Cranberry Bars

Oh wow, these bars look so bright and yummy. I made cranberry bars, and they smell amazing. They feel fun to eat.

They are soft and a little tart too. I took a bite and said, hmm, so good. The cranberries make them extra tasty.

And, like, I wanted more fast. They are perfect for snacking or sharing. I kept reaching for one more.

So yeah, let’s make them together. They are super easy, I promise. You’ll love every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Reader Favorite: Fans of this recipe can’t get enough! “These bars are a family favorite,” one reader says. “I make them every holiday season!”
• Sweet and Tangy: The tartness of cranberries combined with the sweetness of the sugar and spices gives these bars a well-balanced flavor.
• Simple to Make: You only need a few ingredients and about 45 minutes to whip these up.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for holidays, parties, or just as a delicious snack any time of year.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake ahead and store these bars for several days – they taste even better after they’ve rested!

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we get started, here’s what you’ll need to make these Cranberry Bars:

• 9×13-inch baking pan: The perfect size for baking this recipe in one go.
• Mixing bowls: For combining your dry and wet ingredients.
• Whisk and spoon/spatula: To mix your ingredients and spread the topping evenly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accuracy with your ingredients.
• Microwave-safe bowl (optional): For melting the butter quickly.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these flavorful and comforting cranberry bars (exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below):

For the Cranberry Filling:

• Fresh Cranberries (12 oz package): You can use frozen cranberries as well, but fresh cranberries provide a more vibrant, tart flavor.
• White Sugar (1 cup): Balances the tartness of the cranberries and creates the syrupy filling.
• Water (¾ cup): Helps cook down the cranberries into a sweet, thick filling.

For the Oatmeal Crumble Topping:

• Yellow Cake Mix (15.25 oz package): Provides the bulk of the crumble topping. This is a shortcut ingredient that brings the perfect balance of texture and flavor.
• Melted Butter (¾ cup): Adds richness to the crumble topping, making it buttery and crisp.
• Eggs (2 large): Bind the ingredients together to form a cookie-like dough for the topping.
• Rolled Oats (1 cup): The heart of the topping, offering a chewy, hearty texture.
• Light Brown Sugar (¾ cup, packed): Adds a deep sweetness and a touch of molasses to complement the oats.
• Ground Ginger (1 tsp): Adds warmth and spice to the cranberry filling and topping.
• Ground Cinnamon (1 tsp): Works with the ginger to create a comforting, spiced flavor in the bars.

Variations for Cranberry Bars

Want to mix things up? Here are a few variations you can try to customize your Cranberry Bars:

• Add Nuts: Walnuts, pecans, or almonds work wonderfully in the oatmeal topping, adding crunch and nuttiness.
• Use Different Fruit: Swap out cranberries for other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or even chopped apples for a different flavor profile.
• Increase the Spice: Add a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg to the filling for an extra kick of spice.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free cake mix and certified gluten-free oats to make these bars gluten-free.
• Orange Zest: Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the cranberry filling for a citrusy brightness that pairs wonderfully with cranberries.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cranberry Filling

Start by cooking the cranberries down into a jam-like filling. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, white sugar, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and soften into a thick sauce. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once the cranberries are broken down, remove the saucepan from the heat and set aside to cool while you prepare the topping.

2. Make the Oatmeal Crumble Topping

Next, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, eggs, oats, brown sugar, ginger, and cinnamon. Use a spoon or spatula to stir until everything is well combined. The mixture should form a thick, dough-like consistency, almost like a crumbly cookie dough. Set aside about 1 cup of the oatmeal crumble mixture for the topping.

3. Assemble the Cranberry Bars

Spread the cranberry filling evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Once the cranberry filling is in place, sprinkle the remaining oatmeal crumble topping over the cranberry layer. You want to cover the entire cranberry filling with an even layer of the oat crumble.

4. Bake the Cranberry Bars

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cranberry filling is bubbling at the edges. If you’re unsure, gently press on the topping – it should feel firm to the touch and not overly soft.

5. Cool and Slice

Allow the cranberry bars to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This will help them firm up and make slicing easier. Once cooled, slice them into bars (12-16 bars depending on your preference). Let them cool completely before serving.

How to Serve Cranberry Bars

These Cranberry Bars are delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas for serving and decorating them:

• Serve as a Snack: These bars are perfect for breakfast, lunchboxes, or as a quick snack during the day.
• Top with Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: For an extra indulgent treat, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Serve with a Cup of Tea or Coffee: These bars pair beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a comforting, cozy treat.
• Drizzle with Glaze: Make a simple powdered sugar glaze (mix powdered sugar with a splash of milk or water) and drizzle over the cooled bars for a sweet, finishing touch.

Storing Cranberry Bars

• Room Temperature: These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
• Refrigerate: If you want them to last longer, you can store the cranberry bars in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Freeze: These bars freeze wonderfully! To freeze, let them cool completely and place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw them at room temperature for 2-3 hours.

Nutrition with Table Format

Here’s a quick look at the approximate nutritional content of one Cranberry Bar (based on a 12-serving recipe):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	250 kcal
Total Fat	12g
Saturated Fat	7g
Cholesterol	35mg
Sodium	60mg
Total Carbohydrates	35g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Sugars	20g
Protein	2g

Conclusion

Cranberry Bars are a perfect combination of tart cranberries, warm spices, and a buttery oatmeal crumble topping. They’re easy to make, versatile, and sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re enjoying them with family and friends or storing them for a sweet snack, these bars will keep you coming back for more. I can’t wait for you to try them! Let me know how they turn out and if you made any variations to make them your own.