Cranberry Bars are a delightful blend of creamy filling, tart cranberries, and a crumbly oatmeal crust that will have you coming back for seconds! After multiple testing sessions, I’ve discovered delightful nuances in flavor and texture. From the bright burst of cranberries to the buttery oat crumble, these bars have truly become a family favorite. Get ready to whip up a delicious batch for your next gathering, or perhaps just for a cozy night in! You might also love my Christmas Enchiladas for a festive twist.
About Cranberry Bars
Cranberry Bars are a delightful dessert that seamlessly combines flavors and textures. Over the years, I’ve made them for countless family gatherings, holiday parties, and weekend brunches. I tested this recipe several times to ensure the layers balanced perfectly, and each attempt revealed new insights—from adjusting the sweetness of the filling to perfecting the crumbly top coat. With their bright, tart flavor contrasting the creamy filling, they brighten up any table, making them ideal for various occasions.
- Quick prep time, perfect for weekday desserts or last-minute gatherings.
- Budget-friendly—using simple, accessible ingredients that you may already have.
- A family favorite that combines cozy flavors, making it a comforting treat for all ages.
- Cranberries have a seasonal appeal, capturing the essence of fall and winter celebrations.
Key Ingredients & Their Roles
- Fresh Cranberries: These provide a tartness that balances the sweetness of the filling—frozen can be used, but fresh is best!
- Cream Cheese: Adds richness and a creamy texture to the filling, making it smooth and velvety.
- Oats: Contribute a hearty texture to the crumble, giving a wonderful chewiness to each bite.
- Orange Zest: A little splash of brightness, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
How to Make Cranberry Bars
- Preheat your oven to 350°F, and prepare a 9×13 pan by lining it with parchment paper or a light coat of cooking spray for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter with both sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. Stir in the baking soda, salt, flour, and quick oats until everything is well blended.
- Press about half of this mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan and bake for 13 minutes, until just set.
- While the crust is baking, prepare the filling by beating the cream cheese until smooth, gradually whisk in the sweetened condensed milk until fully incorporated. Then mix in the orange zest and egg yolk.
- After the crust is slightly golden, remove it from the oven and pour the cream cheese mixture on top, gently spreading it out evenly. Scatter the halved cranberries over this layer.
- Top it with the remaining oat mixture, pressing it down lightly before returning the pan to the oven. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the edges turn golden brown.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out and cutting them into portions. Enjoy!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- During testing, I learned that pressing the crumble mixture down firmly helps keep the layers intact.
- If you notice the top browning too quickly, lightly cover it with foil during the last few minutes of baking.
- For a twist, try adding a handful of white chocolate chips—this will complement the tartness of the cranberries beautifully.
- Scaling the recipe is simple; just halve or double the ingredients according to your needs without changing the baking time significantly.
Storage & Make-Ahead Guide
These Cranberry Bars can be stored in the fridge for up to five days. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze beautifully for up to three months. When reheating, a quick few seconds in the microwave are perfect; just ensure to cover them to maintain moisture. I found that chilling them enhances the flavor, allowing the filling to set nicely.
Serving Suggestions
These bars pair wonderfully with a warm cup of tea or coffee. If you’re feeling indulgent, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For more sweet treats, check out my Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies and Candy Cane Cookies.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe? Yes, frozen cranberries can be used, but be sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture.
- How should I store leftover Cranberry Bars? Keep them in the fridge for up to five days or freeze for up to three months.
- Can I substitute the cream cheese? Yes, mascarpone or ricotta can work well, but they will yield a slightly different texture.
- How do I know when the bars are done baking? Look for a golden brown top with slightly firm edges; center will set as it cools.
- Can I add nuts to the filling? Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans can give a nice crunch to the texture.
Final Thoughts
I truly enjoy sharing these Cranberry Bars with friends and family. They serve as a delightful treat that effortlessly brings people together, especially during the holiday season. I love to enjoy them with a cup of warm chai, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully. I encourage you to try making these and share your personal touches and experiences!
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast – complements the cranberry flavor well.
- Cranberry Sauce – connection via flavor and common ingredient.
- Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies – seasonal pairing for festive treats.
Cranberry Bars
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup butter softened
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/3 cups flour
- 1 1/3 cups quick oats uncooked
- 1 package cream cheese softened (8 ounces)
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 ounces)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 yolk egg
- 1 cup fresh cranberries halved
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13 pan by lining with parchment paper or coating with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, mix the butter, sugar and brown sugar. Then stir in the baking soda, salt, flour and oatmeal until combined. Press half of the mixture into the bottom of the pan and bake for 13 minutes.
- While the bottom layer is baking, make the filling. Place the cream cheese in a large bowl and stir until smooth. Slowly add the sweetened condensed milk with a whisk to make sure it’s mixed well. Then add the orange zest and egg yolk.
- Once the bottom layer is done baking, pour the cream cheese mixture over it and carefully spread it out. Add the berries on top of the cream cheese layer. Sprinkle the remaining oatmeal crumble on top and press it down lightly.
- Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Let cool completely before cutting; store in the refrigerator.