Christmas is a magical time of year, filled with twinkling lights, the scent of pine, and the sweet aroma of holiday treats wafting through the air. Picture this: your kitchen is alive with laughter, and suddenly you unveil a platter of Christmas Cranberry Bars that are as vibrant as a festive sweater. savory holiday appetizer These bars are not just food; they are a celebration of flavors, blending tart cranberries with rich buttery goodness, creating an irresistible holiday delight.
As I reminisce about my childhood, I can still hear my grandmother’s laughter mingling with the delightful sounds of crackling firewood. Every year, she’d whip up her famous cranberry bars—and let me tell you, they were gone faster than you could say “Rudolph!” When the holidays roll around, these bars find their way to every gathering—be it a cozy family dinner or an extravagant office party. With every bite, you’re not just tasting dessert; you’re indulging in love, memories, and a sprinkle of holiday magic.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Christmas Cranberry Bars are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for last-minute baking.
- The flavor profile balances sweet and tart perfectly for a festive treat.
- Their vibrant red color adds visual appeal to your holiday table.
- Versatile enough for parties or a cozy night in, they’re sure to impress!
Ingredients for Christmas Cranberry Bars
For more inspiration, check out this baked cranberry turkey sliders recipe.
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Cranberries: Use bright red cranberries for their tartness and vibrant color; frozen ones work too if fresh aren’t available.
- Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness to balance the tartness of cranberries—adjust based on your taste.
- Unsalted Butter: Always use unsalted butter for better control over seasoning; it keeps things rich and flavorful.
- All-Purpose Flour: A must-have for structure in these bars; sifted flour can help achieve lightness.
- Eggs: They bind everything together and add richness; choose large eggs for consistent results.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla elevates the flavor—try not to use imitation if possible.
- Baking Powder: This leavening agent ensures your bars rise beautifully without being dense.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Christmas Cranberry Bars
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish (about 9×13 inches) with nonstick spray so those delicious bars won’t stick like that one friend who lingers too long at parties.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In one bowl, mix together flour and baking powder. This step is crucial because nobody wants dense cranberry bricks instead of delightful bars.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In another large bowl, combine softened butter and granulated sugar until creamy. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks like whipped clouds—trust me!
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in those eggs one at a time while mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract; this will have everyone asking what makes your bars so scrumptious.
Step 5: Fold in Cranberries
Gently fold in your fresh cranberries into the batter. Try not to squish them too much—they deserve some dignity here!
Step 6: Bake It Up
Pour the mixture into your greased baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until golden brown on top—your kitchen will smell like a winter wonderland!
Once baked and cooled slightly, cut into squares and serve. You can dust them with powdered sugar for that extra festive touch or leave them as-is for a rustic vibe.
There you have it! These Christmas Cranberry Bars are more than just dessert—they’re memories waiting to be created around your holiday table! Enjoy every bite while reminiscing about all those cherished moments shared with loved ones throughout the years. similar dessert bars Happy Holidays!
You Must Know
- These Christmas Cranberry Bars are not just a delicious treat; they bring festive cheer to any gathering.
- The balance of sweet and tart flavors will have everyone reaching for seconds.
- Easy to prepare, these bars will become your go-to holiday dessert!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven and preparing the baking pan. Mix your dry ingredients while melting the butter. Combine everything efficiently for a smooth batter, then fold in those glorious cranberries to create a delightful mixture that screams holiday spirit.
Add Your Touch
Don’t hesitate to swap cranberries for dried cherries or blueberries if you’re feeling adventurous! Consider adding a sprinkle of orange zest or pecans for an extra flavor kick that makes these bars uniquely yours.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Christmas Cranberry Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. Reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving to revive their deliciousness!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When mixing the batter, avoid over-stirring to keep your bars tender and light.
- Use fresh cranberries if possible; they provide a burst of flavor.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting them to maintain their shape and texture.
When I first made these Christmas Cranberry Bars, my friends devoured them faster than I could say “holiday cheer!” It was one of those moments where I felt like a culinary rockstar—definitely a recipe worth sharing!
FAQs :
What are Christmas Cranberry Bars?
Christmas Cranberry Bars are delicious dessert bars that combine tart cranberries with a sweet, buttery base. These festive treats often feature a crumbly topping, providing a delightful contrast to the juicy cranberry filling. Perfect for holiday gatherings, they can be served warm or chilled and are sure to please guests of all ages. easy no-bake dessert option perfect festive dessert pairing Using fresh or dried cranberries, these bars are both easy to make and an excellent way to celebrate the flavors of the season.
How do I store Christmas Cranberry Bars?
To keep your Christmas Cranberry Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, consider refrigerating them, where they can stay good for about a week. For extended storage, you can freeze the bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They will remain tasty for up to three months when frozen. Just thaw before serving!
Can I use frozen cranberries for Christmas Cranberry Bars?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries in your Christmas Cranberry Bars recipe. They are a great alternative when fresh cranberries are not available. However, be sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture from the frozen cranberries before adding them to the mix. This helps prevent your bars from becoming too soggy while baking. The tart flavor of the cranberries remains delightful even when using frozen fruit, ensuring your bars taste fantastic.
What variations can I make with Christmas Cranberry Bars?
You can get creative with your Christmas Cranberry Bars by incorporating different ingredients or flavors. Try adding orange zest or almond extract to enhance the holiday taste further. Mixing in nuts like pecans or walnuts adds crunch and depth to the texture. For a chocolate twist, drizzle melted chocolate on top after baking or mix in chocolate chips with the cranberry filling. These variations allow you to personalize your bars while keeping their festive essence intact. For more inspiration, check out this peppermint dark chocolate truffles recipe.
Conclusion for Christmas Cranberry Bars :
In summary, Christmas Cranberry Bars are a delightful addition to any holiday spread, combining sweet and tart flavors seamlessly. They are easy to prepare and can be customized with various flavors and ingredients for personal touches. Whether you enjoy them fresh or as leftovers, these bars offer a delicious way to celebrate the festive season with family and friends. Make sure to try this recipe for a treat that will surely impress everyone!
Christmas Cranberry Bars
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Christmas Cranberry Bars are a delightful holiday treat that perfectly balance sweet and tart flavors, making them a must-have for festive gatherings. With a buttery base and vibrant cranberries, these bars are easy to prepare and sure to bring warmth and joy to your holiday table. Each bite evokes cherished memories of cozy celebrations, making them an irresistible addition to your seasonal festivities.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cranberries, chopped
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, combine flour and baking powder; set aside.
- In another bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined.
- Fold in chopped cranberries gently.
- Pour batter into the prepared dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown on top; cool before cutting into squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (60g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Leave a Comment