As the holiday season approaches, nothing says festive quite like the tangy sweetness of cranberries combined with the rich, buttery texture of shortbread. These Cranberry Shortbread Bars are the perfect addition to your holiday spread, offering a delightful contrast of flavors that can turn any gathering into a celebration. Simple to make and irresistibly delicious, these bars are a surefire way to impress your guests and add a splash of color to your dessert table.
Simple Ingredients, Spectacular Flavor
These Cranberry Shortbread Bars feature a classic buttery shortbread crust topped with a vibrant cranberry filling, enhanced with the zest and juice of fresh oranges. The combination of tart cranberries and sweet citrus creates a refreshing burst of flavor that perfectly complements the richness of the shortbread.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cranberry Shortbread Bars
- Buttery Base: Ensure your butter is softened to achieve that perfect creamy texture when blending with sugar and flour for the crust.
- Crisp Crust: Pre-bake the crust until it’s just golden to guarantee a firm base that holds up well to the juicy filling.
- Smooth Filling: Cook the cranberry mixture until the berries pop and the sauce thickens to ensure it spreads evenly over the crust.
- Even Crumble: When topping with the remaining shortbread mixture, crumble it evenly for a beautifully textured top that bakes to a golden brown.
Cranberry Shortbread Bars Recipe:
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 40-45 minutes
- Serving: Makes 16 bars
- Equipment: 8×8 inch baking pan, parchment paper, saucepan, mixing bowl
This dessert not only tastes incredible but also brings a festive look to your holiday meals with its bright red cranberry layer topped with golden crumbs.
Ingredients:
For the crust:
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
For the filling:
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Directions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix the Crust: Cream butter, sugar, and salt until light and fluffy. Gradually mix in flour until it forms coarse crumbs. Firmly press 2/3 of this mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake the Crust: Place in the oven for 15 minutes, then remove.
- Make the Filling: In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange zest, and orange juice. Cook over medium heat until the cranberries burst. Mix in cornstarch and cook for one more minute.
- Assemble the Bars: Spread the cranberry filling evenly over the pre-baked crust. Crumble the remaining shortbread mixture on top.
- Final Bake: Return to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the topping is lightly browned.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bars cool completely before slicing into squares.
A Sweet Addition to Your Holiday Table
These Cranberry Shortbread Bars are more than just a dessert; they’re a vibrant celebration of seasonal flavors that promise to brighten any holiday occasion. Easy to make and even easier to love, they’re sure to become a new favorite. Enjoy sharing them with friends and family, and watch as they become a much-requested treat year after year.
