Description
These Cranberry Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect make-ahead dessert for the holidays or any festive gathering. With a buttery pecan crust, vibrant layers of fresh cranberry filling, and rich cream cheese frosting, this easy recipe balances tart and sweet in every bite. Ideal for anyone looking for holiday treats, easy dessert ideas, or show-stopping food ideas, these bars are great for potlucks, parties, or a cozy evening in. Whether you’re after a quick make-ahead dessert or eye-catching holiday snack, this recipe checks every box.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
3 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup heavy cream
Extra cranberries
Powdered sugar
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a food processor, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Add cold butter and pulse to coarse crumbs. Stir in pecans. Press into greased 9×13 pan and bake for 18-20 mins. Cool completely.
2. In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and water. Bring to a simmer. Once cranberries burst, stir in cornstarch dissolved in 1 tbsp water. Simmer until thickened. Add vanilla. Cool slightly.
3. Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Pour in cold cream and beat to soft peaks.
4. Spread half the cranberry filling over cooled crust. Layer cream cheese mixture on top gently. Add remaining cranberry mixture over that. Garnish if desired.
5. Chill for at least 3 hours or overnight. Slice with a clean sharp knife and serve cold.
Notes
Use cold butter for a crisp, firm crust that holds its shape.
Chill completely before slicing to preserve clean layers.
You can prepare the crust and cranberry layer a day ahead for smoother assembly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: cranberry dessert, cream cheese bars, holiday treats, make ahead dessert, easy dessert, fruit bar