When you think of Thanksgiving Desserts, what comes to mind? Probably pumpkin pie, maybe a pecan pie. Those are classics for a reason! But sometimes, it’s fun to shake things up a little bit. I’m always on the lookout for new Thanksgiving Treats that can stand proudly next to the traditional favorites.
That’s where these incredible cranberry orange bars come in. They are a wonderful surprise for your holiday table. They have all the festive flavors we love, but in a new and exciting format. Plus, they are so simple to make, which is a huge bonus during a busy holiday season. Let’s bake something memorable.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
So, what makes these bars so special? Honestly, it’s a long list. First up is the flavor. You get this beautiful balance of sweet and tart from the cranberry and orange topping. It’s bright, zesty, and feels just right for the fall.
It’s not just a one note song, though. Underneath that vibrant topping is a buttery, crumbly base with toasted pecans. The texture contrast is just fantastic. You get the soft, jammy fruit layer and then the shortbread like crust. Every bite is a little adventure.
Another huge win for this recipe is how simple it is. We are talking about one of the best examples of Thanksgiving Desserts Easy. You don’t need any fancy equipment. No stand mixers or special gadgets. Just a bowl, a pot, and a baking pan. That’s it.
This makes it a great recipe for bakers of all skill levels. If you’re new to baking, this is a wonderful place to start. You’ll feel so accomplished when you pull these gorgeous bars out of the oven. They look so impressive, no one will guess how easy they were to make.
They are also incredibly versatile. You can cut them into small squares for a dessert platter. Or you can cut bigger pieces to serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They make wonderful Thanksgiving Treats for a crowd.
And let’s talk about making things ahead of time. The holidays can be hectic, right? You can bake these bars a day or two in advance. They store beautifully, and the flavors might even get better as they sit. This is a huge stress saver. It’s one less thing to worry about on the big day.
Finally, they are just so pretty. The deep red of the cranberry topping is so festive. A little dusting of powdered sugar looks like a sprinkle of snow. These bars bring a pop of color to any dessert table, making them truly memorable Thanksgiving Desserts.
Ingredients
The ingredient list for these bars is pretty straightforward. You likely have many of these items in your pantry already, especially around the holidays. Let’s break down what you’ll need for each part.
For The Cranberry Topping
- 2 cup cranberries
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup sugar, or more
- 1 tsp cornstarch
For The Crumbly Base
- 1 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp butter, or more
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp orange juice
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to get started? I’ll walk you through every step. Making these Fun Thanksgiving Desserts is a breeze. Just follow along, and you’ll have a delicious treat in no time. Let’s get baking!
Step 1: Make The Cranberry Topping
First things first, we’re going to make that beautiful, jewel toned topping. Grab a medium sized pot or saucepan. This is where the magic starts. Your kitchen is about to smell amazing.
Into the pot, you’ll add your cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, water, and sugar. Give it a gentle stir to combine everything. The cornstarch is our thickening agent. It helps create that perfect jam like consistency we’re after.
Place the pot on the stove over medium high heat. You want to bring the mixture to a boil. As it heats up, you’ll start to hear the cranberries pop. That’s a good sign! It means they are releasing all their delicious juices.
Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low or medium low. You want it to maintain a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away for about 10 to 15 minutes. Stir it occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
You’ll notice the sauce starts to thicken up. The cranberries will break down and the sauce will coat the back of a spoon. It should look like a slightly loose fruit jam. Once it’s there, take it off the heat and set it aside to cool down a bit.
Step 2: Prepare The Oven And Pan
While your sauce is cooling, let’s get everything else ready. Go ahead and preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. It’s always important to bake in a fully preheated oven. It ensures everything cooks evenly.
Next, grab your 8×8 inch baking pan. To make life easier later, line it with parchment paper. Leave a little bit of overhang on two opposite sides. These will act as handles, letting you lift the entire slab of bars out of the pan easily once they are baked. No more broken corners!
Step 3: Mix The Crumbly Base
Now for the base. This part comes together so quickly. In a medium mixing bowl, add your all purpose flour and sugar. Then add the chopped pecans, vanilla extract, butter, egg, orange zest, orange juice, and salt. All in one bowl.
You can use a pastry cutter, a fork, or even your fingertips to combine the ingredients. You are looking for a crumbly mixture. It won’t come together like a smooth dough. Instead, it will look like coarse, sandy crumbs. That’s exactly what you want.
The little pieces of butter distributed throughout the flour are what make the base so tender and flaky. So don’t worry if it looks a little messy. This is the foundation of our delicious Thanksgiving Desserts.
Step 4: Assemble And Bake The Base
Take about two thirds of that crumbly mixture and pour it into your prepared baking pan. Spread it out into an even layer. Then, use your fingers or the bottom of a measuring cup to gently press it down. You want to create a firm, even base.
Don’t pack it down too hard, though. A light tap is all it needs. This will form the crust for our bars. Now, pop the pan into your preheated oven. Bake it for 18 to 20 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to be lightly golden brown.
Step 5: Add The Topping And Finish
Once the base is baked, carefully take it out of the oven. Let it cool for just a few minutes. It doesn’t need to be completely cold, just not piping hot. This is an important step for perfect assembly.
Now grab your cooled cranberry sauce. Pour it evenly over the warm base. Use a spatula to spread it all the way to the edges. You want every single bite to have that delicious topping.
The next part is the hardest. You have to let it cool completely. I know, it’s tempting to cut into it right away. But if you do, the bars will be a mess. Let them cool on the counter for a while, and then you can even pop them in the fridge to speed things up.
Once they are totally cool and firm, use the parchment paper handles to lift the whole block out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and cut it into small bars or squares. Your amazing thanksgiving desserts are ready!
For a little extra flair, you can drizzle some powdered sugar over the top. A sprinkle of more crushed pecans and a bit of fresh orange zest also looks beautiful. It’s these little touches that make them feel extra special.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any of these cranberry orange bars left over, storing them is simple. You have a couple of options depending on how long you need to keep them. Proper storage keeps them fresh and tasty.
For short term storage, you can keep them right on the counter. Place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh at room temperature for about two to three days. This is a great option if you know they’ll be eaten quickly.
If you want them to last a little longer, the refrigerator is your best bet. In an airtight container, they will keep well for up to a week. The base will get a little firmer when chilled, which some people actually prefer. You can serve them cold or let them sit out for a few minutes to come to room temperature.
What about freezing? Yes, you can absolutely freeze these bars! They freeze wonderfully. First, cut them into individual squares. Then, you can either wrap each bar in plastic wrap or place them in a single layer in a freezer safe container. Use parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
They will keep in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just take out as many as you need. Let them thaw on the counter for an hour or so. They make for a great treat to have on hand for unexpected guests.
Tips
Want to make sure your cranberry orange bars come out perfectly every time? Here are a few little tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way. These will help you get the best results from your Fun Thanksgiving Desserts.
You can use either fresh or frozen cranberries for the topping. If you use frozen, there’s no need to thaw them first. Just add them straight to the pot. You might need to simmer the sauce for a few extra minutes to get it to thicken up properly.
When you are mixing the base, be careful not to overwork it. You want to keep those little pieces of butter intact. Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour and can make your base tough instead of tender and crumbly.
Patience is key when it comes to cooling. I know I mentioned it before, but it’s so important. If you try to cut the bars while they are still warm, the cranberry topping will ooze out and you won’t get clean, neat slices. A little time in the fridge really helps them set up.
Feel free to customize these bars! If you’re not a fan of pecans, you could use walnuts or even slivered almonds. A little bit of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg in the base mixture would add a lovely warm spice note. It’s all about making it your own.
For a richer flavor, you can toast your pecans before chopping them. Just spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees F for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until they are fragrant. Let them cool completely before adding them to the flour mixture.
Conclusion
And there you have it! A simple, yet incredibly delicious recipe for cranberry orange bars. These are truly some of the best Thanksgiving Desserts you can make. They are a welcome change from the ordinary and a guaranteed crowd pleaser.
The combination of bright, tangy fruit and a rich, buttery crust is a winner every time. They bring so much festive cheer to the holiday table. I hope you and your family enjoy these wonderful Thanksgiving Treats as much as mine does. Happy baking!
FAQ
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries?
Yes, absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones in this recipe. You don’t even need to thaw them beforehand. Just add them directly to the saucepan with the other topping ingredients. You may need to cook the sauce for a couple of extra minutes to reach that nice, thick consistency.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten Free?
You sure can. To make these bars gluten free, simply swap out the all purpose flour for a good quality gluten free 1 to 1 baking flour blend. Look for one that contains xanthan gum. The rest of the recipe can remain exactly the same. They will still be delicious.
Can I Prepare These Bars Ahead Of Time?
This is a great recipe to make in advance, which is perfect for busy holiday schedules. You can bake the bars completely and then store them in an airtight container. They will be fine at room temperature for a day, or in the refrigerator for up to three days before serving. This makes them ideal for planning your Thanksgiving Desserts Easy menu.
What If I Don’t Have An 8×8 Inch Pan?
No problem! If you don’t have an 8×8 inch square pan, you can use a 9 inch round cake pan instead. The baking time should be about the same. You could also use a 9×5 inch loaf pan, which will result in thicker bars. If you use a loaf pan, you might need to add about 5 to 10 minutes to the baking time for the base.
Cranberry Orange Bars
These incredible cranberry orange bars are a wonderful surprise for your holiday table. They have all the festive flavors we love, but in a new and exciting format. Plus, they are so simple to make, which is a huge bonus during a busy holiday season. With a beautiful balance of sweet and tart from the cranberry and orange topping over a buttery, crumbly base with toasted pecans, every bite is a delightful adventure. Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, they can be made ahead and bring a pop of color to any dessert table.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium pot, combine cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, water, and sugar. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened like a jam. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for handles.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine all purpose flour, sugar, chopped pecans, vanilla extract, butter, egg, orange zest, orange juice, and salt. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or fingertips to create a coarse, sandy, crumbly mixture.
- Press about two-thirds of the crumbly mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan to form a firm base. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Remove the baked base from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Evenly pour the cooled cranberry sauce over the warm base, spreading it to the edges. Let the bars cool completely on the counter, then chill in the fridge until firm. Use parchment paper handles to lift, slice into bars, and optionally dust with powdered sugar, crushed pecans, or fresh orange zest.
Notes
You can use either fresh or frozen cranberries; no need to thaw frozen ones. Adjust simmer time if using frozen.
Do not overwork the base mixture to keep it tender and crumbly.
Patience is key for cooling; allow bars to set completely for clean slices.
Customize with walnuts or slivered almonds instead of pecans, or add cinnamon/nutmeg.
Toast pecans before chopping for richer flavor (350°F for 5-7 minutes).
Nutrition
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Sugar
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