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–+ servings
Moist Christmas cranberry bars topped with festive icing and cranberries.

Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars

These festive cranberry bars feature a soft and chewy texture with a crispy top, blending tart-sweet cranberries with warm spices, ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy gifts.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 200
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 cups fresh cranberries (or frozen, thawed)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional for added flavor)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour For a gluten-free option, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 unit Zest of 1 orange
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, toss the fresh cranberries with 1 tablespoon of flour to prevent them from sinking.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts, along with the orange zest.
  5. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the wet mixture.
  6. Fold in the cranberries and nuts (if using).
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.
Baking
  1. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  2. Allow the bars to cool before slicing them into squares.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 2gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15g

Notes

Serve warm as a cozy treat or wrap for gifts. For variations, consider adding peppermint extract or a drizzle of white chocolate.

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