If you’re searching for a treat that perfectly balances tangy, sweet, and creamy, you’re going to adore this Cranberry Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. I absolutely love how these bars turn out—moist, tender, and packed with bursts of tart cranberries and the rich, dreamy cream cheese frosting that just melts in your mouth. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become your go-to whenever you want to impress friends or indulge in something cozy and special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Texture: The bars are soft and moist with just enough crumb to satisfy, thanks to the sour cream in the batter.
- Flavor Burst: Dried cranberries and white baking chips deliver tartness and sweetness that play beautifully against the cream cheese frosting.
- Easy to Make: This recipe feels fancy but comes together quick and doesn’t require any complicated techniques.
- Versatile and Beautiful: The final bars look stunning whether cut into squares or triangles—perfect for parties or a cozy afternoon treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cranberry Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe lies in how simple ingredients come together to make something truly nostalgic yet fresh. I always keep dried cranberries and cream cheese on hand because they make desserts pop — and the walnuts add that perfect touch of crunch.
- Butter: Using softened butter makes creaming easier and ensures your bars bake up tender and rich.
- Sugar: Regular granulated sugar for sweetness that caramelizes lightly as it bakes.
- Eggs: Room temperature eggs blend better—take them out of the fridge before you start baking.
- Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a slight tang that’s key for a soft crumb.
- Almond Extract: Just a hint gives depth and complexity to the flavor. Don’t skip it!
- Vanilla Extract: Classic and comforting, it balances the almond and citrus flavors.
- All-Purpose Flour: The structure builder for these bars.
- Baking Powder: Gives just enough lift without making the bars cakey.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- White Baking Chips: Melts in spots and adds creamy sweetness.
- Dried Cranberries: The star ingredient with bursts of tartness.
- Chopped Walnuts: Adds a toasty crunch that complements the berries and the creamy frosting wonderfully.
- Cream Cheese (for frosting): Softened cream cheese is essential for smooth, dreamy frosting.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting without graininess.
- Orange Zest (optional): I love this touch—it brightens the frosting and pairs beautifully with cranberries.
Variations
I’m all about making recipes your own, so feel free to tweak this Cranberry Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe to fit your taste or what’s in your pantry. I’ve tried a few variations that really worked, and I think you’ll enjoy experimenting, too.
- Nut-Free Version: Swap walnuts for toasted pumpkin seeds or just leave them out completely—I promise the bars still taste amazing.
- Fresh Cranberries: If you want a punchier tartness, fold in fresh chopped cranberries along with dried ones, but increase sugar slightly to balance.
- Citrus Twist: Adding lemon zest alongside orange zest in the frosting amps up the brightness and freshness beautifully.
- Dark Chocolate Chips: Replace white baking chips with dark chocolate chips for a richer chocolate-berry combo that my family tends to go crazy over.
How to Make Cranberry Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Creaming the Butter and Sugar
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, grab a large mixing bowl and beat the softened butter with sugar until it’s light, fluffy, and pale in color—this usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. The fluffiness here makes a big difference in the final texture, so don’t rush this step! I use a stand mixer but a hand mixer works just as well.
Step 2: Adding Eggs, Sour Cream, and Extracts
Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This builds structure. Then stir in the sour cream, almond extract, and vanilla extract until everything’s blended smoothly. The sour cream really keeps these bars moist in such a lovely way you won’t believe.
Step 3: Mixing Dry Ingredients and Folding in Extras
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to your wet ingredients, mixing just until combined so you don’t overwork the batter. Then gently fold in white baking chips, dried cranberries, and chopped walnuts. This step is where your bars get their signature texture and flavor combo.
Step 4: Baking the Bars
Pour the batter into a greased 15x10x1-inch pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before frosting — patience here makes your frosting shine perfectly!
Step 5: Making the Cream Cheese Frosting
For the frosting, beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Add orange zest if you’re using it, along with the vanilla extract, and then gradually beat in the confectioners’ sugar. The frosting should be silky and spreadable — not too runny, not too stiff.
Step 6: Frost and Garnish
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. I love sprinkling chopped dried cranberries on top for an extra pop of color and tart flavor. A little more orange zest on top never hurts either—it looks beautiful and smells amazing. Then slice into bars or triangles and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making Cranberry Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temp for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add flour, mix just until combined; overmixing makes bars dense instead of soft and tender.
- Cooling Is Key: Always cool the bars fully before frosting to prevent melting or sliding.
- Use Fresh Zest: Freshly grated orange zest makes a huge flavor difference versus pre-packaged dried zest.
How to Serve Cranberry Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it simple with chopped dried cranberries and a little extra orange zest on top, but sometimes a few sprigs of fresh rosemary make the perfect festive garnish that’s both aromatic and pretty. If it’s winter holidays, I might sprinkle powdered sugar for a snowy look – it’s always a hit.
Side Dishes
These bars shine on their own as dessert or snack, but they also pair beautifully with a cup of hot coffee or spiced tea for a cozy afternoon break. At holiday brunches, I love serving them alongside fresh fruit salad or yogurt for a balanced spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I once arranged the bars in a circular pattern on a pretty platter and topped the center with a small bowl of extra cranberries and nuts, turning it into a festive centerpiece. You could even drizzle melted white chocolate or cranberry glaze for a more dramatic look—your guests will be impressed!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover cranberry bars covered tightly in the fridge. The cream cheese frosting keeps them fresh and soft for up to 4-5 days, though frankly they rarely last that long in my house! Use an airtight container to avoid drying out.
Freezing
If I want to make these ahead of time, I freeze the unfrosted bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to serve, I thaw them overnight in the fridge and then frost fresh on the day. The texture remains excellent, and the frosting tastes just like homemade.
Reheating
I don’t recommend reheating the frosted bars since the cream cheese frosting can melt, but if you want a slightly warmed treat, remove the frosting first and warm the bar for 10-15 seconds in the microwave. Then add frosting back on or enjoy as is.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried in this Cranberry Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe?
Yes, you can use fresh cranberries, but keep in mind they’re more tart and contain more moisture, which may affect the texture slightly. To balance tartness, consider increasing the sugar by a tablespoon or two. Also, chopping them will help distribute the flavor better without large bursts.
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How thick should the bars be when baking?
The bars should be spread evenly in a 15x10x1-inch pan, about 1 inch thick. This thickness helps them bake evenly—too thin, and they can dry out; too thick, and they may need extra baking time.
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Can I make this Cranberry Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup for cup. Be sure the blend has xanthan gum or another binder to maintain the right texture. The bars may be slightly denser but still delicious.
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How do I prevent the cream cheese frosting from getting too runny?
Make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened but not melted. Beat them well before adding powdered sugar gradually. If the frosting feels too soft, chill it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to firm up before spreading.
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What’s the best way to cut these bars without cracking the frosting?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts to create smooth edges. For extra clean slices, chill the frosted bars for at least an hour, which firms up the frosting and makes cutting easier.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it combines classic flavors with a texture that feels like a hug in dessert form. I remember sharing these bars over coffee with my family and hearing everyone’s happy sighs. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and find the same joy—and maybe make it a new kitchen favorite like I have. Happy baking, friend!
Print
Cranberry Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes (excluding cooling time)
- Yield: 4 dozen bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these festive Cranberry Bars topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Featuring a buttery, tender base studded with white baking chips, dried cranberries, and crunchy walnuts, these bars offer a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. Finished with a smooth cream cheese frosting enhanced by a hint of orange zest and sprinkled with more dried cranberries, they make a festive treat ideal for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a fruity, creamy dessert bar.
Ingredients
Base:
- 3/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup white baking chips
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Frosting:
- 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon grated orange zest (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready while you prepare the batter.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes 5 to 7 minutes. This step is crucial for a tender texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Gradually beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the sour cream and the almond and vanilla extracts until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of the leavening agent and salt.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, beating until everything is just combined without overmixing.
- Fold in Chips, Cranberries, and Nuts: Gently fold in the white baking chips, dried cranberries, and chopped walnuts to evenly distribute them throughout the batter.
- Prepare Baking Pan: Grease a 15 x 10 x 1-inch baking pan and spread the batter evenly inside it to create a uniform layer.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely on a wire rack to set properly before frosting.
- Make Frosting: In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, butter, orange zest (if using), and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Add Sugar: Gradually beat in the confectioners’ sugar until the frosting reaches a smooth and spreadable consistency.
- Frost Bars: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the chopped dried cranberries on top and optionally add more orange zest for extra color and flavor.
- Cut and Store: Cut bars into squares or triangles. Refrigerate any leftovers to keep them fresh.
Notes
- Ensure eggs and sour cream are at room temperature for even mixing and better texture.
- Do not overmix the batter once flour is added to avoid tough bars.
- White baking chips can be substituted with white chocolate chips if preferred.
- Optional orange zest adds a bright citrus note; omit if desired.
- Store leftover bars in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and frosting texture.
- For a nut-free version, omit walnuts or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (based on 48 bars)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 1.2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
