Delicious Cranberry Bars: 7 Reasons to Love Them

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Cranberry Bars

Cranberry Bars are a delicious dessert that combines a buttery, crumbly crust with a sweet-tart cranberry sauce filling. Perfect for using leftover cranberry sauce, these bars are easy to make, customizable, and make a great addition to any dessert table. Whether you are hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, these bars will impress!

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Bars

There are so many reasons to adore these Cranberry Dessert Bars. First, they are incredibly easy to prepare, making them a fantastic choice for busy weeknights. They double as a delightful snack or dessert, satisfying both sweet and tart cravings. You can also customize them with various add-ins, making them versatile. Additionally, they are a perfect way to use leftover cranberry sauce, reducing food waste. With their delightful texture and vibrant flavor, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients for Cranberry Bars

Gather these items:

  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup cranberry sauce

How to Make Cranberry Bars Step-by-Step

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper, letting the parchment overhang the sides.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine melted butter and sugar. Add the flour, baking powder, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt, mixing until the mixture is crumbly.
  3. Step 3: Press half of the crumbly mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
  4. Step 4: Spread the cranberry sauce evenly over the crust.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the cranberry sauce.
  6. Step 6: Bake for 30 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown. Allow to cool before slicing into bars.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Cranberry Bars

Keep these in mind:

  • Use fresh or homemade cranberry sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
  • For a twist, add chopped nuts like almonds or pecans for added texture.
  • Consider serving with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.

Best Ways to Serve Cranberry Bars

These bars are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them even more! Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert, or pair them with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack. They also make fantastic additions to dessert platters for holidays or gatherings.

How to Store and Reheat Cranberry Bars

To store Cranberry Bars, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them warm, simply reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Bars

What’s the secret to perfect Cranberry Bars?

The secret lies in using high-quality ingredients and not overmixing the crust mixture. This ensures a crumbly, buttery texture that perfectly complements the sweet-tart cranberry filling.

Can I make Cranberry Bars ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare these bars a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container and they’ll be ready to serve when you are, making them a great option for parties.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Cranberry Bars?

Be careful not to overbake them; keep an eye on the crust to ensure it doesn’t get too dark. Also, make sure to measure ingredients accurately for the best results.

Variations of Cranberry Bars You Can Try

There are numerous variations of Cranberry Bars to explore! Consider making Cranberry Oat Bars by adding oats to the crust for extra texture. For a nutty flavor, try Cranberry Almond Bars by mixing in chopped almonds. You could even create Vegan cranberry bar recipes by substituting butter with coconut oil and using a plant-based sweetener.

Delicious Cranberry Bars: 7 Reasons to Love Them - Cranberry Bars - additional detail

For more delicious recipes, check out Cranberry Orange Pancakes or Cranberry Butter. If you’re looking for a festive treat, consider making Cranberry Jalapeno Dip for your next gathering. You can also explore Holiday Yogurt Parfaits for a refreshing dessert option.

Lastly, for tips on using leftover cranberry sauce, visit Cranberry Rice Pilaf for a delicious side dish idea!

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Cranberry Bars

Delicious Cranberry Bars: 7 Reasons to Love Them


  • Author: basmer
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 16 bars 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Cranberry Bars are a delicious dessert that combines a buttery, crumbly crust with a sweet-tart cranberry sauce filling. Perfect for using leftover cranberry sauce, these bars are easy to make, customizable, and make a great addition to any dessert table.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup cranberry sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper, letting the parchment overhang the sides.
  2. In a large bowl, combine melted butter and sugar. Add the flour, baking powder, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt, mixing until the mixture is crumbly.
  3. Press half of the crumbly mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
  4. Spread the cranberry sauce evenly over the crust.
  5. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the cranberry sauce.
  6. Bake for 30 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown. Allow to cool before slicing into bars.

Notes

    • Prep Time: 10 minutes
    • Cook Time: 30 minutes
    • Category: Dessert
    • Method: Baking
    • Cuisine: American

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 bar
    • Calories: 328
    • Sugar: 12g
    • Sodium: 150mg
    • Fat: 16g
    • Saturated Fat: 10g
    • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
    • Trans Fat: 0g
    • Carbohydrates: 45g
    • Fiber: 1g
    • Protein: 3g
    • Cholesterol: 35mg

    Keywords: Cranberry Bars, Dessert, Baking

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