Cranberry Bars Recipe

Cranberry Bars are sweet, tart and perfect for any season. This Cranberry Bars Recipe is easy to make at home and uses simple ingredients.

The bars have a soft, buttery crust with a tangy cranberry filling and a crumbly topping. They are perfect for holidays, snacks or dessert after dinner.

You can make them ahead of time and they keep well in the fridge. In this blog, I will show you how to make Cranberry Bars step by step.

I will also share tips, serving ideas and answer common questions. The ingredients for Cranberry Bars are easy to find in any kitchen.

My Experience With This Recipe

I first made these cranberry bars during the holiday season. The smell of butter and cranberries filled the kitchen. When I baked them, the crust became golden brown, and the cranberry filling was soft and tart.

My family loved them immediately and they disappeared in minutes. They are simple to make but taste special.

I enjoy making them because they feel festive and comforting. Baking cranberry bars is quick, and the result is always delicious. I am sure you will enjoy this recipe as much as I do.

Recipe Card Info

• Recipe Name: Cranberry Bars
• Servings: 12
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 35 mins
• Total Time: 50 mins
• Course: Dessert / Snack
• Cuisine: American
• Calories: 250 kcal per serving

Equipment List

• 8×8 inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife for chopping cranberries
• Oven
• Parchment paper

Ingredients You Need for Cranberry Bars

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup rolled oats
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp orange juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the Crust

In a bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir until evenly combined.

3. Add Butter

Add softened butter to the dry mixture. Use a fork or your fingers to mix until crumbly.

4. Press the Crust

Press half of the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. This forms the base layer.

5. Prepare the Filling

In a small bowl, mix chopped cranberries, granulated sugar, orange juice, and vanilla extract until well combined.

6. Spread the Filling

Evenly spread the cranberry mixture over the crust layer in the pan. Make sure it covers all areas.

7. Add Topping

Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the cranberry filling. Press lightly to cover evenly.

8. Bake the Bars

Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and cranberries are bubbly.

9. Cool the Bars

Allow the cranberry bars to cool completely in the pan. This helps the filling set and makes cutting easier.

10. Cut and Serve

Remove from pan using parchment paper edges. Cut into 12 squares and enjoy soft, tart, and sweet cranberry bars.

Recipe Tips

• Use fresh cranberries for a tart flavor. Frozen cranberries work too, just thaw first.
• Press the crust layer firmly for a sturdy base.
• Add a little orange zest to the filling for extra flavor.
• Bars can be made a day ahead; flavors improve overnight.
• Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	250
Carbs	40g
Protein	2g
Fat	10g
Fiber	3g

Serving Suggestions

Cranberry bars are delicious on their own or with a cup of tea or coffee. You can also serve them with whipped cream or a drizzle of white chocolate for a festive touch. Perfect for breakfast, snack time or dessert after dinner.

Best Sides To Serve With

• Tea or coffee
• Milk or hot chocolate
• Whipped cream
• Vanilla ice cream
• Fresh orange slices

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• For longer storage, freeze the bars for up to 2 months.
• To reheat, warm individual bars in the microwave for 20–30 seconds.
• Cover with foil while reheating in the oven to prevent burning.
• Keep at room temperature for a few hours if serving at a party.

FAQs About Cranberry Bars

1. Can I use frozen cranberries for this Cranberry Bars Recipe?
Yes, thaw frozen cranberries before using. Chop them if needed, and drain excess juice for better consistency.

2. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour. Ensure oats are labeled gluten-free for a safe version.

3. Can I add nuts to the topping?
Yes, chopped walnuts or pecans can be added to the crumb topping for extra crunch and flavor.

4. Can I make the bars ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare them a day before serving. Refrigerate overnight to let the flavors develop fully.

5. Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?
Yes, you can reduce granulated and brown sugar slightly. The bars will still be sweet but slightly less sugary.

Conclusion

This Cranberry Bars Recipe is easy, flavorful and perfect for holidays or everyday treats. Now you know how to make Cranberry Bars with simple steps and ingredients.

The buttery crust, tart cranberry filling and crumbly topping make a delightful dessert or snack. Use the ingredients for Cranberry Bars listed above, follow the steps, and enjoy soft, sweet and tangy bars.

These bars are perfect for sharing with family and friends and will quickly become a favorite treat in your kitchen.