If you love festive treats that balance tart and sweet with a creamy finish, then you’re in for a real joy with this Cranberry Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. I remember the first time I made these bars—they instantly became a runaway hit with my family, especially around the holidays. They’re easy to whip up, packed with texture from walnuts and baking chips, and crowned with a luscious cream cheese frosting that’s boosted by a hint of orange zest. Keep reading, because this recipe is not just good, it’s fan-freaking-tastic!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect balance of flavors: The tart cranberries and sweet white baking chips create a harmonious flavor that’s refreshingly different.
- Creamy, dreamy frosting: The cream cheese icing with orange zest adds a tangy richness that takes these bars to the next level.
- Great texture mix: Between the soft crumb, chewy cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and smooth frosting, every bite is a delight.
- Crowd-pleaser for all occasions: Whether it’s a holiday party or a casual afternoon treat, these cranberry bars never disappoint.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These cranberry bars combine classic pantry staples with festive touches. When I shop for this recipe, I always reach for high-quality dried cranberries and fresh cream cheese to really make the flavor shine.
- Butter: Using softened butter helps achieve that creamy, fluffy batter we’re aiming for.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar is essential for sweetness and structure in the bars.
- Eggs: Room temperature eggs beat in better and create a tender crumb.
- Sour Cream: I love how sour cream adds moisture and a subtle tang to the bars.
- Almond Extract: Just a touch amps up the flavor without overpowering it—feel free to adjust based on your taste.
- Vanilla Extract: Essential for rounding out all the flavors beautifully.
- All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the bars’ tender texture.
- Baking Powder: Gives the bars a nice rise and fluffiness.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness perfectly.
- White Baking Chips: They melt slightly in the oven and add little bursts of creamy sweetness.
- Dried Cranberries: Tart and chewy, they’re the star that gives these bars their bright flavor.
- Chopped Walnuts: For added crunch and a nutty depth that complements the cranberries.
- Cream Cheese (for frosting): Softened for smooth, luscious frosting that’s slightly tangy.
- Confectioners’ Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to a perfect spreadable consistency.
- Orange Zest (optional): Brings a fresh, citrusy flair that I find absolutely irresistible.
Variations
One of the things I love about this Cranberry Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your liking. Over time, I’ve played around with mix-ins and flavors to keep it exciting; you can too!
- Swap nuts: If walnuts aren’t your thing, try pecans or almonds—you’ll get a different but equally delicious crunch.
- Fresh cranberries: If you’re lucky enough to get fresh ones, pulse them in the food processor and fold them in for a juicier bite.
- Gluten-free option: Use your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, and the bars come out just as tender.
- Add spices: Cinnamon or nutmeg in the batter brings a cozy warmth that pairs beautifully with cranberries.
How to Make Cranberry Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar Until Fluffy
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 15×10-inch baking pan. Then, in a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat your softened butter and sugar together for about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial—it creates a light and airy base that gives your bars the perfect texture. You’ll notice the mixture turn pale and fluffy, which means you’re ready for the next step.
Step 2: Add Eggs, Sour Cream, and Extracts
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the sour cream along with the almond and vanilla extracts. Using room temperature eggs helps everything combine smoothly, so try to take them out of the fridge ahead of time. The batter will be creamy and slightly thick—just what we want!
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients and Combine
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet batter, beating just until combined. I’ve learned the hard way that overmixing at this stage can make your bars tough, so a gentle hand is key!
Step 4: Fold in Baking Chips, Cranberries, and Walnuts
Now it’s time for the fun part—fold in the white baking chips, dried cranberries, and chopped walnuts. Use a spatula to gently incorporate them without breaking up the chips or nuts. This helps keep those lovely contrasting textures throughout the bars.
Step 5: Bake and Cool Completely
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Don’t rush the cooling—you want the bars completely cool in the pan set on a wire rack before frosting. Trust me, cream cheese frosting on warm bars will melt and slide off.
Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat softened cream cheese with butter, orange zest (if using), and vanilla extract until silky smooth. Gradually add in the confectioners’ sugar and mix until the frosting thickens and is spreadable. Spread it evenly over the cooled bars. Finally, sprinkle chopped dried cranberries and a little extra orange zest on top for that pretty, gourmet finish.
Step 7: Chill and Slice
Once frosted, chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the frosting set firmly. Then slice into bars or triangles and enjoy! This chilling step also enhances the flavor and texture, making each bite a perfect balance of soft and creamy.
Pro Tips for Making Cranberry Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Softened Ingredients Matter: Ensure your butter and cream cheese are room temperature so your batter and frosting blend seamlessly.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Once the dry ingredients go in, mix just until combined to keep the bars tender.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: I learned this the hard way—frosting warm bars makes a mess, so patience pays off!
- Chill After Frosting: Let the bars chill for at least 30 minutes so the frosting sets and slices cleanly.
How to Serve Cranberry Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
I like to keep it simple with a sprinkle of extra chopped dried cranberries and a little fresh orange zest on top. It adds that pop of color and bright citrus fragrance that makes these bars look as good as they taste. Sometimes, I even dust a bit of powdered sugar for a snowy, festive touch.
Side Dishes
These bars are lovely with a cup of hot coffee or tea for an afternoon pick-me-up. I also enjoy serving them alongside whipped cream or vanilla ice cream when I want to turn dessert into something extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday gatherings, I’ve arranged these cranberry bars on decorative platters lined with fresh pine sprigs or cranberries for a festive look. Cutting them into cute triangles and stacking them like little cookies is always a hit, too—makes it feel more fancy without any extra effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator—plastic wrap over the pan works perfectly. The bars stay moist and the frosting stays fresh for up to 5 days, which means you can savor them throughout the week without losing quality.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully. I slice them first, then layer pieces between parchment paper in an airtight container before freezing. When I want a treat, I just thaw them overnight in the fridge—it keeps the texture and frosting intact.
Reheating
If you love your bars a bit softer, warming them for 10-15 seconds in the microwave does the trick nicely. Be careful not to overheat, or the frosting might melt. Alternatively, enjoy them chilled for the classic texture and flavor balance.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Yes, fresh cranberries can be used but they will add more moisture, so you might want to toss them with a little flour before folding into the batter to prevent them from sinking. They also provide a more tart and juicy bite compared to dried cranberries.
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What makes the cream cheese frosting so creamy?
Softened cream cheese mixed with softened butter and confectioners’ sugar creates the luscious, smooth texture. Be sure the cream cheese isn’t cold straight from the fridge to avoid lumps.
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Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. The bars will still be moist and delicious.
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How long do these bars last?
Stored in the refrigerator, these bars last up to 5 days. They keep their moisture and frosting freshness best when tightly covered.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Cranberry Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe brings a little slice of holiday magic anytime you make it. From the first bite, you get that perfect combo of tart, sweet, creamy, and crunchy that keeps everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re new to bar baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is a keeper you’ll want in your collection. So why not try it today? I promise it’ll become your new favorite, just like it did for me.
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Cranberry Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes plus cooling time
- Yield: 4 dozen bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cranberry Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat combining a moist, buttery base studded with white baking chips, dried cranberries, and walnuts, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting enhanced by orange zest. Perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a sweet, fruity dessert bar.
Ingredients
Bars:
- 3/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup white baking chips
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Frosting:
- 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon grated orange zest (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the cranberry bars.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 5 to 7 minutes, which helps create a tender texture.
- Add Eggs, Sour Cream, and Extracts: Gradually beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the sour cream, almond extract, and vanilla extract until fully combined for a rich and flavorful batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Mix Dry into Wet Ingredients: Gradually beat the flour mixture into the creamed butter mixture until just combined, avoiding overmixing for tender bars.
- Fold in Mix-ins: Gently fold in the white baking chips, dried cranberries, and chopped walnuts to add texture and bursts of flavor throughout the bars.
- Prepare Baking Pan and Spread Batter: Grease a 15x10x1-inch baking pan, then spread the batter evenly into the pan to ensure uniform cooking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bars are cooked through.
- Cool Completely: Remove from oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack to set and make frosting easier.
- Prepare Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, orange zest (if using), and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Add Confectioners’ Sugar: Gradually beat in the confectioners’ sugar until fully incorporated and the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
- Frost Bars: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the chopped dried cranberries over the frosting, and optionally add more orange zest for decoration and flavor.
- Serve and Store: Cut into bars or triangles and serve. Refrigerate any leftovers to keep the frosting fresh.
Notes
- Make sure the butter, eggs, and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for the best texture and easier mixing.
- Be careful not to overbake to keep the bars moist and tender.
- The orange zest in the frosting is optional but adds a lovely citrus brightness complementing the cranberries.
- Store leftover bars in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans or omit nuts if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (based on 48 bars)
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 85 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
