Description
Deliciously moist cranberry bars perfect for your holiday celebrations. These bars feature a sweet, buttery base topped with a tart cranberry layer.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Spread about two-thirds of the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- In a small bowl, toss the cranberries with the 1/2 cup granulated sugar and orange zest, if using.
- Spoon the cranberry mixture evenly over the batter in the pan.
- Dollop the remaining batter over the cranberry layer.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the edges are golden brown.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the cranberry mixture.
- Ensure cranberries are fully thawed if using frozen.
- Allow bars to cool completely for easier cutting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 45mg