Christmas Cranberry Bars Recipe: Easy & Delicious!

Delicious Christmas Cranberry Bars are more than just a dessert; they are edible symbols of holiday cheer, baked with love and brimming with festive flavor. Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfect square, where the vibrant tartness of cranberries meets a sweet, buttery crust, all crowned with a delicate crumb topping. I find that these bars instantly transport me to joyful gatherings and cozy evenings by the fire, becoming an integral part of our festive celebrations.

The humble cranberry has long been a celebrated part of our winter traditions, especially during Christmas and Thanksgiving, and these particular bars embody that spirit beautifully. They offer a delightful twist on classic holiday desserts, making them a true crowd-pleaser. People adore these bars not only for their incredibly balanced sweet-tart profile and their wonderfully satisfying chewy-crumbly texture but also for their sheer convenience. They are incredibly easy to make, travel well, and are perfect for sharing at any holiday party or family meal. Indeed, preparing a batch of Delicious Christmas Cranberry Bars is truly a holiday ritual I cherish, promising smiles with every bite.

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Shortbread Crust:

  • 2 ¼ cups (270g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled

  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar

  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt

  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, very cold and cut into ½-inch cubes

  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• For the Cranberry Filling:

  • 4 cups (about 450g) fresh or frozen cranberries (no need to thaw if frozen)

  • 1 ¼ cups (250g) granulated sugar (adjust to taste based on cranberry tartness)

  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch

  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

  • 1 tablespoon orange zest (from one medium orange)

  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, but adds a wonderful festive warmth)

• For the Crumble Topping:

  • 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled

  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar

  • ½ cup (110g) light brown sugar, packed

  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt

  • ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, very cold and cut into ½-inch cubes

  • Optional: ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats for added texture

  • Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and flavor

• Equipment:

  • 9×13 inch baking pan

  • Parchment paper

  • Non-stick cooking spray or additional butter for greasing

  • Mixing bowls (small, medium, large)

  • Pastry blender, food processor, or your fingertips

  • Medium saucepan

  • Whisk and rubber spatula

  • Wire cooling rack

  • Sharp knife for slicing

Preparing Your Baking Pan for the Delicious Christmas Cranberry Bars

1. Before we embark on creating these truly Delicious Christmas Cranberry Bars, let’s ensure our baking vessel is perfectly prepped. This crucial first step makes a world of difference when it comes to serving beautifully cut bars without any fuss or sticking.

2. First, grab your standard 9×13 inch baking pan. This size is ideal for yielding a good number of bars with the perfect crust-to-filling ratio. Next, lightly grease the inside of the pan with non-stick cooking spray or a thin layer of butter. This initial greasing helps the parchment paper adhere smoothly and prevents any potential gaps where batter might sneak under.

3. Now, cut a piece of parchment paper to fit the bottom of the pan, allowing for an overhang on the two longer sides. The overhang is your best friend later on, acting as convenient “handles” to lift the entire baked slab of bars out of the pan with ease. This simple trick ensures your finished Delicious Christmas Cranberry Bars remain intact and are a breeze to transfer to a cutting board. Once the parchment is in place, lightly grease the top of the parchment paper as well. Even with parchment, a little extra lubrication can provide insurance against sticking, particularly for the crust.

4. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Ensuring your oven is at the correct temperature before you start baking is vital for consistent results. A properly preheated oven ensures the crust bakes evenly and achieves that desirable golden crispness right from the start.

Crafting the Perfect Crust for Your Delicious Christmas Cranberry Bars

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour, ¾ cup of granulated sugar, and ½ teaspoon of fine sea salt. I like to whisk these dry ingredients together thoroughly to ensure they are well combined and evenly distributed. This step prevents pockets of unmixed ingredients and helps create a uniform crust for our Delicious Christmas Cranberry Bars.

2. Next, add the 1 cup of very cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. The coldness of the butter is paramount here! Cold butter creates pockets of steam as it melts during baking, which results in a tender, flaky, and crumbly crust texture. You have a few options for incorporating the butter:

   • Using a Pastry Blender: This is my preferred method. Work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs, with some pea-sized pieces of butter still visible. This takes a few minutes of steady effort.

   • Using Your Fingertips: If you don’t have a pastry blender, your fingertips work wonderfully. Quickly rub the butter into the flour mixture, trying to use the coolest part of your fingers to avoid melting the butter too much. Again, aim for that coarse crumb texture.

   • Using a Food Processor: For a quicker approach, pulse the dry ingredients with the cold butter in a food processor until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten too much and result in a tough crust.

3. Once the butter is incorporated, stir in the 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Mix just until the vanilla is evenly distributed. The mixture will still be crumbly, which is exactly what we want at this stage.

4. Now, transfer about two-thirds of this crust mixture to your prepared 9×13 inch baking pan. Sprinkle it evenly across the bottom. Using your hands, a flat-bottomed measuring cup, or the bottom of a glass, press the mixture firmly and uniformly into the pan. The goal here is an even, compact layer. Ensure there are no gaps and that the thickness is consistent from edge to edge. This evenness is key for uniform baking and a stable base for your Delicious Christmas Cranberry Bars. The remaining one-third of the mixture will be reserved for the crumble topping later.

5. Place the pan with the pressed crust in the preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. This pre-baking (or blind baking) step is incredibly important! It helps to set the crust, prevents it from becoming soggy once the moist cranberry filling is added, and ensures a wonderfully crisp texture in the final Delicious Christmas Cranberry Bars. While the crust is pre-baking, transfer the remaining one-third of the crumb mixture back to the large mixing bowl for the topping preparation. After baking, remove the crust from the oven and let it cool slightly on a wire rack while you prepare the filling and crumble.

Whipping Up the Vibrant Cranberry Filling

1. While your crust cools, let’s create the star of our recipe: the vibrant cranberry filling. In a medium saucepan, combine the 4 cups of fresh or frozen cranberries (no need to thaw if frozen), 1 ¼ cups of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, 2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice, 1 tablespoon of orange zest, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg (if using). The orange zest and juice are crucial here, as they provide a bright, citrusy counterpoint to the cranberries’ tartness and enhance the overall festive flavor profile of your Delicious Christmas Cranberry Bars.

2. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture constantly with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon to prevent sticking and scorching. As the cranberries heat up, they will begin to burst open, releasing their juices. The cornstarch will then work its magic, thickening these juices into a luscious, glossy sauce. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, for about 8-12 minutes, or until the mixture comes to a gentle simmer and has noticeably thickened. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon (a consistency often referred to as “nappe”). Don’t rush this process; proper thickening ensures the filling holds its shape beautifully when the bars are sliced. You’ll notice the kitchen filling with a wonderful aroma of cranberries and spices – a true sign of deliciousness to come!

3. Once the filling has thickened to your satisfaction, remove the saucepan from the heat. Let the cranberry filling cool for about 10-15 minutes. This slight cooling period is important because spreading piping hot filling directly onto the pre-baked crust can make the crust soggy. A slightly cooled filling helps maintain the crispness of your base layer for the Delicious Christmas Cranberry Bars.

Crafting the Delectable Crumble Topping

1. Now, let’s create the crowning glory for our Delicious Christmas Cranberry Bars – the irresistible crumble topping. Remember that one-third of the shortbread mixture we reserved? We’ll use that as our base. To it, add 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of granulated sugar, ½ cup of packed light brown sugar, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of fine sea salt. I really love using brown sugar in crumble toppings because it adds a wonderful depth of molasses flavor and a chewier texture compared to granulated sugar alone, contributing significantly to the overall deliciousness.

2. Next, add the ¾ cup of very cold, cubed unsalted butter to this mixture. Just like with the crust, keeping the butter cold is key for achieving a crumbly, rather than doughy, topping. Use your pastry blender, fingertips, or food processor to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, similar to wet sand or small pebbles. The goal is to have varying sizes of crumbs – some larger, some finer – as this diversity in texture creates a more interesting and appealing topping.

3. For an extra layer of texture and festive flair, consider adding ½ cup of old-fashioned rolled oats and/or ½ cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts to your crumble mixture. The oats provide a lovely chewiness and heartiness, while nuts add a delightful crunch and a complementary earthy flavor, truly elevating your Delicious Christmas Cranberry Bars to gourmet status. Stir these optional additions in gently until just combined with the buttery crumbs.

Assembling and Baking Your Delicious Christmas Cranberry Bars

1. With our components ready, it’s time to bring everything together. Carefully and evenly spread the slightly cooled cranberry filling over the pre-baked shortbread crust in the pan. An offset spatula is a fantastic tool for this, allowing you to gently spread the filling without disturbing the tender crust underneath. Ensure the filling reaches all the way to the edges for a beautiful, consistent layer in every bite of your Delicious Christmas Cranberry Bars.

2. Once the filling is smoothly spread, take your crumble topping mixture and generously sprinkle it over the cranberry layer. Try to distribute the crumble as evenly as possible, ensuring that every piece of fruit filling gets a good blanket of the buttery, sugary goodness. Don’t press the crumble down; leave it loose so it can crisp up beautifully in the oven.

3. Carefully place the pan back into your preheated 375°F (190°C) oven. We will bake these gorgeous bars for approximately 35-45 minutes. Baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them. You’ll know your Delicious Christmas Cranberry Bars are ready when the crumble topping is a beautiful golden brown, and the cranberry filling is bubbling enticingly around the edges. The aromas wafting from your oven will also be a strong indicator of their readiness!

4. If you notice the crumble topping is browning too quickly before the filling has had a chance to set, you can loosely tent the pan with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking. This helps prevent over-browning while allowing the filling to finish cooking through.

5. Once baked to perfection, remove the pan from the oven. Resist the urge to cut into them immediately! This is a crucial step for the structural integrity of your Delicious Christmas Cranberry Bars. Place the pan on a wire cooling rack and let the bars cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. This initial cooling period allows the filling to begin setting and firming up, which is essential for clean slices later.

Cooling, Slicing, and Storing Your Irresistible Christmas Cranberry Bars

1. This is perhaps the most important step for beautifully neat and tidy bars! After the initial cooling period in the pan, you absolutely must allow your Delicious Christmas Cranberry Bars to cool completely – and I mean completely! – before attempting to slice them. This can take several hours at room temperature, or you can even chill them in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to speed up the process and ensure maximum firmness. Why is this so critical? The cornstarch and pectin in the cranberry filling need ample time to fully set. If you try to cut them warm, the filling will be runny and messy, and your bars will crumble apart. Patience truly is a virtue here, yielding perfectly structured bars every time.

2. Once your bars are thoroughly cooled, use the parchment paper overhang as handles to carefully lift the entire slab of bars out of the baking pan. Transfer the slab to a sturdy cutting board. This method is far easier than trying to cut them directly in the pan.

3. Now for the satisfying part: slicing! Use a very sharp, long knife. For the cleanest cuts, it’s a good practice to wipe the knife clean with a damp cloth between each slice. This prevents sticky residue from the filling from dragging and making subsequent cuts messy. Cut the slab into your desired size and shape – traditional squares, elegant rectangles, or even festive diamonds. If you want a perfectly uniform appearance, you can trim a tiny bit off the edges first (chef’s treat!).

4. Your beautiful Delicious Christmas Cranberry Bars are now ready to be enjoyed! Store any leftovers in an airtight container. At room temperature, they will stay fresh for 3-4 days. If you prefer, or if you live in a warm climate, storing them in the refrigerator can extend their freshness for up to a week. For longer storage, these bars freeze exceptionally well. Place cooled, sliced bars in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separated by parchment paper, for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready for a delightful treat.

5. These Delicious Christmas Cranberry Bars are perfect on their own, but for an extra special touch, consider dusting them with a little powdered sugar right before serving, or adding a dollop of freshly whipped cream. They make a fantastic addition to any holiday dessert platter or a delightful snack with your afternoon coffee or tea. Enjoy the festive flavors and the satisfying reward of your baking efforts!

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! We’ve journeyed through the simple steps of creating something truly special, a treat that effortlessly combines festive cheer with irresistible flavor. If you’ve been searching for that perfect holiday bake, look no further. This recipe isn’t just about mixing ingredients; it’s about crafting moments of pure delight, an edible expression of warmth and hospitality. I promise you, these bars are a revelation, striking that ideal balance between tart cranberries and sweet, buttery goodness. They are incredibly easy to whip up, even for novice bakers, yet they present themselves with an elegance that suggests hours of intricate work. That’s the magic right there – maximum impact with minimal fuss.

The aroma alone, as they bake to golden perfection in your oven, is enough to get anyone into the holiday spirit, filling your home with comforting, spicy notes that hint at the deliciousness to come. Imagine biting into that crisp, golden crust, yielding to a soft, chewy cranberry filling, bursting with vibrant fruit and just the right amount of sweetness. They’re wonderfully adaptable too, fitting seamlessly into various occasions. Whether you need a quick hostess gift, a delightful addition to your Christmas cookie platter, or simply a treat to enjoy with a cup of tea on a chilly afternoon, these bars rise to the occasion every single time. They truly embody the spirit of the season in every single bite, making them an indispensable part of your festive spread.

When it comes to serving, the possibilities are delightfully endless. Of course, they are absolutely divine on their own, perhaps slightly warmed for an extra comforting touch. But let’s elevate them a little, shall we? Try serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an indulgent dessert experience that will impress any guest. A light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving adds a touch of elegance and a subtle extra sweetness that enhances their visual appeal, making them picture-perfect. For a festive brunch, imagine these bars plated next to a strong cup of coffee or a frothy latte, offering a bright counterpoint to richer breakfast items. They also make a fantastic edible gift; simply wrap a few in a pretty box with a ribbon, and you’ve got a thoughtful, homemade present that will undoubtedly be appreciated by friends and family alike.

And for those of you who love to experiment in the kitchen, these bars offer a wonderful canvas for creativity. While the classic recipe is perfect as is, don’t hesitate to make it your own. Consider adding a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the topping for an extra layer of crunch and nutty flavor, providing an even more complex texture. A hint of orange zest, finely grated, can really brighten up the cranberry filling, complementing its tartness beautifully and adding a burst of citrus aroma. For an even richer treat, a drizzle of melted white chocolate over the cooled bars would be absolutely divine, adding a creamy sweetness that pairs exquisitely with the cranberries. You could even swap out a portion of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat pastry flour in the crust for a slightly heartier texture, though I always recommend sticking to the original for that perfect buttery crumble that melts in your mouth.

So, what are you waiting for? This recipe for Delicious Christmas Cranberry Bars is more than just a sweet treat; it’s an invitation to embrace the joyous spirit of the holidays with open arms and a happy palate. I genuinely believe that once you try them, they will quickly earn a permanent spot in your festive baking repertoire. They encapsulate everything wonderful about holiday baking – the vibrant colors, the comforting aromas, and the unparalleled taste that brings smiles to every face. These are the bars that people will ask you to make year after year, the ones that become a cherished part of your family’s holiday traditions. Their simplicity belies a sophisticated flavor profile that truly shines during the festive season, making them an absolute showstopper on any holiday table, from casual family dinners to elegant celebrations.

I wholeheartedly encourage you to carve out a little time in your schedule, gather your ingredients, and give these incredible bars a try. You won’t regret it, and neither will anyone lucky enough to share them with you. Imagine the cozy gatherings, the festive parties, or even just a quiet evening at home, made even more special by the presence of these homemade delights. They are truly foolproof, so don’t be intimidated by the baking process. Just follow the steps, infuse them with a little love, and prepare to be amazed by the results. The effort is minimal, but the reward, in terms of flavor and satisfaction, is immeasurable, leaving you with a sense of accomplishment and a kitchen filled with happy smells.

Once you’ve experienced the magic of these festive treats, I would absolutely love to hear about it! Please, don’t be shy; come back and share your baking journey with me. Did you try any variations? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos, your tips, and your triumphs in the comments below. Your feedback and experiences not only bring a smile to my face but also inspire other home bakers to embark on their own culinary adventures. Let’s build a community of enthusiastic bakers who appreciate the simple joy of a perfectly baked bar. Happy baking, and may your holiday season be filled with warmth, happiness, and plenty of delicious treats!

Delicious Christmas Cranberry Bars

Delicious Christmas Cranberry Bars are edible symbols of holiday cheer, baked with love and brimming with festive flavor. Enjoy the vibrant tartness of cranberries with a sweet, buttery crust and a delicate crumb topping. Perfect for joyful gatherings and cozy evenings.

Prep Time
45 Minutes

Cook Time
15 Minutes

Total Time
4 Hours

Servings
18 bars

Ingredients

• 2 ¼ cups (270g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 cup (226g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 4 cups (450g) fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 ¼ cups (250g) granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (110g) light brown sugar, packed
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
• ¾ cup (170g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
• Optional: ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan, line with parchment paper (leaving an overhang on two longer sides), and lightly grease the parchment. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2
   In a large bowl, whisk together 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, ¾ cup granulated sugar, and ½ teaspoon fine sea salt.
3. Step 3
   Add 1 cup cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Cut in using a pastry blender, fingertips, or food processor until coarse crumbs form. Stir in 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract.
4. Step 4
   Transfer two-thirds of the crust mixture to the prepared pan and press firmly and uniformly into the bottom. Reserve the remaining one-third for the crumble topping.
5. Step 5
   Bake the pressed crust base for 15-20 minutes at 375°F (190°C) until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool slightly on a wire rack.
6. Step 6
   In a medium saucepan, combine 4 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice, 1 tablespoon orange zest, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (if using).
7. Step 7
   Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly for 8-12 minutes until cranberries burst, juices are released, and the mixture thickens to a luscious, glossy sauce. Remove from heat and cool for 10-15 minutes.
8. Step 8
   To the reserved one-third of the crust mixture, add 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ cup granulated sugar, ½ cup packed light brown sugar, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt. Cut in ¾ cup cold, cubed unsalted butter until coarse crumbs form. Optionally, gently stir in ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats and/or ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts.
9. Step 9
   Evenly spread the slightly cooled cranberry filling over the pre-baked shortbread crust. Generously sprinkle the crumble topping over the cranberry layer. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 35-45 minutes, or until the crumble topping is golden brown and the cranberry filling is bubbling. If browning too quickly, loosely tent the pan with aluminum foil.
10. Step 10
    Remove from oven and cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for several hours at room temperature, or chill in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire slab of bars from the pan to a cutting board. Slice into desired shapes using a very sharp knife, wiping the knife clean between cuts for neatness. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze cooled, sliced bars for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature. Dust with powdered sugar or serve with whipped cream for an extra special touch.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.