Name: Cranberry Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk; 1 tablespoon orange zest; 1/4 cup orange juice; 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries

Why You’ll Love Cranberry Bars Recipe

These cranberry bars strike the ideal balance of sweet and tart, with a buttery, crumbly crust that contrasts perfectly with the vibrant cranberry filling. They’re easy to make, visually stunning, and can be prepared ahead of time, making them a versatile dessert for holiday entertaining or everyday indulgence. Plus, they freeze well if you want to make a batch ahead of the season.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Crust and crumble topping:
17.5 ounces sugar cookie mix
½ cup salted butter, melted
1 large egg
3 tablespoons all‑purpose flour
½ cup quick oats
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Cranberry filling:
12 ounces cranberries (frozen or fresh)
⅔ cup granulated sugar
1½ tablespoons cornstarch
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons cranberry juice

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13‑inch baking dish by spraying with cooking spray and lining it with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix, melted butter, egg, flour, quick oats, and cinnamon. Mix until well incorporated.
Reserve about a quarter of the mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
In another bowl, stir together the cranberries, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and cranberry juice until evenly coated.
Spread the cranberry mixture evenly over the crust.
Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the cranberry layer.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Allow the bars to cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 16 bars
Prep time: approx. 15 minutes
Cook time: approx. 35–40 minutes
Total time: approx. 50–55 minutes

Variations

• Swap out the sugar cookie mix for a snickerdoodle mix to add a warm cinnamon flavor.
• Add a handful of chopped nuts to the crumble topping for extra crunch.
• Use apple juice or cranberry‑apple juice instead of cranberry juice for a slightly different fruity profile.
• For extra sweetness, sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar over the cooled bars before serving.

Storage/Reheating

To store leftover bars, cool them completely and place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
For longer storage, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer‑safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheat chilled bars in a warm oven (about 300°F / 150°C) for 5–10 minutes to restore some of their fresh‑baked texture.

FAQs

How do I prevent the cranberry filling from being too runny?

Ensuring you use the correct amount of cornstarch and evenly coating the cranberries with it helps thicken the filling during baking.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of frozen?

Yes, you can. If using fresh cranberries, it’s often recommended to freeze them briefly so they don’t burst too quickly when baking.

What can I use instead of quick oats?

You can use old‑fashioned oats processed briefly in a food processor to approximate quick oats.

Can I make these bars gluten‑free?

You can substitute a gluten‑free sugar cookie mix and gluten‑free flour to make these bars suitable for a gluten‑free diet.

How should these bars be served?

They’re delicious served at room temperature, slightly warm, or chilled straight from the refrigerator.

Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

You can mix the cranberry filling ahead of time and refrigerate it before assembling the bars, but it’s best to bake soon after assembling for best texture.

Are these bars sweet or tart?

They are a balance of sweet and tart, with the cranberry layer providing brightness and the crumble adding sweetness.

Can I use a different fruit?

Similar recipes can be made with other fruits like raspberry or blueberry, but the flavor and texture will vary from the original cranberry version.

How do I know when the bars are done?

The bars are done when the crumb topping is golden brown and the cranberry filling is bubbling around the edges.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe and bake in a larger pan or multiple pans, adjusting baking time slightly as needed.

Conclusion

These Cranberry Bars offer a delightful combination of bright tart cranberries and a buttery crumble that feels both festive and comforting. Easy to prepare and versatile, they make a wonderful treat for holiday gatherings, family dessert nights, or potluck contributions. With options to customize the flavor and easy storage, they’re sure to become a seasonal favorite.

Cranberry Bars