5.0 from 9 votes
Cranberry Bars
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 Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
50 mins
Servings: 15
Calories: 381 kcal
Course:
Dessert
Cuisine:
American
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
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.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- : 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.
- : If you find the bars too sweet, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the batter or use less icing.
- : 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.
- 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 Information
Serving
1serving
Calories
381kcal
(19%)
Carbohydrates
51g
(17%)
Protein
4g
(8%)
Fat
18g
(28%)
Saturated Fat
11g
(55%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
1g
Monounsaturated Fat
5g
Trans Fat
0.4g
Cholesterol
66mg
(22%)
Sodium
112mg
(5%)
Potassium
167mg
(5%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
35g
(70%)
Vitamin A
531IU
(11%)
Vitamin C
1mg
(1%)
Calcium
82mg
(8%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 15Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 381
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 381kcal | 19% |
| Carbohydrates | 51g | 17% |
| Protein | 4g | 8% |
| Fat | 18g | 28% |
| Saturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Trans Fat | 0.4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 66mg | 22% |
| Sodium | 112mg | 5% |
| Potassium | 167mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 35g | 70% |
| Vitamin A | 531IU | 11% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 82mg | 8% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.