Description
An irresistible blend of flavors and textures, these cranberry bars feature a chewy base topped with smooth cream cheese frosting and tart cranberries, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: 1 cup, softened
- Brown sugar: 1 cup
- Granulated sugar: ½ cup
- Eggs: 2 large
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
- Baking soda: ½ teaspoon
- Salt: ½ teaspoon
- Dried cranberries: 1 ½ cups
- Cream cheese: 8 oz, softened
- Powdered sugar: 1 ½ cups
- Orange zest: 1 tablespoon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan by greasing or lining it with parchment paper.
- Cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then incorporate the vanilla extract.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in the dried cranberries, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Beat the cream cheese until smooth, then gradually mix in powdered sugar and orange zest until well combined.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled bars. Once frosted, refrigerate the bars for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Serve with a warm cup of spiced tea or coffee. Optionally garnish with chopped pistachios or walnuts for added flair.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: cranberry bars, cream cheese frosting, holiday dessert