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Cranberry Bars

With a buttery base, tangy cranberry filling, and soft crumb top, these Cranberry Bars are festive, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. A standout dessert with minimal effort.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Cooling Time 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours
Servings 16 bars

Ingredients
  

For the crust and topping:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

For the cranberry filling:

  • 3 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp orange zest
  • 1 tbsp orange juice
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch pan with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, mix melted butter, sugar, vanilla, and salt. Stir in flour until crumbly.
  • Press 2/3 of the mixture into the bottom of the pan to form a crust. Reserve the rest for topping.
  • In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange zest, orange juice, and cinnamon. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until cranberries burst and mixture thickens (about 8 minutes). Let cool slightly.
  • Spread cranberry mixture over the crust. Crumble reserved dough over the top.
  • Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the top is lightly golden.
  • Cool completely before slicing.

Notes

  • Use parchment paper for clean removal.
  • Let cranberry filling cool before adding it to the crust.
  • You can make these bars a day ahead—they slice best once chilled.