Cranberry Bars
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Holiday baking doesn’t get easier or more delicious than these Cranberry Bars! With layers of white chocolate, tart cranberries, and a hint of walnut crunch, each bite is perfectly balanced. Plus, they’re quick to prepare and ideal for sharing – these bars are bound to become a new holiday favorite.
If you’re anything like me, bar-style recipes (like these Cranberry Bars) are an instant go-to. Not only are they quick and easy to whip up in a large batch, but they also look and taste totally gourmet!
These Cranberry Bars, with their creamy topping and festive cranberry-walnut combination, check all the boxes for a treat that looks beautiful and tastes even better. The mix of white chocolate, tangy cranberries, and crunchy walnuts creates a balance of flavors and textures that make each bite interesting and satisfying. And that cream cheese frosting? It’s the perfect finish—smooth, slightly tangy, and wonderfully rich.
I know you’ll want to give this recipe a try, so let’s dive into all the details that make it a success!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The mix of sweet white chocolate, tangy cranberries, and rich walnuts creates an ideal balance that’s comforting and just a bit indulgent—perfect for a quick dessert or a crowd-pleasing addition to any gathering.
- This recipe will leave you with a nice large batch of bars that can be enjoyed by many! That means less time in the kitchen and more time to enjoy these delicious bites with friends and family. (You might even stash a few away to enjoy later; we don’t judge here!)
- The cream cheese frosting adds a velvety, slightly tangy layer that ties everything together. It’s the kind of topping that turns something simple into something that feels extra special, adding just the right hint of richness.
- These bars are as visually appealing as they are tasty. They’re simple to make but have a gourmet look that makes them a standout on any dessert table—without needing hours of prep.
Looking for cranberry-inspired recipes for the holidays? Let me help you with that! This collection of my best cranberry recipes will have you feeling very merry!
Ingredients
It’s time to gather all the ingredients needed to make these decadent Cranberry Bars with cream cheese frosting. Here’s the full rundown.
- Butter – Softened butter brings richness and moisture to these bars, creating that perfect tender texture we love.
- Sugar – Adds the right amount of sweetness to balance the tart cranberries and the slight tang of the cream cheese topping.
- Eggs – Help bind everything together and give these bars a soft, chewy consistency.
- Sour Cream – Adds creaminess and a bit of tang, keeping the bars moist and enhancing the overall flavor.
- Almond Extract – Just a hint of almond adds a delicate, nutty background flavor that pairs beautifully with cranberries and white chocolate.
- Vanilla Extract – Adds warmth and depth, complementing the sweetness of the sugar and chocolate.
- All-Purpose Flour – As the foundation of the bars, it gives them structure while keeping them soft and tender.
- Baking Powder – Ensures the bars rise just the right amount, giving them a light, satisfying texture.
- Salt – A small amount balances the sweetness and brings out the depth of all flavors.
- White Baking Chips – Add creamy sweetness that melts slightly into each bar, creating little pockets of rich flavor.
- Dried Cranberries – As the stars of this recipe, they give a pop of tartness and chewy texture that pairs perfectly with the sweet, rich ingredients.
- Chopped Walnuts – Add a nutty crunch that complements the softness of the bars and pairs wonderfully with white chocolate and cranberries.
Frosting:
- Cream Cheese – Being smooth and tangy, cream cheese forms the base of the frosting, adding richness and a hint of sharpness that balances the sweetness.
- Butter – Adds extra creaminess and helps the frosting to spread smoothly across the bars.
- Vanilla Extract – Adds warmth and depth to the frosting, enhancing the cream cheese’s natural flavor.
- Confectioners’ Sugar – Sweetens the frosting and gives it that perfect, smooth texture that’s easy to spread.
- Dried Cranberries (chopped) – A festive topping that adds a pop of color and extra flavor to each bar, making them as beautiful as they are delicious.
How To Make
Okay! It’s time to bake these Cranberry Bars. Let’s do it! I’ll still take you through the steps below. I’ve also provided a full ingredient list and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card below.
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, followed by the sour cream, almond extract, and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture and mix just until combined. Gently fold in the white baking chips, dried cranberries, and walnuts.
- Spread the batter evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
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- In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese and softened butter until smooth. Mix in the vanilla extract, then gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, beating until the frosting is creamy and well blended. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars.
- Sprinkle the chopped dried cranberries on top for a festive touch. Cut into bars or triangles OR store refrigerated until ready to serve.
And with that, these Cranberry Bars are ready to enjoy! As I said, they’re simple to make, easy to enjoy, and bring seasonal cheer to any occasion. Don’t you think?
Whether serving them at a holiday gathering, sharing them as a gift, or savoring them with a quiet cup of coffee, they’ll add a little sweetness and cheer to your day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cream cheese frosting stays freshest when refrigerated, and the bars will keep well for about three to four days. If you’re stacking them, place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, these bars freeze well! Freeze the bars without frosting for the best results. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to two months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator, and then add the frosting and dried cranberries.
Can I substitute the walnuts with another nut or omit them entirely?
Certainly. You can swap walnuts with pecans, almonds, or even pistachios for a different flavor profile. If you prefer nut-free bars, simply omit the nuts—they’ll still be delicious without them and retain the right texture.
More Cranberry Desserts You’ll Love
- Cranberry Sweet Rolls
- Cranberry Pecan Pie
- Apple Cranberry Tart
- Cranberry Pistachio Bark
- Cranberry Pumpkin Bars
Once you’ve tried these Cranberry Bars, you might find them becoming a new holiday staple. Okay, go ahead, gather your ingredients, and dive into the delicious flavors of the season. I’m sure these will bring a smile to anyone who tastes them! If you make them, I’d love to know what you think. Would you please stop back and leave a comment and a 5-star rating below? I’d appreciate it!
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Cranberry Bars
Ingredients
Bars:
- ¾ cup butter softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- ¾ cup sour cream
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup white baking chips
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
Frosting:
- 16 ounces cream cheese softened
- ¼ cup butter softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- ½ cup dried cranberries finely chopped
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, followed by the sour cream, almond extract, and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture and mix just until combined. Gently fold in the white baking chips, dried cranberries, and walnuts.
- Spread the batter evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese and softened butter until smooth. Mix in the vanilla extract, then gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, beating until the frosting is creamy and well blended. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars.
- Sprinkle the chopped dried cranberries on top for a festive touch. Cut into bars or triangles OR store refrigerated until ready to serve.
I gave you wrong email. This one is correct.
These look so good – I’m going to have to try them.
Can’t wait for your piece on the handmade doves. They are adorable and such a fresh look.
Always look forward to all your ideas. Hope you have a wonderful holiday!
Thank you Jan!
xo Michael
Pinning and saving this one Michael! It looks just like the one at Starbuck that I dive in for every Christmas. However, yours looks BETTER than the ones sitting in their display window. I can’t wait to make these!
Yes! Homemade is always better.
xo Michael