Description
Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars are a delightful treat perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
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!
Notes
- 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.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Christmas, cranberry, dessert, holiday, bars