Cranberry Pistachio Bars are a delightful treat that brings together the chewy texture of a buttery base with the tartness of dried cranberries and the crunch of pistachios. These bars are topped with a velvety cream cheese frosting and a drizzle of white chocolate, making them the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether for a holiday gathering or an everyday snack, these bars promise to satisfy your sweet tooth while offering a burst of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Pistachio Bars

There are many reasons to love Cranberry Pistachio Bars. First, they are incredibly easy to prepare, making them a go-to option for busy bakers. Second, the combination of flavors and textures creates a delightful experience, from the chewy base to the creamy frosting. These bars are not only delicious but also versatile; you can turn them into Cranberry Pistachio Treats or Cranberry Pistachio Snack Bars by altering the toppings. Additionally, they can be made gluten-free or vegan by adjusting the recipe. The bars are a hit at parties and holiday gatherings, and they make for a nutritious dessert option, especially with the addition of nuts and fruits.

Ingredients for Cranberry Pistachio Bars

Gather these items:

3/4 cup butter, room temperature
1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup chopped dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped pistachios
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, room temperature
2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup white chocolate chips, melted
Chopped dried cranberries for garnish
Chopped pistachios for garnish

How to Make Cranberry Pistachio Bars Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil and coat it with nonstick spray. Set aside.
Step 2: Cream together the butter and light brown sugar on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth and fluffy.
Step 3: Add the eggs, vanilla extract, baking powder, and kosher salt. Continue mixing for another minute until smooth.
Step 4: Turn the mixer to low speed and gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing just until combined. Stir in the chopped dried cranberries, chopped pistachios, and white chocolate chips.
Step 5: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until the center is set and edges are golden.
Step 6: Allow the baked bars to cool completely in the pan.
Step 7: Beat together the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
Step 8: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars.
Step 9: Sprinkle additional chopped cranberries and pistachios on top. Drizzle melted white chocolate over the bars.
Step 10: Allow the drizzle to set completely, then cut into 30 bars and serve.

Pro Tips for the Best Cranberry Pistachio Bars

Keep these in mind:

Store bars in an airtight container for freshness.
These bars are great for holiday gatherings.
For a quick treat, consider making No-bake cranberry pistachio bars using similar ingredients.
Experiment with adding protein powder for a Cranberry Pistachio Protein Bars variation!

Best Ways to Serve Cranberry Pistachio Bars

For a delightful presentation, serve these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They also pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Consider turning them into Cranberry and Pistachio Energy Bars by omitting the frosting and adding nut butter for a healthier twist.

How to Store and Reheat Cranberry Pistachio Bars

To keep your Cranberry Pistachio Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them. If you prefer them warm, simply microwave for a few seconds before serving. These bars are also perfect for meal prep!

Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Pistachio Bars

What’s the secret to perfect Cranberry Pistachio Bars?

The secret lies in not overbaking them. Keep an eye on the edges; they should be golden while the center remains soft. This ensures a chewy texture that is irresistible.

Can I make Cranberry Pistachio Bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake these bars a day in advance. Just frost them the day you plan to serve for the best results. They also freeze well!

How do I avoid common mistakes with Cranberry Pistachio Bars?

One common mistake is overmixing the batter, which can make the bars dense. Mix just until combined and avoid opening the oven door too often while baking.

Variations of Cranberry Pistachio Bars You Can Try

Feel free to experiment with these variations:

Make them gluten-free by using almond flour instead of all-purpose flour.
Try adding a layer of dark chocolate for a Cranberry Pistachio Bars with chocolate drizzle option.
Incorporate oats to create Cranberry Pistachio oatmeal bars for a heartier texture.
Create vegan cranberry pistachio dessert options by substituting eggs with flax eggs and using a dairy-free cream cheese.

For more delicious recipes, check out Cranberry Orange Pancakes or Cranberry Butter. If you’re interested in more dessert options, you might enjoy Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies as well!

Cranberry Pistachio Bars: 10 Irresistible Delights

Author: basmer
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 30 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Cranberry Pistachio Bliss Bars are a delightful dessert featuring a buttery, chewy base. They include tart dried cranberries, crunchy pistachios, and sweet white chocolate chips. Topped with cream cheese frosting and a drizzle of melted white chocolate, these bars are perfect for any occasion.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil and coat it with nonstick spray. Set aside.
Cream together the butter and light brown sugar on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth and fluffy.
Add the eggs, vanilla extract, baking powder, and kosher salt. Continue mixing for another minute until smooth.
Turn the mixer to low speed and gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing just until combined. Stir in cranberries, pistachios, and white chocolate chips.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until the center is set and edges are golden.
Allow the baked bars to cool completely in the pan.
Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars.
Sprinkle additional cranberries and pistachios on top. Drizzle melted white chocolate over the bars.
Allow the drizzle to set completely, then cut into 30 bars and serve.