Name: Cranberry Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup butter, softened; 1 ½ cups brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 ½ cups cranberries (fresh or frozen); 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 ½ cups powdered sugar; 2 to 3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream

When tart meets sweet in the most festive way, you get these delightful Cranberry Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a simple treat with a cup of tea, these bars are bursting with bright cranberry flavor balanced by a rich, silky layer of frosting. The texture is just right—slightly chewy with buttery undertones and a soft creaminess on top.

They come together easily, making them a go-to recipe for those days when you want something special without a lot of fuss. Whether you’re baking for a potluck or just treating yourself, these bars offer that wow factor with every bite.

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

This dessert combines the festive flavor of cranberries with the smooth tang of cream cheese frosting, creating an irresistible contrast. You’ll love how simple they are to bake and how beautifully they slice for serving. Plus, the cream cheese frosting isn’t overly sweet, which means it balances the cranberry zing perfectly. They’re make-ahead friendly and travel well—great for sharing or keeping all to yourself.

What Kind of Cranberries Should I Use?

Fresh or frozen cranberries work wonderfully in this recipe. Fresh cranberries give a slightly firmer bite, while frozen ones bake down softer, creating juicy pockets of flavor. Just make sure not to thaw frozen cranberries beforehand; toss them in straight from the freezer to prevent extra moisture from seeping into the batter.

Ingredients for the Cranberry Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

These bars rely on a few pantry staples and seasonal ingredients to bring their magic to life. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need:

Butter
Essential for richness and moisture, butter forms the base of the bar batter.

Brown Sugar
Provides a caramel-like depth and chewiness that complements the tart cranberries.

Eggs
They bind everything together and help give the bars structure.

Vanilla Extract
Adds warmth and aromatic sweetness to the base.

All-Purpose Flour
The classic structure builder. It holds the bars together while still keeping them soft.

Salt
A pinch is all you need to balance the sweetness and elevate flavors.

Baking Powder
Helps the bars rise just enough without becoming cakey.

Cranberries
The star ingredient—tart, juicy bursts of flavor that contrast the sweet base.

Cream Cheese
Key for the luscious frosting layer, it brings a smooth, tangy richness.

Powdered Sugar
For that sweet, silky texture in the frosting.

Milk or Heavy Cream
To loosen the frosting to a spreadable consistency.

How To Make the Cranberry Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.

Step 3: Fold in Cranberries

Gently fold in the cranberries until evenly distributed throughout the batter. The batter will be thick, and that’s perfect.

Step 4: Bake

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow bars to cool completely before frosting.

Step 5: Make the Frosting

In a bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar gradually, then beat in milk or cream a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Frost and Chill

Spread the frosting over cooled cranberry bars. Chill for at least 30 minutes before slicing to help set the frosting for clean cuts.

How to Serve and Store Cranberry Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

These bars are best served chilled or at room temperature, depending on how firm you like the frosting. They cut cleanly when cold, making them ideal for serving at parties. This recipe yields about 12 bars, perfect for a family gathering or a week’s worth of treats.

To store, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them without the frosting for up to a month—just add fresh frosting after thawing for best results.

What to Serve With Cranberry Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting?

A Mug of Hot Spiced Cider

The warming spices and apple notes pair beautifully with the tart cranberry.

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

If you’re going for indulgence, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream makes these bars even more luxurious.

Roasted Pecans

A handful on the side adds crunch and warmth.

Fresh Berries

Add a colorful garnish with strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries.

A Dusting of Cinnamon

Right before serving, a light sprinkle enhances both aroma and taste.

A Cappuccino or Latte

Creamy coffee drinks balance the fruity tang of the bars.

Lemon or Orange Zest

Add a little grated zest on top of the frosting for a citrus twist.

Want More Dessert Bar Ideas?

If you love these Cranberry Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting, you’ll enjoy these other treats too:

Try the Ooey Gooey Butter Cake for a dense and rich flavor bomb.
Don’t miss the Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars for an easy, festive bite.
For something a bit fancy, the Irresistible Blueberry Lime Cheesecake Cupcakes will win hearts.
You might also love the Peanut Butter Smores Sandwich Cookies for that perfect summer-night nostalgia.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you swirl the frosting or go for a smooth finish? Did you sneak in orange zest or a nutty twist?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

Cranberry Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful addition to any dessert table. With their tangy fruit, tender crumb, and creamy top, they check every box for a holiday favorite or a weekday reward. Easy to make and even easier to love, they’re sure to become a staple in your seasonal baking lineup.