Cranberry Bars are buttery, brown sugar shortbread bars filled with a vibrant and tangy cranberry filling. Perfect as a holiday dessert or a sweet snack, these bars combine a rich crust and crumbly topping with the tartness of cranberries. They’re simple to make and even better when prepared a day in advance, as the flavors meld beautifully.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Cranberry Filling:
- 8 ounces fresh cranberries (about 2 ¼ cups)
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons water
For the Shortbread Bars:
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup butter, room temperature
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Make Cranberry Filling:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, sugar, and water.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries pop, and the mixture thickens (about 15 minutes).
- Remove from heat and let cool.
- Prepare Shortbread Dough:
- Sift flour and salt into a bowl; set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat butter until smooth. Add brown sugar and vanilla extract, and mix until creamy.
- Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing until just incorporated. The dough should form clumps.
- Assemble the Bars:
- Oil an 8×8-inch square pan and press two-thirds of the shortbread dough evenly into the bottom.
- Lightly prick the crust with a fork and bake for 17–18 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and spread the cooled cranberry filling evenly over the crust, leaving a 1/4-inch border.
- Crumble the remaining shortbread dough over the cranberry filling and lightly press it down.
- Bake:
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.
- Let cool on a wire rack. While still warm, cut into 16 squares, then cool completely in the pan.
Nutrients
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 215 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 26 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| – Saturated Fat | 7 g |
| Cholesterol | 31 mg |
| Sodium | 166 mg |
| Potassium | 38 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 13 g |
| Vitamin A | 363 IU |
| Vitamin C | 2 mg |
| Calcium | 11 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
These Cranberry Bars are perfect for sharing during the holidays or enjoying with your morning coffee. Try topping them with a drizzle of white chocolate or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special treat!
Why Cranberries Shine in Desserts
Cranberries, with their vibrant color and tart flavor, are a holiday favorite. Native to North America, they’ve been used in cooking and baking for centuries. Their natural tang provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of desserts, making them an ideal filling for bars, pies, and cakes. Cranberries also offer a host of health benefits, being rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber, which add a feel-good factor to indulgent treats.
In Cranberry Bars, the filling combines fresh cranberries, sugar, and water, creating a luscious, jam-like consistency. This tangy layer perfectly balances the richness of the shortbread crust and crumble.
What Makes Cranberry Bars Special?
- Buttery Shortbread Crust:
The base of these bars is a rich and tender shortbread crust made with butter, brown sugar, and vanilla. Its buttery flavor and slightly crumbly texture provide the perfect foundation for the cranberry filling. - Tangy Cranberry Filling:
The cranberry filling adds a burst of tartness that cuts through the sweetness of the crust. Cooking the cranberries releases their natural juices, creating a vibrant and flavorful layer. - Crumble Topping:
Reserved shortbread dough is crumbled over the cranberry layer, baking to a golden brown for added texture and visual appeal. - Make-Ahead Perfection:
These bars taste even better the next day, as the flavors have time to meld and develop. - Versatility:
While they’re a standout holiday dessert, Cranberry Bars are equally suitable for year-round enjoyment with a few simple variations.
Tips for Perfect Cranberry Bars
- Choose Fresh Cranberries:
Fresh cranberries work best for this recipe, as they cook down beautifully and retain their bright flavor. If fresh cranberries are unavailable, frozen ones can be used without thawing. - Don’t Overmix the Dough:
Overmixing the shortbread dough can result in a tough crust. Mix just until the dough forms clumps. - Evenly Spread the Filling:
When adding the cranberry filling, leave a small border to prevent the mixture from seeping into the sides, which helps maintain the bar’s structure. - Bake to Perfection:
Watch for the topping to turn golden brown, as this indicates the bars are ready. Overbaking can dry out the shortbread, so keep a close eye during the final minutes. - Cool Completely Before Cutting:
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This ensures clean, neat squares.
Creative Variations
- Add a Nutty Crunch:
Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumble topping for added texture and flavor. - Citrus Twist:
Add orange zest to the cranberry filling for a zesty twist that complements the tartness of the cranberries. - Drizzle with White Chocolate:
A drizzle of melted white chocolate over the cooled bars adds a touch of sweetness and elegance. - Swap the Filling:
Substitute cranberries with raspberries, blueberries, or a mix of berries for a different flavor profile. - Gluten-Free Option:
Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour to make the bars suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.
Serving Suggestions
- Holiday Desserts:
Serve the bars as part of a festive dessert spread, paired with coffee or mulled wine. - Garnished with Whipped Cream:
Add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a dessert-style presentation. - As a Gift:
Package the bars in decorative tins or boxes for a homemade holiday gift that’s sure to impress. - Paired with Ice Cream:
Serve the bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat. - Morning Coffee Companion:
Enjoy the bars as a slightly indulgent breakfast or snack alongside your favorite coffee or tea.
Why These Bars Are Perfect for Any Occasion
- Easy to Prepare:
With straightforward ingredients and simple steps, these bars are a great choice for bakers of all skill levels. - Crowd-Pleasing Flavor:
The combination of tart cranberries and buttery shortbread is universally loved, making them a hit at gatherings. - Portable and Shareable:
Their bar shape makes them easy to transport and serve, perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or picnics. - Make-Ahead Convenience:
Preparing these bars a day in advance not only enhances the flavor but also reduces stress on the day of serving.
Healthier Modifications
While Cranberry Bars are a treat, a few simple tweaks can make them lighter:
- Reduce Sugar:
Cut back slightly on the sugar in the filling for a less sweet version that highlights the cranberries’ natural tartness. - Use Whole-Wheat Flour:
Substitute a portion of the all-purpose flour with whole-wheat flour for added fiber. - Vegan Adaptation:
Replace butter with a plant-based alternative to make the bars vegan-friendly.
Conclusion
Cranberry Bars are the perfect combination of tangy, buttery, and sweet, offering a delicious dessert or snack option for any occasion. Their vibrant cranberry filling, tender shortbread crust, and crumbly topping create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that’s impossible to resist.
Whether you’re looking for a festive holiday treat, a thoughtful homemade gift, or a simple dessert to share with loved ones, these bars deliver on all fronts. With their versatility, ease of preparation, and crowd-pleasing appeal, Cranberry Bars are sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy the timeless flavors of this delightful dessert, and savor the joy it brings to your table!
