Name: Cranberry Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 2 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries; ½ cup granulated sugar (for cranberry filling); 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling); 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting); 2 tablespoons heavy cream

Rich, vibrant, and irresistibly festive, these Cranberry Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are everything you want in a holiday dessert. Imagine tart cranberries bursting with flavor layered over a buttery graham cracker crust, all topped with a thick, creamy blanket of tangy-sweet cream cheese frosting. Each bite strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tart, smooth and crunchy.

Whether you’re hosting a cozy winter gathering or looking to brighten a dreary day, these bars offer a pop of color and flavor that’s hard to beat. They’re simple to make but have a stunning presentation, making them a go-to for both casual dinners and special occasions. This is the kind of treat that has people asking for the recipe before they’ve even finished their slice.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Perfect Balance of Flavors: The natural tartness of cranberries pairs beautifully with the velvety cream cheese frosting and a buttery crust.
Gorgeous Presentation: With their rich red hue and creamy topping, these bars add instant visual appeal to your dessert table.
Make-Ahead Friendly: These bars keep well, making them perfect for prepping a day or two ahead of events.
Holiday Favorite: Cranberries and cream cheese feel made for the holidays, but you’ll want to eat these year-round.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To get the best results and a hassle-free experience, having the right tools on hand is key:

9×9 or 8×8 Inch Baking Pan: The ideal size for achieving just the right thickness for each layer.
Food Processor or Rolling Pin: A food processor is great for making a uniform graham cracker crust. A rolling pin works well if you’re doing it by hand.
Mixing Bowls: At least two bowls—one for the crust and cranberries, another for the cream cheese frosting.
Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: Essential for whipping the cream cheese to that perfect airy consistency.
Rubber Spatula: Makes spreading the frosting smooth and easy.

These tools don’t just make your work easier; they also help ensure your cranberry bars turn out bakery-worthy every time.

Ingredients for the Cranberry Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Graham Cracker Crumbs: These create the buttery, crunchy base that supports the bar structure and adds a toasty flavor.
Unsalted Butter: Helps bind the crust and adds richness.
Granulated Sugar: Used in both the crust and the cranberry layer to balance tartness.
Fresh or Frozen Cranberries: The star of the show—tart, juicy, and bursting with flavor.
Cornstarch: Thickens the cranberry filling to make it hold its shape.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances both the cranberry filling and the frosting.
Cream Cheese: The main component of the frosting, providing a tangy contrast.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the frosting for a smooth finish.
Heavy Cream: Gives the frosting a light, spreadable consistency.

How To Make the Cranberry Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Make the Graham Cracker Crust

Crush the graham crackers in a food processor or bag with a rolling pin until fine. Mix with melted butter and sugar. Press firmly into a lined 9×9 baking pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes until set. Let it cool.

Step 2: Cook the Cranberry Layer

In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, a splash of water, and cornstarch. Simmer until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens (about 8–10 minutes). Stir in vanilla extract and let it cool to room temp.

Step 3: Spread the Cranberry Mixture

Evenly distribute the cranberry mixture over the cooled crust, smoothing it out with a spatula. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.

Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream. Beat until fluffy and spreadable.

Step 5: Frost and Garnish

Spread the frosting evenly over the cranberry layer. For extra flair, top with a few extra cranberries or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate for 1–2 hours to set fully. Slice into bars and serve chilled for best texture and flavor.

How to Serve and Store Cranberry Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Serve these cranberry bars slightly chilled or at room temperature for the best texture. The creamy frosting firms up beautifully in the fridge, offering a smooth contrast to the tart cranberry layer and crisp crust.

These bars are perfect as a festive dessert or a sweet bite alongside coffee or tea. For serving at gatherings, slice them into neat squares or rectangles using a sharp, clean knife.

To store, cover the bars tightly with plastic wrap or keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days. If stacking, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. While freezing isn’t ideal for cream cheese frostings, the base and cranberry layer can be frozen separately and frosted later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh or frozen?

Fresh or frozen cranberries are essential for the right burst of tartness and juicy texture. Dried cranberries won’t give the same result but can be rehydrated in warm water as a backup.

What can I substitute for graham crackers?

You can use digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even a shortbread cookie base for a richer flavor.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely. They are even better the next day after the layers have had time to meld. Just store them in the fridge until ready to serve.

How can I make the frosting even fluffier?

Whip the heavy cream separately and fold it into the cream cheese mixture for an ultra-light texture.

Are these bars freezer-friendly?

It’s best to freeze only the base and cranberry layer. Add the cream cheese frosting after thawing for the best consistency.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, but keep in mind the cranberries are very tart. Adjusting the sugar in the filling or frosting will affect the balance of flavors.

Want More Dessert Bar Ideas?

If you love these Cranberry Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting, you’ll definitely want to try these other dessert bars and treats from my kitchen:

Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake for a fruity, creamy indulgence in minutes.
Amish Applesauce Cake for a spiced, old-fashioned favorite.
Pecan Pie Lasagna if you’re craving layered sweetness with crunch.
Quick and Simple Oatmeal Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars for a chewy, protein-packed option.
Brownie Refrigerator Cake when you want chocolate decadence without turning on the oven.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time: Kitchen By Kate on Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how your bars turned out. Did you go heavy on the cranberries or add a twist to the frosting? I love hearing your creative spins on these recipes. Got questions? Drop them below—I’m always happy to help you bake better.