Cranberry Bars: Sweet, Tart, and Buttery Dessert Bars Perfect
Cranberry Bars feature a buttery crust and tart cranberry filling.They offer the perfect balance of sweetness and fruity tang.A crumbly topping adds delicious texture and flavor.These bars are easy to make and serve a crowd.Ideal for holidays, bake sales, and family gatherings.Beautifully festive and wonderfully satisfying in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Crust and Topping
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cranberry Filling
- 3 cups fresh cranberries
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, orange zest, and water. Cook over medium heat until cranberries burst and the mixture thickens, about 8–10 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in melted butter until crumbly.
- Press two-thirds of the crumb mixture firmly into the prepared baking pan.
- Spread the cranberry filling evenly over the crust.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture evenly over the cranberry layer.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Fresh cranberries provide the best flavor and texture.
- Frozen cranberries can be used without thawing.
- Orange zest enhances the cranberry flavor beautifully.
- Allow bars to cool completely for cleaner slices.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal.
- The filling thickens further as it cools.
- Store in an airtight container.
- Bars taste even better the next day.