There’s something incredibly comforting about the scent of fresh cranberries baking in the oven during the holidays. As I prepared for a family gathering last month, I realized I needed a dessert that was festive yet easy to whip up. That’s when I decided to create these Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars. Bursting with the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, these bars come topped with a buttery crumb, enhanced by a hint of orange zest that brightens every bite.
What I love most about these bars is their versatility. Not only can they be made ahead of time—freeing you up for all those holiday gatherings—they also pair beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or a steaming mug of hot chocolate. Plus, with the added zing of cranberries, they’re a seasonal treat that everyone will enjoy. Dive into this delicious recipe and embrace the holiday spirit with a dessert that’s as delightful to make as it is to share!
Why Choose Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars?
Simplicity at its best: This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for all skill levels.
Festive Flavors shine through with a delightful blend of tart cranberries and zesty orange, captivating all your holiday guests.
Make-Ahead Magic: Bake these bars in advance, storing them for a busy holiday period, thus saving time when it matters most.
Versatile Treat: Serve these bars with coffee, tea, or alongside your favorite winter beverages for a cozy gathering.
Crowd-Pleaser: The intriguing balance of textures—a soft, buttery base topped with a crumbly layer—will impress everyone!
For more festive ideas, consider exploring our delicious holiday dessert collection.
Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars Ingredients
For the Batter
• Flour – Provides structure to the bars; use all-purpose flour for best results.
• Baking Powder – Acts as a leavening agent; ensure it’s fresh for optimal rise.
• Salt – Balances sweetness; sea salt or kosher salt works well.
• Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and moisture; use at room temperature for the batter.
• Sugar – Sweetens the dessert; granulated sugar is recommended for even sweetness.
• Orange Zest – Adds a bright, citrusy flavor; use fresh for the best taste.
• Eggs – Bind ingredients and contribute to texture; ensure they are at room temperature.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor depth; opt for pure extract for the best results.
• Sour Cream – Keeps the bars moist; can be substituted with Greek yogurt.
• Fresh or Frozen Cranberries – The main flavor component; frozen can be used directly without thawing, but coat in flour to avoid sinking.For the Crumb Topping
• Flour – Provides the base for the crumb; ensure it’s well mixed with other dry ingredients.
• Sugar – Sweetens the topping; consider using brown sugar for added depth.
• Cold Butter – Creates a crumbly texture; work it into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs.
These Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars are not just easy to make; they encapsulate the essence of holiday baking with their delightful combination of flavors and textures!
How to Make Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars
Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch square baking pan. This helps the bars to bake evenly and come out easily once done.
Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl to ensure there are no lumps. This step is essential for achieving a light and fluffy batter.
Cream softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy, taking about 3-5 minutes. The incorporation of air is key to the bar’s texture.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition and scraping down the bowl. This ensures uniformity and helps achieve the desired consistency.
Stir in the vanilla extract and orange zest, infusing your batter with warmth and brightness. It’s the little flavors that truly elevate these bars!
Combine the dry ingredients into the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the dry mix for a well-blended batter.
Fold in 1 cup of cranberries gently. This will keep the cranberries intact and evenly distributed throughout the batter for that tart burst in every bite.
Prepare the crumb topping by mixing together flour, sugar, and cold butter in a bowl. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to create a crumbly texture, like coarse sand.
Spread the batter evenly into the greased pan, topping it with the remaining cranberries and finally layering the crumb topping over it for added texture.
Bake for 45-50 minutes until the edges are golden and the center feels firm to the touch. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Cool the bars in the pan on a wire rack before slicing them into squares. This allows them to set properly and be easier to cut without crumbling.
Optional: Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra festive touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars?
Warm spices and rich flavors often accompany holiday desserts, making for an unforgettable gathering. Explore these delightful pairings that elevate your dessert experience!
Velvety Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture perfectly contrasts the tartness of the cranberry bars, creating a luscious mouthfeel with each bite.
Spiced Chai Latte: The warming spices in this drink enhance the festive flavors of the bars, creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Classic Hot Chocolate: Rich, chocolatey goodness pairs brilliantly with the tart cranberry bars; a sprinkle of marshmallows elevates this combination.
Roasted Nuts: A crunchy medley of almonds and walnuts adds a satisfying texture, enhancing the overall flavor of your dessert spread.
Gingerbread Cookies: The warm spices in gingerbread echo the holiday spirit and provide a playful texture contrast to the soft cranberry bars.
Homemade Whipped Cream: A light, sweet topping that adds a lovely creaminess, balancing the bars’ tartness with its airy texture.
Fruit Salad: Fresh, vibrant fruit brings a burst of color and a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the bars. Opt for seasonal selections for a festive touch!
Mulled Apple Cider: Infused with spices, this warm beverage complements the bars’ flavors while wrapping you in holiday comfort.
Mini Cheesecakes: Their rich, creamy profile pairs delightfully with the tangy cranberry bars, enhancing your dessert table’s variety.
Variations & Substitutions for Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars
These cranberry bars are deliciously versatile, so don’t hesitate to add your personal touch and mix things up a bit!
Nutty Surprise: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for an added crunchy texture and depth of flavor.
Berry Bliss: Swap cranberries for fresh raspberries or blueberries for a delightful alternative that brings a sweet twist to the bars.
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix instead of all-purpose flour to make these bars gluten-friendly while maintaining their moistness.
Spiced Kick: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or ginger to the batter for a warm, spicy flavor that complements the cranberries beautifully.
Citrus Extra: Mix in a bit of lemon zest along with the orange zest for a refreshing citrus punch and a more complex flavor profile.
Vegan Option: Substitute eggs with flax eggs and use coconut oil instead of butter, ensuring the bars stay moist and flavorful without animal products.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the cooled bars for an indulgent sweet touch that pairs perfectly with the tart cranberries.
Sweetener Swap: For a lower sugar option, use maple syrup or honey in place of granulated sugar, adjusting the liquid component slightly.
Feel free to experiment and find your perfect combination!
How to Store and Freeze Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars
• Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh but will hold their flavor well.
• Fridge: To extend freshness, keep the bars in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Ensure they’re covered to avoid drying out and losing their delightful moisture.
• Freezer: Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving to maintain their moist texture.
• Reheating: To enjoy them warm, reheat individual bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or until heated through, enhancing the comforting flavors of your Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars.
Expert Tips for Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars
Butter Temperature: Ensure butter is at proper room temperature for the batter to achieve a light and airy texture, avoiding a dense final product.
Cranberry Coating: Coat cranberries in flour before mixing them into the batter to prevent them from sinking and to keep their flavor evenly distributed throughout the bars.
Visual Cues: Instead of relying solely on baking time, look for golden-brown edges and a firm center to judge doneness, ensuring your Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars are perfectly baked.
Storage Advice: Wrap bars tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container to keep them fresh. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months for future enjoyment.
Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment by adding nuts to the crumb topping or mixing in a different berry to personalize your Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars experience!
Make Ahead Options
These Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the batter and crumb topping up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in the refrigerator for optimal freshness. Simply mix all wet ingredients and dry components separately, then cover tightly until ready to bake. Additionally, the baked bars can be made ahead and stored at room temperature for up to 2 days, or you can refrigerate them for up to a week. When you’re ready to serve, just slice them, and they’ll be just as delicious as when they were first made. This makes enjoying festive desserts during the busy holiday season effortless!
Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best cranberries for my bars?
When selecting cranberries, look for firm, plump berries with a vibrant red color. Avoid any that are soft, wrinkled, or show dark spots, as these can affect the taste and texture of your Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars. If using frozen cranberries, there’s no need to thaw them beforehand. Just make sure to coat them in flour to keep them from sinking in the batter.
What is the best way to store leftover cranberry bars?
To store your Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or keep them in an airtight container. At room temperature, they’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Always ensure they’re well covered to retain moisture and prevent drying out.
Can I freeze the cranberry bars, and how do I do it?
Absolutely! To freeze your Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars, first cool them completely in the pan on a wire rack. Then, wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil or place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw in the refrigerator overnight to maintain their luscious moist texture.
What should I do if my bars sink in the middle?
A sinking center can be caused by several factors. First, ensure that you’re using fresh baking powder as an inactive leavening agent can prevent proper rising. Also, make sure not to overmix your batter after adding the cranberries, as this can create a dense texture. Finally, always check for visual cues like golden-brown edges and a firm center to ensure you’ve baked them long enough.
Are there any dietary considerations I should think about?
When preparing Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars, be mindful of common allergens such as gluten and dairy. If you need gluten-free bars, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For a dairy-free option, consider using vegan butter and non-dairy yogurt. Always inform guests about ingredient changes to accommodate any dietary restrictions or allergies.
Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars: Holiday Bliss in Every Bite
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch square baking pan.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
- Cream softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract and orange zest.
- Combine the dry ingredients into the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with sour cream.
- Fold in 1 cup of cranberries gently.
- Prepare the crumb topping by mixing together flour, sugar, and cold butter until crumbly.
- Spread the batter evenly into the greased pan, topping with remaining cranberries and crumb topping.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until edges are golden and centered feels firm.
- Cool the bars in the pan on a wire rack before slicing into squares.
Leave a Reply