Soft, chewy, and loaded with toasted almonds and cranberries, these cranberry almond bars are an easy holiday treat that comes together in minutes!
Yep, cranberries, almonds, and white chocolate all in one bar. Any other Christmas bar need not apply to be in my life cause we’re all set here.
Seriously though, these bars really have it all and not only are they stunning on any cookie tray, but they’re secretly SO easy and only require one bowl and a handful of ingredients.
That’s what I like to call a Christmas miracle.
These bars are reminiscent of a blondie, but with just a slightly lighter and less-dense texture that goes so well with the delicate drizzles of white chocolate and all that almond + cranberry business.
Whatever they are, you’re about to be addicted.
These Bars feature…
- A soft and chewy blondie-like texture
- A hint of orange flavor and lots of toasty almonds and dried cranberries
- Luscious drizzles of melted white chocolate on top
Making the Bars
(scroll down to the bottom of the post for the full recipe)
Ingredients You Will Need
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Egg
- Orange zest
- Vanilla extract
- Almond extract
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Kosher salt
- Sliced almonds
- Dried cranberries
- White chocolate
Tips for Perfect Bars
- Use a stand mixer or mix dough by hand – this recipe is both mixer-friendly and old-fashioned-bowl-and-spoon friendly.
- Cream butter and sugar together – make sure your butter is softened to room-temperature and cream well with the sugar several minutes until completely smooth.
- Use room temperature egg – just like the butter, allow the egg to come to room temperature or submerge in hot water for about 2 minutes to quickly warm it. A room temperature egg will incorporate much easier into the dough.
- Measure flour correctly – I use the spoon-and-level technique for measuring flour as this will prevent over-measuring your flour. Use a spoon to scoop flour into the measuring cup, then level with the back of a knife.
- Toast almonds – this brings the flavor out of the almonds and gives them a crunchy texture. Toss almonds around in a nonstick pan over medium heat until fragrant and a light golden brown.
- Allow bars to cool before slicing – for clean cuts, I recommend allowing bars to cool completely in pan before using parchment paper to remove and slice into squares.
- Melt white chocolate the right way – I recommend using either the double-boiler method or microwaving white chocolate 1 minute on high, stirring at 20 second intervals.
Recipe Variations
Try these ideas for a different twist on these bars.
- Use a different nut – try walnuts or pecans in place of the almonds.
- Add chocolate to batter – try extra white chocolate or semisweet.
- Swap out fruit – try dried blueberries in place of the cranberries.
Storing and Freezing Bars
These bars may be stored in an airtight container at room temperature up to 4 days. You can also store the bars in refrigerator to extend their life by a few days but I recommend bringing to room temperature before serving.
To freeze bars, allow to cool completely, wrap well, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw bars completely on countertop then top with melted white chocolate for serving.
The almighty trio of almonds, cranberries, and white chocolate really do their job to perfection in these bars! The texture is so picture-perfect soft and chewy and just a dream all around.
Put these winners on your holiday cookie list! You’ll be glad you did.
Save this recipe using the ‘save to recipe box’ button below. If you make it, please let us know! Leave a comment + star rating below, or take a photo and tag it on Instagram with #wholeandheavenlyoven.
More holiday bars to make next!
Cranberry Almond Bars
This recipe may included paid links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons grated orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- Additional toasted almonds and dried cranberries for garnish
- 1/2 cup white chocolate, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F. Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- Place butter and sugar in the bowl of a large stand mixer, fitted with a paddle attachment OR in a large mixing bowl with a wooden spoon. Mix on medium speed or by hand until creamy, about 2 minutes. Add egg, orange zest, vanilla, and almond extract and beat until smooth.
- Add flour, baking powder, and salt to butter mixture and mix until a soft dough forms. Fold in almonds and cranberries.
- Spread dough in an even layer in prepared pan. Sprinkle a few additional almonds and dried cranberries on top.
- Bake bars at 350F 20-25 minutes until bars are a light golden brown. Allow to cool completely on a cooling rack.
- Drizzle bars with melted white chocolate and cut into squares for serving. Enjoy!
DessertForTwo says
You won my heart with that thick-piled cream cheese frosting! These look great–thanks for sharing! 🙂
Sarah says
The cream cheese frosting was MY personal favorite part! 😀 Thank you!