Christmas Cranberry Bars
These festive Christmas Cranberry Bars combine tart cranberries with a buttery base, making them a delightful treat for any holiday dessert table.
Servings: 12 squares
Calories: 200kcal
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cranberries about 240g
- 1 cup sugar divided (200g)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour 120g
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened 113g
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional) use walnuts or pecans
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the fresh cranberries with 1/2 cup of sugar and set aside.
- In another bowl, beat together the softened butter and the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar until creamy.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing well.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix this dry mixture into the butter mixture until well combined.
- Gently fold in the cranberries and optional nuts if you’re using them.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan before cutting them into squares. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Christmas Cranberry Bars are best served at room temperature, making them an easy dessert to prepare ahead of time. You can cut them into squares and serve them on a festive platter. For an extra touch, dust them lightly with powdered sugar or top with a spoonful of whipped cream. Pair these bars with a warm cup of tea or coffee to enhance the flavors.