1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (do NOT thaw if frozen)
Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch
For the Top
-
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
-
White chocolate drizzle (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides so you can lift out the bars easily. This not only prevents sticking but also helps the bars cool evenly.
2. Make the shortbread crust
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth and slightly fluffy. Add the vanilla extract, then mix in the flour and salt until a crumbly dough forms.
Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan. The goal is to create a tightly packed crust that won’t break when cutting or lifting.
Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the edges turn very lightly golden.
Remove from the oven and set aside.
3. Prepare the cranberry filling
While the crust is baking, whisk together the eggs, sugar, vanilla, and salt in a clean bowl. In a separate bowl, mix the flour and baking powder, then fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture until smooth.
Gently stir in the cranberries. If using nuts, fold them in now. The mixture will be thick — that’s what you want. The cranberries will float beautifully during baking.
4. Add filling over crust
Pour or spoon the cranberry mixture evenly over the warm crust. Use a spatula to spread it gently so every corner is covered.
5. Bake
Return the pan to the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top looks set and lightly golden. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with moist crumbs — not wet batter.
The cranberries may burst slightly during baking, releasing beautiful ruby streaks in the bars.
6. Cool before slicing
Let the bars cool completely in the pan. This is essential for clean slices and proper texture. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment overhang and transfer them to a cutting board.
Slice into squares or rectangles depending on preference.
Tips for Perfect Cranberry Bars
Use fresh or frozen cranberries
Frozen actually works even better because they hold their shape and don’t turn mushy when folding into the batter.
Don’t skip the shortbread crust
The buttery base makes these bars sturdy, rich, and easy to serve at events.
Let them cool fully
If you cut too early, the bars may crumble. Cooling sets them and gives you those picture-perfect edges.
Dust with powdered sugar right before serving
It adds a snowy holiday touch, but only dust once cooled or the sugar will melt and disappear.
For sweeter bars
Add an extra 1/4 cup of sugar to the filling.
For tarter bars, reduce sugar by 1/4 cup.
Want bakery-style presentation?
Drizzle melted white chocolate across the top after the bars cool.
How to Store Them
These bars store extremely well — another reason they’re perfect for gift baskets and potlucks.
Room temperature:
Keep them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator:
Keeps them fresh for 1 week.
Freezer:
Wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in freezer bags for up to 2 months.
Thaw on the counter — they hold texture perfectly after freezing.
Serving Suggestions
-
Serve chilled for a firmer texture
-
Serve at room temperature for softer, gooier bars
-
Pair with a cup of tea, hot chocolate, or spiced cider
-
Add a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence
These bars look festive on a dessert table among Christmas cookies, fudge, and truffles. They also make a wonderful edible gift when placed in small bakery boxes tied with ribbon.
Variations
Cranberry Orange Bars
Add 1 tablespoon orange zest to the filling and swap vanilla for 1 teaspoon orange extract.
Cranberry Almond Bars
Replace nuts with sliced almonds and add 1/2 teaspoon almond extract.
Cranberry White Chocolate Bars
Fold 1/2 cup white chocolate chips into the filling.
Gluten-Free Version
Use a gluten-free flour blend (1:1 baking blend).
Final Thoughts
These cranberry bars are the type of dessert that becomes everyone’s “holiday signature dish.” They look festive, taste incredible, and are easy enough to whip up in under an hour. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing holiday gift boxes, this recipe is guaranteed to impress — and you’ll probably get asked for it again and again!
