Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars
235
18
1.30k
When the holiday season rolls around, there’s nothing quite like the taste of freshly baked cranberry bars to get you in the festive spirit. I firmly believe that the comfort of festive flavors should be accessible to everyone, and that’s exactly what this Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars recipe offers. Bursting with the tartness of fresh cranberries paired with a buttery, cake-like base, these bars are not just delightful in taste but also incredibly easy to whip up. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or looking for a sweet treat for the family, these cranberry bars quickly become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
There are plenty of reasons to add these Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars to your baking repertoire. First and foremost, they’re straightforward to prepare, making them a fantastic option even for beginner bakers. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a batch that’s delightful enough for a holiday dessert table but also suitable for everyday snacking. The vibrant colors and tart-sweet flavors of cranberries embody a festive spirit, making them perfect for sharing with friends and family during the holiday season.
“These cranberry bars are a holiday must-have in our home! They’re moist and bursting with flavor. Everyone asks for the recipe!”
The Cooking Process Explained
Creating these scrumptious cranberry bars involves a simple step-by-step process. You’ll start by preparing your oven and baking pan, then move on to blending your dry and wet ingredients separately. The final touch comes when you gently fold in those vibrant, fresh cranberries, allowing their natural tartness to shine through in every bite. The result is a deliciously moist treat that’s sure to impress.
What You’ll Need
Gather these items to make your holiday baking experience seamless:
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Feel free to experiment with substitutions. For example, you can use frozen cranberries if fresh ones aren’t available, just make sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now let’s get to the fun part—baking these delightful bars! Follow these easy directions for a guaranteed win:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9×9 inch baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs with the granulated sugar until creamy. Then, add the melted butter and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until everything is just combined.
- Gently fold in the fresh cranberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed in the batter.
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
These Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars are delightfully versatile. Serve them on a festive platter dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant touch, or offer a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside a warm piece for a comforting dessert. For an added flourish, consider drizzling a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the top for extra sweetness.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
To store your cranberry bars, cool them completely and then place them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for about 2-3 days, or you can refrigerate them for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them at a later date, feel free to freeze the bars. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Be gentle when folding in the cranberries—overmixing can cause them to break, which may affect the texture.
- For a hint of zest, consider adding the zest of an orange or lemon to the batter; it complements the cranberries beautifully!
- For even moisture, let the bars sit covered for a few hours before slicing; this enhances the flavors.
Creative Twists
Feel free to make this recipe your own! Swap cranberries for blueberries or raspberries for a different fruit flavor, or add a handful of chopped nuts to the batter for some crunch. For a festive boost, sprinkle some cinnamon or nutmeg into your dry ingredients; it beautifully complements the cranberries.
Your Questions Answered
How long does it take to prepare?
The prep time is about 15 minutes, and baking takes around 30 minutes, making this a quick holiday treat!
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can bake these bars a few days ahead of time. Just store them properly to keep them fresh.
What if I can’t find fresh cranberries?
No problem! Frozen cranberries work just as well. Just ensure they are thawed and well-drained before using.
In conclusion, these Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars encapsulate the festive spirit in every bite, making them a delightful addition to your holiday celebrations. Happy baking!
Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9x9 inch baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs with the granulated sugar until creamy. Then, add the melted butter and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until everything is just combined.
- Gently fold in the fresh cranberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed in the batter.
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares.
