Savor the taste of the season with these Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars, a festive treat that blends sweet dried cranberries and a rich, buttery base. Fresh orange zest brightens the flavor, making them a delightful addition to any holiday dessert table. A simple press-in crust gets them in the oven quickly for a homemade sweet that feels special. Your cookie platter wouldn’t be complete without this cozy, crowd-pleasing bake.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy .
You’ll Adore These Cranberry Bars
- Quick Prep – Just mix and bake for stress-free holiday baking.
- Big Flavor – Tart cranberries and sweet white chocolate create magic.
- One-Pan Wonder – Easy cleanup means more time to enjoy the season.
- Crowd-Pleasing – These moist cranberry bars disappear fast at parties.
What You’ll Need for Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars
For the crust
- All-purpose flour – The base of our delicious, crumbly crust.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats – Adds a lovely chewiness and texture.
- Light brown sugar – Gives a subtle caramel sweetness that pairs perfectly with cranberry.
- Baking soda – Just a touch to help the crust rise slightly.
- Salt – Balances all the sweetness and brings out the flavors.
- Unsalted butter – Melted and slightly cooled for that rich, buttery goodness.
- Vanilla extract – A warm hint of vanilla makes everything better.
For the filling
- Whole-berry cranberry sauce – The star of the show! The tartness is irresistible.
For the topping
- White chocolate chips – Melty, sweet, and a dreamy contrast to the cranberry.
- Dried cranberries – Chopped for little bursts of chewy, tangy flavor.
Pro tip: Let these bars cool completely before slicing—trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Let’s Make This — Step by Step
I love how quickly these Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars come together—just 15 minutes of prep gets you most of the way there. Then, while they bake for about 35 minutes, your kitchen fills with the most incredible aroma of sweet oats and tart cranberries. In under an hour, you’ve got a gorgeous holiday cranberry dessert ready to share (or sneak a warm piece for yourself). It’s the kind of easy, festive recipe that makes December feel a little more magical.
If you’re looking for more quick bakes that deliver big comfort, you’ll love my cranberry muffins for a morning treat.
Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 12 tbsp unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
- 1 (14-ounce) can whole-berry cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries chopped
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Equipment
- oven
- baking pan
- spatula
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal, and lightly grease the paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 1 1/4 cups flour, 1 cup oats, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until well combined.
- Pour the 12 tablespoons of melted butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract into the dry ingredients. Stir with a spatula until the mixture is fully moistened and forms a crumbly dough.
- Firmly press 2/3 of this oat mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan to create an even, compact crust.
- In a medium bowl, stir the can of cranberry sauce to break it up slightly, then spread it evenly over the crust with a spoon or offset spatula.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/3 of the oat mixture over the cranberry layer, followed by the 1/2 cup white chocolate chips and 1/3 cup chopped dried cranberries, distributing them evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is a light golden brown and the edges are bubbling. The bars will still be soft in the center but will firm up as they cool.
- Let the pan cool completely on a wire rack, about 2 hours, then use the parchment paper to lift the entire block out before cutting into 16 bars.
Nutrition
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets
I always want everyone to feel included at the table, so if you’re sugar conscious or exploring low glycemic options, here’s how I adapt this recipe. For a diabetic-friendly version, swap the brown sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia or xylitol—it keeps that cozy sweetness without the spike. You could also try a sugar-free cranberry sauce to make these festive cranberry bars even more glucose-friendly. Remember, it’s all about finding what feels good for your body while still enjoying the holiday spirit.
My Favorite Tips for Perfect Bars
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make these bars truly unforgettable. Here’s what I do every time:
- Flavor Twist – Add orange zest to the crust for a bright, citrusy note that complements the cranberries beautifully.
- Diet Tweaks – Use gluten-free flour and oats if needed—they work just as well in this chewy cranberry white chocolate bar base.
- Texture Tip – Press the crust down firmly so it holds together when you slice into these sweet glazed cranberry oatmeal squares.
- Storage Smarts – Keep them in an airtight container; they stay moist for days. For longer storage, freeze them—they thaw perfectly.
If you love bar desserts as much as I do, don’t miss my raspberry cheesecake bars for another cozy option.
Nutrition and Health Perks of Cranberry Bars
While these are definitely a treat, I love that cranberries bring their own benefits to the table—they’re packed with antioxidants and that signature tang we all adore. Oats add fiber for a more satisfying bite, making these holiday cranberry treats a bit more wholesome than your average dessert. Of course, balance is key, so I enjoy them alongside lighter eats too.
For more on cranberry nutrition, Taste of Home Cranberry Recipe Collection offers great insight. And if you’re curious about other ways to use oats, my cranberry walnut bread is another favorite.
A Lighter Take on This Holiday Treat
If you’re craving something a little lighter, try swapping half the butter with unsweetened applesauce—it keeps these moist cranberry bars tender with less fat. You could also reduce the brown sugar by a quarter cup; the cranberry sauce still brings plenty of sweetness. For a nutty crunch, sprinkle chopped almonds on top instead of extra chocolate chips.
Looking for more healthier twists? My cranberry apple coleslaw is a refreshing side, and these cherry lemon bars offer a tangy, low-sugar alternative.
How to Serve These Bars the Cozy Way
I love serving these bars slightly warm with a dusting of powdered sugar—it feels like a hug in dessert form. They’re perfect with a hot cup of tea on a chilly afternoon or as a sweet ending to a festive dinner. For a special touch, add a dollop of vanilla bean whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It turns this simple bake into a holiday cranberry dessert worthy of any celebration.
I always think of my grandma when I make these—she used to have a similar recipe. We’d bake them together while Christmas music played, and the smell would bring everyone into the kitchen.
Common Mistakes (So You Don’t Make Them)
Even the best bakers can run into trouble, so here’s how to avoid common pitfalls with this recipe:
- Overbaking – It’s easy to do! Pull them out when the edges are golden and bubbly—the center will set as it cools.
- Skimping on Pressing – If you don’t press the crust firmly, it might crumble when you slice it. Take your time here.
- Slicing Too Soon – I know it’s hard to wait, but letting these moist cranberry sauce bars cool ensures clean, beautiful slices.
For more classic techniques, check out Classic Cranberry Bar Recipe from Allrecipes. And if you love bar cookies, my white chocolate raspberry bars are another must-try.
I’ve definitely learned from my own mistakes—like the time I impatiently cut into a warm pan and ended up with a delicious but messy pile of crumbs. Now I sip tea and wait, and it’s always worth it.
How to Keep Your Bars Fresh
These bars store beautifully—just keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to freeze them, wrap individual bars in parchment paper and place them in a freezer bag; they’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature whenever a craving strikes.
I always make a double batch to have on hand for last-minute guests or a cozy night in. They’re also wonderful packed in lunchboxes or as a sweet surprise for neighbors. For more make-ahead ideas, try my cranberry orange cinnamon rolls or this cranberry orange breakfast cake.
Try This Recipe and Share the Warmth
I truly hope you love making these Moist Christmas Cranberry Bars as much as I do. There’s something so comforting about baking during the holidays, and this recipe always makes me feel connected to the season and to everyone I share it with. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, these bars are sure to become a cherished part of your traditions.
If you enjoyed this, you might also love my sugared cranberries for garnish, Christmas cookies for the cookie platter, Christmas snickerdoodles for a spiced treat, or even Christmas puppy chow for something fun and festive.
Cozy Holiday Baking Ideas You’ll Adore
If you loved these cranberry bars, here are more festive recipes to fill your kitchen with warmth and joy.
Cranberry Muffins – tender, spiced muffins bursting with tart cranberries.Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls – swirls of citrus and cranberry in a soft, fluffy bun.
Raspberry Cheesecake Bars – creamy and tangy with a buttery graham cracker crust.
Cranberry Walnut Bread – a hearty, sweet loaf perfect for breakfast or tea time.
White Chocolate Raspberry Bars – a decadent combination of sweet and tart.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of cranberry sauce?
I recommend sticking with whole-berry cranberry sauce for the right texture and moisture. Fresh cranberries are too tart and firm for this particular moist cranberry sauce bars recipe unless you cook them down with sugar first.
How do I prevent the bars from being too crumbly?
Make sure to press the crust layer very firmly into the pan before adding the filling. Letting the baked cranberry oat bars with glaze cool completely before slicing also helps them hold their shape beautifully.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These festive cranberry bars actually taste even better the next day. Store them in an airtight container once fully cooled. They also freeze wonderfully for up to three months.
What can I use instead of white chocolate chips?
If you’re not a white chocolate fan, try dark chocolate chips or even chopped pecans for a different twist. You could also leave them out entirely for a simpler holiday cranberry treat.
