Cranberry-Orange Bars are a bright, tangy treat packed with fresh cranberries and zesty orange flavor. They have a soft, crumbly crust that melts in your mouth, topped with a sweet and slightly tart cranberry-orange filling that feels like a little bite of sunshine. These bars bring together the perfect balance of sweet and tart in a simple, delicious way.
I love making these bars when I want something fresh and cheerful, especially during the colder months when you’re craving a bit of brightness. I find that the orange zest really lifts the cranberries and gives the whole bar a wonderful, fresh aroma. Plus, they’re easy to slice and share, which makes them a great choice for sharing with friends or enjoying as a small snack throughout the day.
My favorite way to serve them is chilled or at room temperature alongside a cup of tea or coffee. They’re perfect for an afternoon treat or even a light dessert after dinner. If you’re like me and sometimes want a little extra sweetness, a drizzle of simple icing on top makes the bars even more special without overwhelming that beautiful cranberry-orange flavor.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness and helps the crust become tender and crumbly. If you need a dairy-free option, try a plant-based butter that’s firm when cold.
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries give a tart burst and great texture. You can use frozen, just thaw and drain them well to avoid extra moisture.
Orange zest and juice: These brighten the flavor and balance the tartness of the cranberries. If fresh oranges aren’t available, you can use bottled orange juice, but zest adds the best punch.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens both the crust and filling. For a less sweet bar, reduce sugar slightly or try coconut sugar for a subtle caramel note.
Cornstarch: This thickens the cranberry filling so it sets well. If you don’t have cornstarch, arrowroot powder or tapioca starch work just as well.
How Do You Get the Perfect Crumbly Crust and Topping?
The crust and topping are key to the texture of these bars. Here’s how to get that crumbly, buttery result:
- Cream softened butter with sugar until fluffy; this traps air for a lighter crust.
- Add flour and salt gently; mix just until combined to avoid tough dough.
- Press two-thirds of the dough firmly into the pan for a solid base.
- Use the remaining dough to crumble loosely over the filling—don’t pack it down, so you keep that crumbly texture.
- Bake until the topping turns golden and the filling bubbles; this ensures the crust cooks through without drying out.
Cooling completely before slicing helps the bars hold their shape better too. I find chilling them slightly makes cutting much easier and crumbs less messy!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking pan – perfect size for even baking and easy slicing of bars.
- Parchment paper – helps lift the bars out cleanly without sticking.
- Mixing bowls – you’ll need separate ones for crust and cranberry filling.
- Electric mixer or hand mixer – makes creaming butter and sugar quick and smooth.
- Zester or grater – to add fresh orange zest that really brightens the flavor.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient amounts.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap cranberries for raspberries or cherries for a different fruity tartness that pairs well with orange.
- Add chopped toasted pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping for extra crunch and a nutty flavor.
- Mix in a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or ginger to the filling for warm, cozy spice notes.
- Try using lemon zest and juice instead of orange for a sharper citrus kick that changes the flavor profile.
How to Make Cranberry-Orange Bars?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Crust and Topping:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For The Cranberry Filling:
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- Zest of 1 large orange
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For Serving:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 40-45 minutes to bake. After baking, allow the bars to cool completely, which can take around 30 minutes to 1 hour. Total time needed is roughly 1.5 hours.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Baking Pan and Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to help lift the bars out easily once baked.
2. Make the Crust:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 3/4 cup sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then, add the flour and salt, mixing just until the dough comes together. The dough will be crumbly but should hold when you press it.
3. Form the Crust Layer:
Press about two-thirds of this dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Use your hands or the back of a spoon to firmly pack it down to create a solid crust.
4. Prepare the Cranberry Filling:
In a separate bowl, combine the fresh cranberries, 1 cup sugar, orange zest, orange juice, and cornstarch. Stir well until all cranberries are well coated and the cornstarch is evenly mixed in.
5. Add the Filling and Topping:
Spread the cranberry filling evenly over the crust layer in the pan. Then, crumble the remaining third of the dough over the cranberry layer to create a crumbly topping.
6. Bake and Cool:
Bake your bars in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the crumb topping turns golden and you can see the cranberry filling bubbling around the edges.
Remove from the oven and set the pan on a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan and cut into squares.
7. Serve:
Before serving, dust the bars lightly with powdered sugar for a pretty finishing touch. These bars taste great chilled or at room temperature.
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries — just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mixing with the other filling ingredients to avoid a soggy crust.
How Should I Store Leftover Bars?
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them tightly wrapped for up to 2 months.
Can I Substitute Orange for Another Citrus?
Absolutely! Lemon zest and juice can be used instead of orange for a sharper, tangy flavor, or try lime for a more tropical twist.
Is It Okay to Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can bake the bars a day ahead and store them covered at room temperature or in the fridge. Just bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.