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–+ servings
Cranberry Bars

Cranberry Bars: Your New Favorite Sweet-Tart Holiday Treat

These cranberry bars are a perfect blend of sweet and tart, making them an ideal holiday treat for everyone.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Cooling Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Batter
  • 2 cups Fresh or Frozen Cranberries Fresh is best, but frozen can be used directly.
  • 1 cup Butter Use cold butter for the topping.
  • 1 cup Sugar Adjust to your taste preference.
  • 1.5 cups All-Purpose Flour Can be substituted with gluten-free flour.
  • 1 tbsp Baking Powder Use fresh for optimal results.
  • 0.5 tsp Salt Balances the sweetness.
  • 2 large Eggs Room temperature eggs recommended.
  • 1 tbsp Orange Zest Use the zest only, avoid the pith.
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract Almond extract can be a substitute.
  • 0.5 cup Sour Cream Greek yogurt is a great alternative.
For the Crumb Topping
  • 1 cup Flour Needed for the topping.
  • 0.5 cup Sugar Adjust to your liking.
  • 0.25 tsp Salt To balance the sweetness.
  • 0.5 cup Cold Butter Use cold for a crumbly topping.
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Adds depth to the flavor.

Equipment

  • 9-inch square baking pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • hand mixer or stand mixer
  • spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C) and grease a 9-inch square baking pan.
  2. Sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
  3. Beat cold butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, then mix in orange zest.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredient mixture and sour cream until just combined.
  6. Fold in cranberries gently to ensure even distribution.
  7. Prepare the crumb topping by mixing flour, sugar, and salt, then blend in cold butter.
  8. Spread the batter into the greased pan, top with remaining cranberries and crumb mixture.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes until golden brown.
  10. Cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 2gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 50mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 4mg

Notes

Enjoy these cranberry bars warm, and consider serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

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