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Cranberry Bars

Cranberry Bars: The Easy Make-Ahead Holiday Treat You’ll Love

Delightful Cranberry Bars combining sweet and tart flavors with a buttery crumb topping, perfect for holiday gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Batter
  • 2 cups Fresh or Frozen Cranberries Use frozen cranberries straight from the freezer for vibrant tartness.
  • 1 cup Butter Softened for the base, cold for crumb topping.
  • 1 cup Sugar
  • 2 cups Flour Provides necessary structure.
  • 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
  • 0.5 teaspoons Salt A pinch elevates flavor.
  • 2 large Eggs Binds ingredients together.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1 tablespoon Orange Zest Adds a festive touch.
  • 0.5 cups Sour Cream Contributes creaminess and richness.
For the Crumb Topping
  • 0.5 cups Flour Keeps topping light and crumbly.
  • 0.5 cups Sugar Sweetens the topping.
  • 0.25 teaspoons Salt Enhances sweetness.
  • 0.5 cups Cold Butter Ensures a crumbly finish.

Equipment

  • 9-inch square baking pan
  • Mixing Bowls
  • electric mixer

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C) and grease a 9-inch square baking pan.
    Cranberry Bars
  2. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
    Cranberry Bars
  3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and orange zest.
    Cranberry Bars
  4. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
    Cranberry Bars
  5. Alternately add the sifted flour mixture and sour cream, starting and ending with flour.
    Cranberry Bars
  6. Fold in the cranberries gently.
    Cranberry Bars
  7. Prepare the crumb topping by combining flour, sugar, and salt; cut in cold butter until crumbly.
    Cranberry Bars
  8. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan, sprinkle additional cranberries, and crumble the topping over the batter.
    Cranberry Bars
  9. Bake for 45-50 minutes until edges are golden and center is firm.
    Cranberry Bars
  10. Cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
    Cranberry Bars

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 2gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3.5gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 250IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Ensure butter is at the correct temperature for different parts of the recipe. Store in an airtight container.

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