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Sweet Holiday Treat

Featured in Irresistible Desserts.

Bring the coffee shop home with these buttery shortbread bars filled with fresh cranberry preserves. The crumbly brown sugar crust and sweet-tart filling make these irresistible.

Casey
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:06:22 GMT
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A close-up view of berry crumb bars with a golden crumb topping and a rich, colorful fruit filling. Pin it
A close-up view of berry crumb bars with a golden crumb topping and a rich, colorful fruit filling. | cookingwithcasey.com

I'm excited to share my favorite Cranberry Bars recipe that brings holiday cheer to any time of year! The combination of buttery brown sugar crust and tart cranberry filling creates something truly magical. I love serving these for breakfast with coffee or warming them up for dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Sweet Tart Perfection

What makes these bars so special is how the fresh cranberries pop with brightness against that rich buttery crust. They're fancy enough for holiday gatherings but simple enough to make just because. Once they've had time to rest the flavors meld into something absolutely wonderful.

What You'll Need

  • For the Fruit: - Fresh bright cranberries pick through them carefully - Regular sugar to tame their tartness
  • For the Base: - Soft room temperature butter - Rich brown sugar - All-purpose flour sifted nice and fine - Pure vanilla extract - Just a touch of salt
A stack of crumbly fruit bars filled with a rich red jelly is placed on a dark plate, surrounded by additional bars in the background. Pin it
A stack of crumbly fruit bars filled with a rich red jelly is placed on a dark plate, surrounded by additional bars in the background. | cookingwithcasey.com

Let's Make Some Magic

Start with the Crust:
Cream your butter and brown sugar then mix in flour and salt until crumbly save some for topping.
Give It a Head Start:
Press most of that mixture in your pan and let it get golden in the oven.
Make it Fruity:
Cook those cranberries with sugar until they pop and get jammy.
Build Your Bars:
Spread that gorgeous filling over your crust sprinkle with the reserved crumbs.
Finish with Love:
Back in the oven until everything's golden and beautiful.

Make Them Your Own

Sometimes I add orange zest for brightness or toss some chopped pecans in the topping. A drizzle of white chocolate makes them extra special. You can even try them with blueberries in summer they're just as delicious.

Keep Them Fresh

These beauties stay perfect in an airtight container for a week. Need to make them ahead? They freeze beautifully for three months. I like to put parchment between layers when storing them keeps everything neat and tidy.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes, frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh. No need to thaw before cooking.

→ Why did my cranberry filling get too runny?

Cook until cranberries pop and mixture thickens. It will continue to set as it cools.

→ Can I make these ahead?

Yes, they keep well in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Cut while warm for clean edges.

→ Why cut while still warm?

Cutting while warm prevents the shortbread from crumbling and gives cleaner edges.

→ Can I freeze these bars?

Yes, wrap well and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Cranberry Bars

Buttery shortbread bars with homemade cranberry filling. These coffee shop style treats combine sweet and tart flavors in a perfect holiday dessert.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
60 Minutes
Total Time
80 Minutes
By: Casey


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 16 Servings (16)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 8 oz (2 1/4 cups) fresh cranberries.
02 2/3 cup sugar.
03 3 tbsp water.
04 2 cups flour.
05 1/2 tsp kosher salt.
06 1 cup butter, room temperature.
07 1/3 cup light brown sugar.
08 1 tsp vanilla extract.

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oven to 350°F.

Step 02

Cook cranberries, sugar, water over medium heat 15 minutes until thick.

Step 03

Set filling aside to cool.

Step 04

Sift flour and salt together.

Step 05

Beat butter until smooth. Add sugar and vanilla, beat until creamy.

Step 06

Mix in flour just until clumpy (not solid dough).

Step 07

Press 2/3 of dough in greased 8x8 pan. Prick with fork.

Step 08

Bake 17-18 minutes until light brown.

Step 09

Spread cranberry filling, leaving small border.

Step 10

Crumble remaining dough on top, press lightly.

Step 11

Bake 25-30 minutes until golden.

Step 12

Cut into 16 squares while warm. Cool completely in pan.

Notes

  1. Cut while warm for clean edges.
  2. Can use frozen cranberries.
  3. Keeps 3-4 days in airtight container.

Tools You'll Need

  • 8x8 baking pan.
  • Saucepan.
  • Electric mixer.
  • Wire rack.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.
  • Wheat/Gluten.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 215
  • Total Fat: 12 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 26 g
  • Protein: 2 g