with tart cranberry bars, perfect for holiday gatherings.

4. Pumpkin Soup
   A warm bowl of pumpkin soup serves as a cozy starter, complementing the sweetness of the dessert.

5. Mixed Green Salad
   A light salad with vinaigrette dressing offers a crisp, refreshing counterpoint to rich dessert flavors.

6. Roasted Nuts
   Serve seasoned roasted nuts as a crunchy snack that contrasts nicely with the softness of Cranberry Bars.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cranberry Bars, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Avoiding these common mistakes will help ensure your bars turn out perfectly.

• Using frozen cranberries: Fresh cranberries are recommended for the best flavor and texture. If you only have frozen, thaw them completely before cooking.
• Not cooling the cranberry mixture: Allow the cranberry sauce to cool completely before spreading it on the crust. This prevents the crust from becoming soggy.
• Overmixing the dough: When combining the butter and dry ingredients, mix until just crumbly. Overmixing can lead to tough bars.
• Skipping parchment paper: Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup. It also helps maintain the shape of your bars.
• Ignoring baking time: Keep an eye on your bars as they bake. Ovens can vary; check for a golden top after 40 minutes to avoid overbaking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to one week.

Freezing Cranberry Bars

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• These bars can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Cranberry Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual squares on medium power for about 30 seconds or until warm.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about making Cranberry Bars, here are some common questions answered.

Can I use cranberry sauce instead of fresh cranberries?

Yes! You can replace fresh cranberries with about 2 cups of homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce. Adjust sugar if needed since sauce may already be sweetened.

How do I know when my Cranberry Bars are done?

Look for a golden-brown top. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.

What can I do if my bars are too crumbly?

If your bars are falling apart, it may be due to insufficient butter or overbaking. Ensure proper measurements and watch baking closely next time.

Can I customize my Cranberry Bars?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, spices like cinnamon, or even chocolate chips for added flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

Cranberry Bars are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion, especially during the holidays. Their rich buttery flavor combined with tart cranberries makes them irresistible! Feel free to customize the recipe with additional ingredients to suit your taste preferences—these bars are versatile and sure to impress!

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Cranberry Bars

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• Author: Aileen
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x

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Description

Cranberry Bars are the perfect blend of sweet and tart, offering a delightful treat that’s easy to make and ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re using leftover fresh cranberries or cranberry sauce, these bars deliver a comforting dessert experience that will impress your guests. With a buttery crust and a luscious cranberry filling, they are great for holiday gatherings or casual family dinners. Portable and versatile, you can cut them into squares for easy serving at parties or pack them for lunchboxes.

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Ingredients

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• 12 oz cranberries (or 2 cups cranberry sauce)
• 1 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup water
• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup sugar (for crust)
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup butter (room temperature)
• 1 beaten egg

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Instructions

1. Cook the cranberries with sugar and water in a pot over medium heat for about 15 minutes until thickened. Let cool.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt; cut in butter until crumbly. Stir in the beaten egg until just combined.
3. Press half the mixture into a greased 9×13 pan, spread the cooled cranberry mixture on top, then sprinkle the remaining crust mixture over it.
4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 40 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool completely before slicing.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: North American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 16g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 25mg