Cranberry Bars

Cranberry Bars are a delightful treat that combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with a sweet, buttery crust. These bars are not only easy to make but also perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to casual family dinners. With their rich flavor and appealing texture, they stand out as a must-try dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these bars come together quickly, making them perfect for busy bakers.
• Versatile Flavor: The balance of sweet and tart makes Cranberry Bars a crowd-pleaser. They pair well with coffee or tea and can be enjoyed anytime.
• Great for Leftovers: If you have leftover cranberries or cranberry sauce, this is an ideal recipe to utilize them without waste.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 20 servings, these bars are great for potlucks, holiday parties, or simply sharing with friends and family.
• Customizable: Feel free to add nuts or spices to tweak the flavor profile to your liking!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making these delicious Cranberry Bars, gather the essential tools you’ll need. Having everything ready will streamline your baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Pot
• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Measuring cups
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients evenly, ensuring the perfect texture for your bars.
• Pot: Using a pot for cooking the cranberries allows for even heat distribution while thickening the sauce quickly.
• Baking pan: A 9×13 inch baking pan is ideal for creating an even layer of crust and filling that bakes uniformly.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Ingredients

To make these delectable Cranberry Bars, gather the following ingredients:

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 Bar 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 Cranberries

1. In a pot, combine the cranberries, sugar, and water.
2. Cook over medium heat while stirring frequently until the mixture thickens (about 15 minutes).
3. Once thickened, 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 using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture becomes crumbly.
3. Add in the beaten egg, mixing until just combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Bars

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Sprinkle just over half of the crust mixture into your greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
3. Pack it down firmly to create a solid base.
4. Spread the cooled cranberry filling evenly over this crust layer.
5. Finally, sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture on top.

Step 4: Bake

1. Place in preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
2. Once baked, allow it to cool completely before slicing into squares.

Enjoy your homemade Cranberry Bars as a sweet ending to any meal!

How to Serve Cranberry Bars

Cranberry Bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply indulging on a cozy evening, these bars are perfect for any occasion.

With Whipped Cream

• Top each bar with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra creamy texture that balances the tartness of the cranberries.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Arrange your Cranberry Bars alongside other desserts like brownies and cookies for a colorful and inviting dessert platter.

Paired with Ice Cream

• Serve warm bars with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. The contrast of warm and cold enhances the flavor experience.

With Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy a slice of Cranberry Bar with your favorite hot beverage. The sweetness complements the rich notes of coffee or tea perfectly.

Dusted with Powdered Sugar

• Lightly dust the bars with powdered sugar just before serving. This adds a touch of elegance and sweetness without overwhelming the flavors.

How to Perfect Cranberry Bars

To achieve the best results when making Cranberry Bars, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Cranberries: Fresh cranberries provide the best flavor and texture. If using cranberry sauce, ensure it’s thick to avoid soggy bars.

• Chill Butter: Ensure your butter is at room temperature but not melted. This helps create a crumbly texture in the crust.

• Don’t Overmix: When combining dry ingredients with wet, mix gently to maintain the bar’s tender crumb structure.

• Cool Before Slicing: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares. This helps them set properly and makes slicing easier.

• Store Properly: Keep leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to 1 week.

Best Side Dishes for Cranberry Bars

Cranberry Bars can be complemented by several side dishes that enhance their flavor profile and make for a balanced meal or snack.

1. Cheese Platter: A variety of cheeses like brie, cheddar, and gouda offer savory contrasts to the sweet cranberry bars.

2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds lightness and pairs well with the richness of cranberry bars.

3. Mixed Nuts: Serve assorted nuts as a crunchy accompaniment that adds texture and balances sweetness.

4. Mini Quiches: These savory bites provide a nice contrast to the sweet bars, making them great for brunch gatherings.

5. Roasted Vegetables: Warm roasted veggies offer earthy flavors that complement the tartness of cranberry.

6. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy treat that pairs beautifully with cranberry bars.

7. Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of cranberry bar in chocolate fondue for an indulgent twist on dessert.

8. Herbed Crostini: Crispy crostini topped with herb cheese bring a fresh bite alongside your sweet treats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Cranberry Bars turn out perfectly. Here are a few pitfalls to watch for:

• Ignoring ingredient temperature: Using cold butter can lead to a denser texture. Always use room-temperature butter for a light and crumbly crust.
• Overcooking the cranberries: Cooking them too long can result in mushy sauce. Stir frequently and stop cooking when the mixture thickens, around 15 minutes.
• Not packing the crust: If you don’t pack down the crust firmly, it may crumble apart when sliced. Use your fingers or a flat surface to press it down evenly.
• Skipping cooling time: Cutting into the bars while warm can result in messy squares. Allow them to cool completely before slicing for clean edges.
• Using too much flour: Measuring flour incorrectly can alter the texture. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Cranberry Bars in an airtight container.
• They will last up to one week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Cranberry Bars

• Wrap bars individually in plastic wrap for best results.
• Freeze for up to three months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Cranberry Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm bars for about 10 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 20-30 seconds. Check frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place bars in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Cranberry Bars:

Can I use cranberry sauce instead of fresh cranberries?

Yes, you can substitute cranberry sauce directly. Just spread it evenly over the crust without cooking.

How do I adjust sweetness in my Cranberry Bars?

You can reduce sugar by 1/4 cup if you prefer less sweetness without affecting the texture significantly.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in chopped nuts or chocolate chips for added flavor and texture.

What pairs well with Cranberry Bars?

These bars are delicious when served with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or fresh fruit.

Final Thoughts

Cranberry Bars are an easy and delightful treat perfect for any occasion. They offer versatility with possibilities like adding nuts or adjusting sweetness to suit your taste. Try this recipe today and enjoy a festive dessert that everyone will love!