Cranberry Bars

Cranberry Bars are a delightful treat that combines the tartness of cranberries with a buttery, crumbly crust. These bars are perfect for any occasion, from festive gatherings to cozy family meals. Their easy preparation makes them an ideal choice for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. Plus, they offer a wonderful way to utilize leftover cranberries or cranberry sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal ingredients, you can whip up these bars in no time.
• Delicious Flavor: The balance of sweetness and tartness creates a flavor that everyone will love.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for holidays or everyday treats, these bars fit any occasion.
• Great for Leftovers: Use up extra cranberries or cranberry sauce without any waste.
• Perfectly Portable: Cut them into squares for a convenient snack on the go.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Cranberry Bars, gather the essential tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk or fork

Importance of Each Tool

• 9×13 inch baking pan: Provides ample space for your bars to bake evenly and allows for easy cutting into squares.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without spilling, ensuring a mess-free baking experience.

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Ingredients

To make tasty Cranberry Bars, you will need 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 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 saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberries, sugar, and water.
2. Stir frequently for about 15 minutes until the mixture thickens.
3. Remove from heat and let cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust Mixture

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

Step 3: Assemble the Bars

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease your 9×13 inch baking pan.
3. Sprinkle just over half of the crust mixture into the bottom of the pan and pack it down firmly to create a solid base.
4. Pour the cooled cranberry filling evenly over this layer.
5. Sprinkle the remaining crust mixture over the top of the cranberry filling.

Step 4: Bake

1. Place in preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes.
2. The top should be golden brown when done.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

1. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
2. Once cooled, slice into squares to serve.

Enjoy your delicious Cranberry Bars!

How to Serve Cranberry Bars

Cranberry Bars are a delicious treat that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply enjoying them at home, these bars offer flexibility in serving. Here are some creative ideas for serving your Cranberry Bars.

With Whipped Cream

• Lightly dollop whipped cream on top of each bar for added richness and a touch of sweetness.

A La Mode

• Serve warm Cranberry Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm bar and cold ice cream is delightful.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the bars on a beautiful dessert platter alongside other holiday treats like cookies and brownies for an appealing presentation.

With Coffee or Tea

• Pair your Cranberry Bars with a hot cup of coffee or herbal tea to enhance the flavors and enjoy a cozy afternoon snack.

For Breakfast

• Enjoy a small piece of Cranberry Bar as part of your breakfast spread, perfect with yogurt or fresh fruit on the side.

How to Perfect Cranberry Bars

Achieving the perfect Cranberry Bars requires attention to detail and some helpful techniques. Follow these tips to elevate your baking game.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cranberries yield better flavor and texture compared to frozen ones, ensuring your bars are vibrant and tasty.

• Chill the Dough: If you find your dough too soft, chilling it for 30 minutes can make it easier to handle while creating a crispier crust.

• Check Oven Temperature: Always preheat your oven properly. An accurate temperature ensures even baking, resulting in golden-brown bars.

• Don’t Overmix: When combining ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough bars instead of soft ones.

• Let Them Cool Completely: Allowing the bars to cool completely before slicing helps maintain their structure and prevents them from falling apart.

Best Side Dishes for Cranberry Bars

Cranberry Bars can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their flavor profile. Here’s a list of excellent side dishes that pair perfectly with these delightful treats.

1. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses adds savory richness, balancing the sweetness of the Cranberry Bars.
2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad provides brightness and contrasts well with the tartness of cranberries.
3. Nut Mix: A crunchy nut mix offers texture and pairs nicely with the soft bars for an interesting mouthfeel.
4. Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with fruits creates a creamy option that matches well with the flavors in the bars.
5. Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of Cranberry Bar into chocolate fondue for an indulgent dessert experience.
6. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts add warmth and depth, making them an excellent companion for sweet treats like these bars.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Cranberry Bars can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using raw cranberries: Raw cranberries are too tart. Always cook them with sugar and water to make a sweet filling.
• Not measuring ingredients properly: Accurate measurements are crucial for the right texture. Use measuring cups and spoons for best results.
• Overbaking the bars: Baking too long can make them dry. Keep an eye on them, and remove when they are golden brown.
• Ignoring cooling time: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. This helps them set better and makes slicing easier.
• Skipping the egg: The egg acts as a binder. Don’t omit it, or your bars may crumble apart.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Cranberry Bars

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Reheating Cranberry Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual squares on medium power for 20-30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place in a pan over low heat, cover with a lid for even warming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Cranberry Bars.

Can I use cranberry sauce instead of fresh cranberries?

Yes, you can use homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce. Just adjust the sugar according to taste, as sauces can vary in sweetness.

How do I know when my Cranberry Bars are done baking?

The bars should be golden brown on top. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.

Can I add nuts or other ingredients?

Absolutely! Chopped nuts or chocolate chips can enhance the flavor and texture of your Cranberry Bars. Just mix them into the crumb mixture before layering.

How do I make these bars gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

These Cranberry Bars offer a perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors, making them ideal for any occasion. They are easy to customize with nuts or different spices if desired. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy delicious treats that everyone will love!