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Cranberry Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 83 reviews
  • Author: Lisa
  • 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

Scale

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
  • 11/2 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

  1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready while you prepare the batter.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, beating until everything is just combined without overmixing.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. Cool: Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely on a wire rack to set properly before frosting.
  10. Make Frosting: In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, butter, orange zest (if using), and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
  11. Add Sugar: Gradually beat in the confectioners’ sugar until the frosting reaches a smooth and spreadable consistency.
  12. Frost Bars: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars.
  13. Garnish: Sprinkle the chopped dried cranberries on top and optionally add more orange zest for extra color and flavor.
  14. 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