Name: 31 Irresistible Christmas Cranberry Orange Bars You'll Crave
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour: for the base; 1/2 cup butter, softened: for richness; 1/4 cup sugar: to sweeten the crust; 1 cup fresh cranberries: for tartness; 1/2 cup orange juice: for citrus flavor; 1/2 cup sugar: for the filling; 1 tbsp cornstarch: to thicken; 1 tsp orange zest: for extra aroma

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe·Leave a Review

Nothing says Christmas like the scent of cranberries and orange zest filling your kitchen. These Christmas Cranberry Orange Bars have been my go-to holiday treat ever since I stumbled upon the recipe during a snowy December afternoon years ago. I was desperate for something festive but easy, and wow, did these deliver! The buttery crust holds this gorgeous ruby-red filling that’s just the right balance of tart and sweet. My family now demands them every year; they disappear faster than wrapping paper on Christmas morning. Trust me, one bite of that bright cranberry-orange combo, and you’ll understand why these bars became our new tradition.

Christmas Cranberry Orange Bars - detail 1

Ingredients for Christmas Cranberry Orange Bars

Gathering the right ingredients makes all the difference in these festive bars. Here’s what you’ll need to create that perfect balance of tart cranberries and zesty orange in every bite:

1 cup all-purpose flour: the foundation for our buttery crust
1/2 cup butter, softened: use the real stuff, cold butter just won’t cream right
1/4 cup sugar: just enough sweetness to complement the tart filling
1 cup fresh cranberries: their natural pucker power is key (frozen work in a pinch)
1/2 cup orange juice: freshly squeezed makes the flavor pop
1/2 cup sugar: balances the cranberries’ tartness beautifully
1 tbsp cornstarch: our thickening hero for that perfect jammy texture
1 tsp orange zest: that fragrant citrus kick that makes these bars special

Pro tip: Measure everything before you start. It makes the baking process so much smoother when you’re in the holiday chaos!

How to Make Christmas Cranberry Orange Bars

Now comes the fun part, turning those simple ingredients into holiday magic! Don’t let the layers intimidate you; I’ll walk you through each step so your bars come out perfect. Just follow along, and soon your kitchen will smell like Christmas morning.

Preparing the Crust

First things first: preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grab a medium bowl and mix the flour, softened butter, and 1/4 cup sugar. I like to use my fingers; there’s something so satisfying about working the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture firmly into an 8×8-inch baking pan (no need to grease it, the butter in the crust takes care of that!). Bake for 15 minutes until the edges just start turning golden. You’ll know it’s ready when the whole kitchen smells like shortbread cookies!

Christmas Cranberry Orange Bars - detail 2

Making the Cranberry Orange Filling

While the crust bakes, let’s make that gorgeous ruby filling. Combine the cranberries, orange juice, remaining 1/2 cup sugar, cornstarch, and zest in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently, those cranberries will start popping like little holiday fireworks! After about 5 minutes, you’ll see the magic happen as the mixture thickens into a glossy, jam-like consistency. Pro tip: If it seems too thick, add a splash more orange juice; too thin? Let it simmer another minute. The perfect filling should coat the back of a spoon without dripping right off.

Assembling and Baking

Now for the grand finale! Pour that vibrant cranberry-orange filling over your pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Pop it back in the oven for 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the filling sets and the edges bubble slightly. Here’s the hardest part: you MUST let it cool completely before cutting (I know, the wait is torture!). This patience pays off with clean, beautiful bars that hold their shape. For extra clean cuts, chill them in the fridge for an hour. Then slice, serve, and watch them disappear!

Christmas Cranberry Orange Bars - detail 3

Tips for Perfect Christmas Cranberry Orange Bars

After making these bars every holiday season for years, I’ve picked up some tricks that guarantee perfect results every time. First, taste your cranberries before baking; some batches are extra tart! If they make you pucker, add an extra tablespoon or two of sugar to the filling. Fresh cranberries really do make the best texture, but if you’re stuck with frozen, don’t thaw them first (they’ll turn to mush). And here’s my secret storage tip: layer parchment between bars in an airtight container, they’ll keep beautifully for 3 days without sticking together. Last pro tip? Make a double batch. Trust me, you’ll thank me later when your guests keep coming back for “just one more!”

Variations for Christmas Cranberry Orange Bars

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily you can tweak it to suit your taste or what’s in your pantry. Out of fresh cranberries? Dried cranberries work beautifully, just soak them in warm orange juice for 10 minutes to plump them up first. For some crunch, I love folding 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts into the crust; it adds such a nice texture contrast to the soft filling. Feeling extra festive? A handful of white chocolate chips sprinkled over the warm filling makes these bars next-level indulgent. And if you’re like me and can’t get enough citrus, bump up the orange zest to 2 teaspoons for an even brighter flavor. The possibilities are endless!

Serving Suggestions for Christmas Cranberry Orange Bars

These vibrant bars shine brightest when served with simple accompaniments that let their flavors pop. My absolute favorite way? Warm from the oven with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream, the creamy richness balances the tart cranberries perfectly. For holiday parties, arrange them on a platter dusted with powdered sugar “snow.” They pair wonderfully with hot spiced tea or mulled cider too; the citrus notes in both drinks complement the orange zest beautifully. Pro tip: Cut them into smaller squares for cookie exchanges or leave them large for dessert plates. Either way, they’ll be the star of your holiday spread! If you are looking for other festive holiday recipes, check out some ideas over at Family Tastes.

Storage and Reheating

Here’s the good news: these bars keep like a dream! Once completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for 5 days (that’s if they last that long!). I like layering them between parchment paper to prevent sticking. For that just-baked magic, pop a chilled bar in the microwave for 10 seconds, and the filling gets delightfully jammy again while the crust stays perfectly crisp. They also freeze beautifully for up to 3 months, just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Nutritional Information

Here’s the scoop on what’s in these festive treats! Each Christmas Cranberry Orange Bar contains about 150 calories, with 7g of fat (4g saturated) and 22g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind these are just estimates; the actual nutrition can vary depending on your specific ingredients and brands. I always say these are holiday treats meant to be enjoyed in moderation, but with flavors this bright and cheerful, a little indulgence never hurt anyone!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work in a pinch, just toss them straight from the freezer into the saucepan (no need to thaw). They might release a bit more liquid, so let the filling simmer an extra minute or two to thicken properly. That said, fresh berries give the best texture, so I always grab extra bags when they’re in season!

How long do these Christmas Cranberry Orange Bars stay fresh?
These bars keep surprisingly well! At room temperature, they’ll stay delicious for 2 days in an airtight container. In the fridge, they’ll last up to 5 days, just let them come to room temp or give them a quick 10-second microwave zap before serving. The filling might weep a little after day 3, but they’ll still taste amazing.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?
You bet, they’re perfect for prepping ahead! Bake them up to 2 days before serving, or freeze them (uncut) for up to 3 months. The flavors actually develop more as they sit, making them even more delicious. Just wait to dust with powdered sugar until right before serving for that picture-perfect finish. If you are looking for other great holiday baking ideas, check out this Christmas Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars recipe.

Christmas Cranberry Orange Bars - detail 4

Share Your Experience

I’d love to hear how your Christmas Cranberry Orange Bars turned out! Did you add any special twists? Maybe your family has a new holiday tradition now? Drop a comment below or tag me on social media with your creations. Nothing makes me happier than seeing these festive bars bring joy to other kitchens! For more festive treats, consider trying the Christmas Cranberry Brie Bites in Puff Pastry.