Easy Cranberry Bars Recipe (Perfect for the Holidays!)

The holiday season is all about warmth, togetherness, and indulging in delicious treats. And what better way to celebrate than with cranberry bars? These sweet-tart bars are the perfect dessert to brighten up any festive occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a cozy night in, or a holiday gift for friends and loved ones. With a buttery crust, tangy cranberry filling, and crumbly topping, cranberry bars strike the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

In this blog, I’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide to baking the ultimate cranberry bars. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a newbie in the kitchen, you’ll find this recipe easy to follow and, most importantly, rewarding.

What Makes Cranberry Bars a Holiday Favorite?

Cranberries are synonymous with the holidays. Their vibrant red hue adds a festive flair to any dish, and their tart nature cuts through the sweetness of desserts, offering a refreshing balance. Cranberry bars are versatile, easy to make, and an excellent way to use up fresh or frozen cranberries. Plus, they store beautifully, making them a crowd-pleasing option to prepare ahead for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we jump into the baking process, here’s what you’ll need for these luscious cranberry bars. This recipe makes 12-16 bars, depending on how you cut them.

For the Crust and Crumble Topping:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 1½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Zest of 1 orange (optional, but highly recommended for a citrusy touch)

For the Cranberry Filling:

• 3 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup orange juice (or water, if you prefer)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to thicken the filling)

How to Make Cranberry Bars

With your ingredients ready, it’s time to bake these irresistible bars. Follow these six simple steps for foolproof cranberry bars every time.

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. The parchment not only prevents sticking but also allows you to lift the bars out cleanly once baked.

2. Make the Crust and Topping

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until combined.
• Gradually add the flour, stirring until the mixture forms a crumbly dough.
• Set aside 1½ cups of the dough for the topping. Press the remaining dough firmly into an even layer on the bottom of the prepared pan. This will be your crust.

3. Bake the Crust

Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes, or until it’s just starting to set and lightly golden. Remove it from the oven and set it aside to cool slightly as you prepare the cranberry filling.

4. Make the Cranberry Filling

• Combine the cranberries, granulated sugar, orange juice, and cornstarch in a medium saucepan.
• Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
• Once ready, remove the filling from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.

5. Assemble the Bars

• Spread the cranberry filling evenly over the baked crust.
• Crumble the reserved dough on top of the cranberry layer. Don’t worry about being perfect; the uneven texture will give the bars their rustic look.

6. Bake to Perfection

Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.

Tips for the Best Cranberry Bars

1. Use Fresh Ingredients

Fresh or high-quality frozen cranberries give the best flavor and texture. Frozen cranberries can be used straight from the freezer without needing to thaw.

2. Add a Citrus Twist

Orange zest and juice brighten up the cranberries’ natural tartness, adding a festive citrusy note.

3. For a Softer Crust

If you prefer a softer crust, underbake the initial crust slightly before adding the cranberry filling.

4. Storage Solutions

Store your cranberry bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They also freeze well—simply wrap them individually for an easy grab-and-go treat.

Serving Suggestions

Cranberry bars are delicious on their own, but why stop there? Elevate them by serving them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They make a gorgeous addition to a holiday dessert spread and pair beautifully with a warm spiced latte or a classic cup of coffee.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What sets this cranberry bar recipe apart from others is its simplicity and versatility. The rich, buttery crust combined with the vibrant cranberry filling creates a dessert that’s sweet, tart, buttery, and downright addicting. You'll love how easy it is to make these bars for any occasion—they’re perfect for everything from casual get-togethers to elegant holiday parties.

Share the Joy

Baking is about sharing joy and creating memories. Wrap these cranberry bars in a festive box to gift to friends, or bring them along to your next holiday potluck. Trust us—this recipe will become a staple in your holiday baking repertoire.

Cranberry Bars Are Just the Beginning

If you’re ready to wow friends and family this holiday season with a dessert that combines simplicity, flavor, and festive vibes, you have to try this recipe. Once you’ve perfected the cranberry bar, consider experimenting with other fruits like blueberries or raspberries to create a new twist on a classic.

Happy baking, and may your house be filled with the sweet aroma of these irresistible treats!