Description
These Cranberry Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a festive dessert bar recipe with a perfect balance of tart cranberries, sweet creamy frosting, and a buttery graham cracker crust. Ideal for holidays, make-ahead gatherings, and year-round sweet cravings.
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
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and ¼ cup sugar. Press into the prepared pan to form an even crust. Bake for 8–10 minutes until set. Let cool.
3. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, ½ cup sugar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and a splash of water. Simmer until cranberries burst and mixture thickens (about 8–10 minutes). Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Let cool to room temperature.
4. Spread the cooled cranberry mixture over the crust evenly. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
5. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and heavy cream. Beat until light and fluffy.
6. Spread the frosting evenly over the cranberry layer using a spatula. Optional: top with extra cranberries or a dusting of powdered sugar.
7. Chill the bars for 1–2 hours until fully set. Slice into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
Let the cranberry filling cool completely before adding the frosting to prevent melting.
For an ultra-light frosting, whip the cream separately and fold it into the cream cheese mixture.
Use parchment paper to easily lift the bars out of the pan for cleaner slicing.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert Bars
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 135mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg