Can I use canned cranberry sauce instead of homemade?

Yes, both canned and homemade cranberry sauce work well for cranberry bars. If using canned, especially the jellied type, gently heat it on the stovetop and break it down with a spoon until spreadable. Homemade sauce, however, gives a fresher taste and more texture.

How do I make cranberry bars gluten-free?

To make gluten-free cranberry bars, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend that includes xanthan gum. This will ensure the crumble maintains its structure and doesn’t fall apart. All other ingredients remain the same.

Can cranberry bars be frozen?

Absolutely! Cranberry bars freeze beautifully. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm slightly in the oven for a just-baked feel.

Cranberry Bars – Best Holiday Dessert

Name: Cranberry Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup butter, melted; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)

Description

These easy Cranberry Bars feature a buttery crust and crumble topping paired with a sweet-tart cranberry filling. They’re perfect for using up leftover cranberry sauce and come together in just 40 minutes. Ideal for the holidays or any time you want a fruity, comforting dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

3/4 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the melted butter and sugar until combined.
Add flour, baking powder, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt to the bowl. Mix until the mixture is crumbly.
Press half of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a crust layer.
Spread the cranberry sauce evenly over the crust, reaching all edges.
Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the cranberry layer, lightly pressing it down.
Bake for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and edges are set.
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting and slicing into squares.

Notes

Use homemade cranberry sauce for better flavor and texture.
If using canned cranberry sauce, warm and mash it slightly to make it easier to spread.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Bars can be frozen individually wrapped for longer storage.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 328 kcal
Sugar: 23 g
Sodium: 257 mg
Fat: 16 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 1 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 3 g
Cholesterol: 41 mg