Festive Cranberry Bars: Your Ultimate Easy Holiday Treat

festive cranberry bars are the quintessential treat that instantly transports you to a cozy holiday wonderland. Every bite of these delightful festive cranberry bars feels like a warm hug, reminiscent of snowy evenings, crackling fires, and the sweet aroma of baking. For me, these bars evoke cherished memories of family gatherings, where a platter of these vibrant, tangy sweets always disappeared first. They are more than just a dessert; they are a tradition, a taste of home, and a simple joy that brightens any celebratory table.

Why You Will Love This festive cranberry bars Recipe

You are going to adore this festive cranberry bars recipe for so many reasons. First, it offers that perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a buttery shortbread crust that melts in your mouth and a vibrant cranberry filling that bursts with holiday flavor. It is remarkably easy to make, even for novice bakers, promising delicious results with minimal fuss. These bars are a comforting classic that will quickly become a cherished part of your holiday baking repertoire. Plus, they travel beautifully, making them ideal for potlucks, gifts, or sharing with neighbors. We love how quickly they come together, allowing more time for holiday cheer.

Ingredients Needed for This festive cranberry bars Recipe

Gathering your ingredients for these delightful festive cranberry bars is simple. Fresh, seasonal cranberries truly shine here, but frozen ones work wonderfully too. Make sure your butter is cold for the best shortbread texture.

For the Crust and Crumble:

• 1 ½ cups all purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• ½ cup rolled oats

For the Cranberry Filling:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons orange juice (or water)
• 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

How to Make This festive cranberry bars Recipe

Creating these amazing festive cranberry bars is a joyous process. Follow these straightforward steps for a perfect batch every time.

1. 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. 2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, ½ cup granulated sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry blender, your fingertips, or a food processor, until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. 3. Remove about 1 ½ cups of this mixture and set aside. This will be your crumble topping. To the remaining mixture in the bowl, add the rolled oats and mix until just combined.
4. 4. Press the oat mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake the crust for 15 minutes, until lightly golden. While the crust bakes, prepare the filling.
5. 5. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, ½ cup granulated sugar, orange juice, and orange zest (if using). Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries begin to burst and soften, about 5 to 7 minutes.
6. 6. In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the cranberry mixture. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the filling thickens. Remove from heat.
7. 7. Pour the warm cranberry filling evenly over the partially baked crust.
8. 8. Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture over the cranberry filling.
9. 9. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crumble topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
10. 10. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. Once cool, cut into squares or rectangles.

How to Serve This festive cranberry bars Recipe

These delicious festive cranberry bars are wonderful served slightly warm or at room temperature. For a truly decadent experience, consider a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on the side. They make a fantastic addition to any holiday dessert platter, adding a vibrant splash of color and irresistible flavor. Garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few extra fresh cranberries for an elegant touch. They pair perfectly with a warm cup of coffee or a festive holiday tea.

How to Store This festive cranberry bars Recipe

To keep your festive cranberry bars fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to one week. If you are preparing them ahead for holiday gatherings, these bars also freeze beautifully. Wrap individual bars or the entire cooled slab tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and store in a freezer safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving.

Tips to Make This festive cranberry bars Recipe

Achieving bakery quality festive cranberry bars is easy with a few insider tips. For an extra nutty flavor in your crumble, toast the rolled oats lightly before adding them to the flour mixture. If you prefer a smoother filling, you can lightly mash some of the cranberries as they cook. For an even more intense citrus note, add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the cranberry filling alongside the orange juice. Ensure your butter is very cold for the crust; this prevents it from melting too quickly and creates a tender, flaky texture. Don’t overmix the crust ingredients to avoid tough bars.

Helpful Notes for This festive cranberry bars Recipe

When making these festive cranberry bars, keep in mind that the consistency of your cranberry filling can vary slightly depending on whether you use fresh or frozen cranberries. Frozen cranberries may release more liquid, so ensure the cornstarch slurry has adequately thickened the mixture. For perfectly even bars, press the crust down very firmly. If you are looking for other delightful recipes, you might enjoy our Classic Apple Crisp or explore our Holiday Cookie Collection for more baking inspiration. Remember to cool the bars completely before cutting to prevent them from crumbling.

Variation of This festive cranberry bars Recipe

There are many wonderful ways to customize your festive cranberry bars. Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crumble mixture for extra warmth. A tablespoon of finely chopped pecans or walnuts can also be mixed into the crumble for added texture and flavor. For a brighter filling, blend in a teaspoon of grated ginger. You can also experiment with different fruit fillings; try a mixed berry version or even an apricot filling for a unique twist. A drizzle of orange glaze (powdered sugar mixed with orange juice) over the cooled bars would also be a lovely addition.

FAQs About This festive cranberry bars Recipe

Conclusion

We hope these festive cranberry bars bring a touch of charm and deliciousness to your kitchen this season. Their beautiful color, delightful flavor, and ease of preparation make them an absolute must try. We are confident they will become a cherished recipe in your home for years to come. Do give them a try, and let us know how they turn out in the comments below! We always love hearing from you. Don’t forget, you can find more delightful recipes and inspiration by following us on social media: Follow us on Pinterest.