Go Back
–+ servings

Cranberry Bars

No ratings yet
Warm, tart, and lightly sweet, these Cranberry Bars feature a buttery, crumbly crust, a jammy cranberry filling, and a glossy orange icing, making them ideal for holiday baking or any festive occasion.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 24 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Crust and Topping
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour provides structure for crust and topping.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar sweetens the crust and crumble.
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder gives a light lift to the dough.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon adds warm spice to the dough.
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed creates a tender, flaky texture.
  • 1 large egg binds the dough for the crust.
  • 1/4 cup milk moistens the dough for easier pressing.
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract adds depth and aromatic sweetness.
  • 1/3 cup sliced almonds (optional) for a toasted crunch on top.
For the Cranberry Filling
  • 4 cups fresh or frozen cranberries the bright, tart filling.
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar (for filling) sweetens the cranberry filling.
  • 1 Tablespoon cornstarch thickens the cranberry filling.
  • 2 teaspoons orange zest adds bright citrus aroma and flavor.
  • 1 Tablespoon fresh orange juice enhances the cranberry filling flavor.
For the Icing
  • 2 Tablespoons fresh orange juice thins the icing and adds citrus.
  • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar makes a smooth, sweet orange icing.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until evenly combined.
  3. Cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until crumbly using a pastry cutter or food processor.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and vanilla. Add this mixture to the flour and combine to form a dough.
  5. Reserve 2 cups of the mixture for topping and press the rest evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
Filling and Topping
  1. In a bowl, combine the cranberries, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, cornstarch, orange zest, and 1 tablespoon of fresh orange juice.
  2. Spread the cranberry mixture evenly over the crust.
  3. Sprinkle the reserved crumble on top of the cranberry layer and add sliced almonds if desired.
Baking
  1. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes until the top is golden brown and the filling is set.
  2. Cool on a rack until warm, then chill in the refrigerator.
Icing and Serving
  1. Make the icing by whisking the confectioners’ sugar with 2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice until smooth.
  2. Drizzle or spread the icing over the chilled bars.
  3. Cut into squares and serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 2gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12g

Notes

Keep the butter cold for a crumbly texture. Chill the pan before cutting for clean edges.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!