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Cranberry Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Cranberry Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting


  • Author: Julia Walton
  • Total Time: 35 minutes + chilling
  • Yield: 9 bars
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Cranberry Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are everything you want in a dessert—sweet, tart, creamy, and crunchy all in one bite. With a buttery cookie crust, a thick layer of cream cheese, and a vibrant cranberry topping, these bars make the perfect treat for the holidays or any time you need a festive dessert idea. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family gathering or looking for a new favorite to add to your list of easy dessert recipes, these cranberry bars are a crowd-pleaser. Packed with bold flavors, this dish checks all the boxes for a delicious, easy recipe, perfect for parties, potlucks, or late-night snacking. Great for anyone looking for quick dessert ideas, Thanksgiving food ideas, or even a unique breakfast idea with a sweet twist.


Ingredients

1 1/2 cups graham cracker or pecan cookie crumbs

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 1/2 cups whole cranberries (fresh or frozen)

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 tablespoon water

16 oz cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup granulated sugar (for cream cheese mixture)

1/4 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup fresh cranberries for topping


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and press into a baking dish. Bake for 8–10 minutes and let cool.

2. In a saucepan, cook cranberries, granulated sugar, brown sugar, water, and cornstarch over medium heat until thick and jammy. Let it cool.

3. Beat cream cheese, sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.

4. Spread half the cranberry mixture over the cooled crust. Layer the cream cheese filling over it.

5. Spoon remaining cranberry mixture on top and gently swirl. Top with fresh cranberries.

6. Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight. Slice and serve chilled.

Notes

Let the cranberry compote cool before layering to prevent melting the cream cheese.

Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture and flavor.

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Bake
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 325
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 140mg
  • Fat: 21g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: easy dessert, cranberry bars, holiday recipe, cream cheese frosting