DESSERTS

Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars: 12 Deliciously Festive Treats

by basmer

4 de December de 2025

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Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars are a delightful treat perfect for the holiday season. These bars are not just about flavor; they blend the tartness of cranberries with a soft and chewy base, creating a festive dessert that everyone will love. Imagine serving them at your holiday gatherings, where their bright color and sweet-tart flavor will steal the show. Let’s dive into the magic of baking these delicious cranberry dessert bars!

Why You’ll Love This Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars

These Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars are irresistible for several reasons. First, they are incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy holiday schedules. Second, the combination of fresh or frozen cranberries with a sweet base creates a delightful balance. You can also customize them by adding almond extract or a white chocolate drizzle. They are also a hit at holiday parties, making them one of the best Christmas cranberry treats. Plus, they can be made a day in advance, saving you time. With these bars, you will be creating soft cranberry dessert bars that everyone will rave about!

Ingredients for Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars

Gather these items:

For the Cranberry Filling
2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
For the Bar Base
1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
For Topping
Powdered sugar (for dusting)

How to Make Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars Step-by-Step

Step 1: Cook Cranberries: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, water, vanilla extract, and cinnamon (if using).
Step 2: Simmer: Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens (about 10-15 minutes). Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 5: Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until well combined.
Step 6: Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Step 7: Spread Base Mixture: Pour half of the bar base mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
Step 8: Add Cranberry Filling: Spoon the cranberry filling over the base layer, spreading it evenly.
Step 9: Top with Remaining Base: Drop spoonfuls of the remaining base mixture over the cranberry filling. It doesn’t need to cover completely; some cranberry filling should still be visible.
Step 10: Bake Bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 11: Cool: Allow the bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper (if used) and cut into squares or bars.
Step 12: Dust with Powdered Sugar: Before serving, dust the bars with powdered sugar for a festive touch.
Step 13: Enjoy: Serve and enjoy your delicious Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars!

Pro Tips for the Perfect Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars

Keep these in mind:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
These bars can be made a day in advance for convenience.
Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the cranberry filling to your taste.
For a festive twist, consider adding a cranberry almond dessert bar variation with slivered almonds.

Best Ways to Serve Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars

These bars are perfect on their own, but you can get creative! Try serving them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. Pair them with a warm cup of spiced cider or coffee for a cozy dessert experience. You can also make homemade cranberry bars with icing by drizzling a simple glaze over the top for added sweetness.

How to Store and Reheat Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars

To keep your Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave for a few seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars

What’s the secret to perfect Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars?

The secret lies in balancing the sweetness of the filling with the tartness of the cranberries. Make sure to use fresh ingredients and follow the baking times closely for the best results.

Can I make Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars can be made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together nicely. Just store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure you don’t overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients. This helps keep the texture soft. Also, be careful not to overbake, as this can lead to dry bars.

Variations of Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars You Can Try

Feel free to experiment with these variations:

For a vegan cranberry bar recipe, substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal and use plant-based butter.
Try a gluten-free cranberry bar variation using almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour.
For a twist, make cranberry oatmeal bars by adding oats to the base mixture.
Consider adding a layer of white chocolate drizzle for a festive touch!

With these Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars, your holiday dessert table is sure to impress and delight. Happy baking!

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cranberry butter
cranberry jalapeno dip
holiday yogurt parfaits
cranberry turkey stuffing balls

Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars: 12 Deliciously Festive Treats

Author: basmer
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 12-16 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars are a delightful treat perfect for the holiday season.

Instructions

Cook Cranberries: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, water, vanilla extract, and cinnamon (if using).
Simmer: Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens (about 10-15 minutes). Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Spread Base Mixture: Pour half of the bar base mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
Add Cranberry Filling: Spoon the cranberry filling over the base layer, spreading it evenly.
Top with Remaining Base: Drop spoonfuls of the remaining base mixture over the cranberry filling. It doesn’t need to cover completely; some cranberry filling should still be visible.
Bake Bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool: Allow the bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper (if used) and cut into squares or bars.
Dust with Powdered Sugar: Before serving, dust the bars with powdered sugar for a festive touch.
Enjoy: Serve and enjoy your delicious Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars!