Cranberry Pistachio Bars Recipe

If you’re looking for a treat that’s both festive and irresistible, I absolutely love sharing this Cranberry Pistachio Bars Recipe with friends and family. It’s one of those desserts that strikes the perfect balance between buttery richness, tart cranberries, and nutty pistachios, all topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting and white chocolate drizzle. Trust me, once you make these bars, they’ll quickly become your go-to dessert for gatherings or cozy nights in.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Cranberry Pistachio Bars Recipe work together like a dream. You get that buttery base, the bright pop of dried cranberries, and the rich, nutty crunch of pistachios. When selecting your cranberries and pistachios, choose quality dried cranberries (not too sweet or chewy) and fresh pistachios for the best flavor and texture.

• Butter: Using room temperature butter helps it cream smoothly with the sugar for that perfect texture.
• Light brown sugar: Gives the bars a subtle molasses note that complements the nuts and fruit.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
• Baking powder: Gives a slight lift so your bars aren’t too dense.
• Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• All-purpose flour: Provides structure to the bars.
• Chopped dried cranberries: Tart and chewy, they are the star of this recipe.
• Chopped pistachios: Toasted or raw, either works, but toasting boosts flavor.
• White chocolate chips: Melts into pockets of sweetness inside the bars.
• Cream cheese: Room temperature so it blends effortlessly into a silky frosting.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
• White chocolate chips (for melting): Drizzled on top for extra indulgence.
• Additional chopped cranberries and pistachios (for garnish): Adds a gorgeous finishing touch and more texture.

Variations

I’ve tried a few twists on this Cranberry Pistachio Bars Recipe, and I encourage you to make it your own! Experimenting with add-ins or a different frosting can bring fun new layers of flavor.

• Variation: Swap the white chocolate chips for dark chocolate for a richer, less sweet bite—I love this version during winter months.
• Variation: Add orange zest to the batter for a subtle citrus brightness that pairs beautifully with cranberries and pistachios.
• Variation: Use vegan butter and dairy-free cream cheese to make the bars dairy-free—I’ve done this successfully for friends with dietary restrictions.
• Variation: Sprinkle coarse sea salt on top of the white chocolate drizzle for a perfect sweet-salty combo.

How to Make Cranberry Pistachio Bars Recipe

Step 1: Get your pan ready and preheat the oven

First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper or foil, then spray it lightly with nonstick spray. I find using parchment paper makes it much easier to lift the bars out when they’re set, saving you from any crumbly mess. This little prep step helps everything go smoothly.

Step 2: Cream butter and sugar

In your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the room-temperature butter and brown sugar on medium speed for about 2 minutes. You want this mixture to become light and fluffy—this is the secret to those tender, buttery bars. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything’s evenly incorporated.

Step 3: Add eggs and flavorings

Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt, and continue mixing for about a minute until smooth. Don’t rush this; a smooth batter will make for a better texture in your bars.

Step 4: Mix in the dry ingredients and add-ins

Switch your mixer to low speed and slowly add the flour. Mix just until it’s combined—overmixing can make your bars tough. Now fold in the chopped dried cranberries, pistachios, and white chocolate chips. This mix of tart, nutty, and sweet is what makes this recipe a winner.

Step 5: Bake until just set

Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan and pop it in the oven. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, but keep a close eye because you don’t want to overbake—the center should be just set and slightly soft to touch. I’ve learned that taking the bars out a little early and letting them cool is better than dry, crumbly bars.

Step 6: Make the cream cheese frosting

While the bars cool completely, whip up the frosting. Using your stand mixer again, beat the room temperature cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. Spread this creamy layer evenly over the cooled bars, making sure to cover every corner.

Step 7: Garnish with pistachios, cranberries, and white chocolate drizzle

For the finishing touch, sprinkle extra chopped dried cranberries and pistachios over the frosting. Then drizzle melted white chocolate across the top for that gorgeous, professional look. Let the chocolate set before slicing into roughly 30 bars. This step always impresses guests and makes the bars unforgettable.

How to Serve Cranberry Pistachio Bars Recipe

Garnishes

I usually stick with extra chopped dried cranberries and pistachios as garnishes—they add that fresh, festive look and a little textural pop. Sometimes I like to sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on the white chocolate drizzle for a subtle flavor boost. It’s such a simple finishing touch but really elevates the taste.

Side Dishes

If you’re serving these bars as part of a dessert spread, I love pairing them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a brunch or tea party, they go beautifully alongside a cup of spiced tea or a fresh fruit salad. My family always appreciates when there’s a balance of sweet and fresh on the table.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I like arranging these bars on a festive platter layered with fresh evergreen sprigs or cranberries. Wrapping individual bars in pretty parchment paper with a tied ribbon makes them perfect as edible gifts. Once, I even served them in mini cupcake liners for a cute, bite-sized presentation that vanished within minutes!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These bars store really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. I learned that keeping them chilled helps the frosting stay fresh and the white chocolate drizzle firm. If you leave them out too long at room temperature, the cream cheese layer can get soft and slippery.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these bars successfully by wrapping individual pieces in plastic wrap and storing them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To thaw, just pop them in the fridge overnight. This is a great way to prep ahead for big events or holiday gift giving.

Reheating

I generally don’t reheat these bars because the cream cheese frosting is best served cool. If you prefer a warm treat, try gently warming an unfrosted bar in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, then add frosting once slightly cooled. This keeps the frosting from melting into a mess.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

When I first tried this Cranberry Pistachio Bars Recipe, I was amazed at how the tart cranberries and crunchy pistachios complemented the sweet, creamy frosting perfectly. Over time, it’s become one of those recipes I rely on when I want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. I hope you’ll enjoy making and sharing these bars just as much as I do—they’re truly a little slice of joy in every bite.

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