Cranberry Bars

5 from 3 votes

This Cranberry Bars recipe is a delightful treat that's perfect for any occasion. With a sweet and tangy combination of fresh cranberries and white chocolate chips, these bars offer a delicious contrast in every bite. Topped with creamy, smooth cream cheese icing and a sprinkle of orange zest, they're not only tasty but also a beautiful addition to any dessert table.

Prep Time20

Cook Time30

Total Time50

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cranberry bars

Servings:

Calories: 381kcal

Author: Joanna Cismaru

Equipment

Ingredients

For The Bars

¾ cup unsalted butter melted
1¼ cups brown sugar packed
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2¼ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoons salt
1½ cup cranberries dried or fresh, I prefer fresh
¾ cup white chocolate chips

For The Icing

8 ounces cream cheese softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup dried cranberries chopped, for topping
orange zest for garnish

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, beat together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla, mixing well. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the cranberries and white chocolate chips.
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy.
Spread the icing over the cooled bars. Sprinkle the chopped cranberries and orange zest on top for added flavor and color.
Cut into squares or triangles and serve.

Notes

Fresh vs. Dried Cranberries: You can use either fresh or dried cranberries for this recipe. Fresh cranberries add a nice tartness, while dried cranberries will give a sweeter, chewier texture.
Adjusting the Sweetness: If you find the bars too sweet, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the batter or use less icing.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make these bars gluten-free. Just check that your baking powder and other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Storing the Bars: Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Freezing Tips: These bars freeze well. Just wrap them tightly and they'll keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw at room temperature or in the fridge when ready to eat.

Nutrition