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Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars Recipe
Welcome to the festive season with a delightful treat that perfectly encapsulates the holiday spirit. These Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of the season. As you take your first bite, you’ll be transported to a cozy winter wonderland filled with the aroma of cinnamon and the taste of warm spices.
Each layer of these bars offers a symphony of flavors and textures, from the buttery crust to the chewy cranberry filling, topped with a crunchy streusel. The burst of red cranberries against the golden backdrop of the bars makes them not only a delicious treat but also a visually stunning addition to your holiday table.
Whether you are hosting a festive gathering or simply enjoying a quiet evening by the fireplace, these Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars are sure to evoke feelings of warmth and joy. So, let’s dive into the recipe and create a memorable dessert that will become a holiday tradition in your home.
Let’s get started on this delightful baking journey that promises to fill your home with the scents of Christmas and your taste buds with pure delight.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you are a fan of holiday desserts that strike the perfect balance between sweet and tart, these Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars are a must-try.
The combination of cranberries and warm spices creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and festive, making these bars ideal for Christmas celebrations or cozy gatherings.
With a buttery crust, chewy cranberry filling, and crunchy streusel topping, these bars offer a delightful textural experience that will leave you craving more.
These Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars are versatile and can be enjoyed as a dessert, snack, or even a sweet breakfast treat alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to create these delicious Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars:
| Cranberries | Fresh or frozen, 2 cups |
| All-Purpose Flour | 1 1/2 cups |
| Granulated Sugar | 1 cup |
| Butter | 1 cup (2 sticks), softened |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
These simple yet flavorful ingredients come together to create a festive dessert that will impress your guests and delight your taste buds.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Reserve 1 1/2 cups of the mixture for the streusel topping. Press the remaining mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
4. In another bowl, mix the cranberries and eggs. Spread this mixture over the crust in the baking dish.
5. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the cranberry layer.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Allow the bars to cool before cutting into squares.
7. Serve and enjoy these Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra festive touch.
Tips for Success
1. For a more intense flavor, consider adding orange zest to the cranberry filling.
2. Make sure to cool the bars completely before cutting to ensure clean slices.
3. These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for longer freshness.
4. Experiment with different nuts in the streusel for added crunch and flavor.
Variations & Substitutions
If you’re looking to switch up this recipe, here are a few creative variations to try:
1. Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel for a nutty twist.
2. Substitute half of the cranberries with diced apples for a fruity flavor combination.
3. Drizzle a simple vanilla glaze over the cooled bars for an extra touch of sweetness.
What to Serve With It
These Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars pair perfectly with a variety of accompaniments:
1. A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a creamy contrast to the tart cranberries.
2. Serve these bars alongside a warm mug of spiced cider or a glass of mulled wine for a cozy holiday treat.
3. For a festive touch, garnish each bar with a sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of edible gold glitter.
Storage & Reheating
To store these bars, place them in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer to refrigerate them, they will stay fresh for up to a week.
When reheating, place the bars in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. This will help maintain the bars’ texture and keep the cranberry filling moist.
Nutrition Facts
Here is the approximate nutritional information for one serving of Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars:
| Calories | 220 |
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbs | 30g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 18g |
| Sodium | 150mg |
These Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars are a delightful holiday indulgence that can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Overbaking the bars can result in a dry and crumbly texture. Be sure to watch them closely towards the end of the baking time.
2. Using canned cranberry sauce instead of fresh or frozen cranberries can alter the taste and texture of the bars.
3. Skipping the step of reserving some of the crumb mixture for the topping can lead to uneven distribution and texture in the bars.
FAQ
1. Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute dried cranberries for fresh ones, but be sure to adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe accordingly.
2. Can I freeze these bars?
Absolutely! These bars freeze well for up to 3 months. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
3. How can I make these bars gluten-free?
You can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour to make these bars gluten-free while maintaining their delicious taste and texture.
Conclusion
Get ready to impress your family and friends with these Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars that are as delightful to look at as they are to eat. The perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, combined with a medley of textures, makes these bars a standout dessert for any holiday occasion.
We hope you enjoy baking and savoring these festive treats as much as we do. Share your feedback and experiences with us, and don’t forget to spread the holiday cheer by sharing this recipe with your loved ones.
If you’re looking for more holiday dessert inspiration, be sure to check out our Creamy Peppermint Cheesecake recipe for another festive delight!
Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars Recipe
Delight in the festive season with Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars, a delightful dessert combining the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of the season. Each layer offers a symphony of flavors and textures, from a buttery crust to a chewy cranberry filling, topped with a crunchy streusel.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Cranberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 cup Butter, softened
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, mix flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Set aside 1 1/2 cups of the mixture for the streusel topping. Press the rest into the bottom of the baking dish.
- In another bowl, combine cranberries and eggs, then spread over the crust in the dish.
- Evenly sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the cranberry layer.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown. Let it cool before cutting into squares.
- Serve the Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars with a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
