Cranberry Cream Cheese Bars: The Ultimate Holiday Dessert & Leftover Hack

Prepare to impress your guests and delight your family with these exceptional Cranberry Cream Cheese Bars. They are an absolute showstopper, perfectly suited for your elegant Thanksgiving dessert buffet. But the magic doesn’t stop there! If you find yourself with a surplus of cranberry sauce after the holiday feast, these bars transform into an ideal treat for December’s festive cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or simply a cozy evening at home. This recipe is a brilliant way to extend the holiday spirit, offering a vibrant, sweet, and tangy escape from the ordinary.

Beyond the Thanksgiving Table: A Versatile Holiday Sweet

Thanksgiving is renowned not only for its grand celebratory meal but also for the delicious dilemma of its leftovers. While classic turkey tetrazzini and hearty turkey sandwiches are staples in many homes, by day three, creativity often dwindles. This is where the unsung hero, the humble can of whole berry cranberry sauce, steps into the spotlight. If you’ve ever bought an extra can (or two!) of cranberry sauce, perhaps out of habit or ambition, these Cranberry Cream Cheese Bars offer a magnificent solution. They transform a pantry staple into a gourmet-level dessert that’s both comforting and sophisticated.

Cranberries hold a special place in North American culinary traditions, particularly during the autumn and winter holidays. Native to the region, these tart, ruby-red berries are inextricably linked with Thanksgiving dinner. For generations, they’ve graced tables in various forms, from jellied sauce to fresh relish. While some prefer the homemade, freshly ground versions, canned cranberry sauce remains a beloved and convenient option for many. It’s not uncommon for a forgotten can to linger in the pantry or even on the lazy susan amidst the flurry of holiday cooking. Instead of letting it go to waste, these decadent bars provide a fantastic opportunity to repurpose it into something truly spectacular.

Indulge in the Layers of Cranberry Cream Cheese Bars

This season, as you stock up on pumpkin, extra turkeys for the freezer, and of course, cranberry sauce, remember the incredible potential of these delightful berries. Our Cranberry Cream Cheese Bars recipe offers a symphony of textures and flavors in every bite. It begins with a wonderfully buttery and slightly chewy oatmeal crust that serves as the perfect foundation. This sturdy base is then topped with a rich, velvety, and tangy cream cheese layer, reminiscent of a classic cheesecake. Over this creamy indulgence, a layer of slightly sweetened whole berry cranberry sauce is spread, providing a burst of fruity brightness and a beautiful ruby hue. Finally, the entire creation is crowned with a crunchy, golden oat streusel topping, adding a delightful textural contrast and nutty aroma. The combination of sweet, tart, creamy, and crumbly creates an unforgettable dessert experience.

Imagine the aroma filling your kitchen as these bars bake – a comforting blend of oats, butter, and cranberries. They offer a sophisticated alternative to traditional pies and cakes, yet remain incredibly approachable for home bakers. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to holiday dessert making, this recipe guides you to a successful and delicious outcome. It’s a dessert that not only tastes incredible but also looks stunning, making it a perfect centerpiece for any holiday gathering.

A Festive Treat for Every Occasion: Why You’ll Love These Bars

Whether you have a “memory lapse” like many of us during the busy holiday season, or simply spot an extra can of cranberry sauce in your pantry, we wholeheartedly encourage you to try this Cranberry Cream Cheese Bars dessert recipe. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s an opportunity to create joy and savor the distinct flavors of the season. The divine combination of a wholesome oatmeal crust, a luscious cheesecake-like filling, vibrant cranberry, and a buttery oat streusel is truly irresistible. These bars strike the perfect balance between sweetness and tang, making them appealing to a wide range of palates.

Beyond their delightful taste, these bars are incredibly practical for holiday entertaining. They can be made ahead of time, freeing up valuable kitchen space and time on the day of your event. Their robust structure makes them easy to transport to potlucks, family gatherings, or cookie exchanges without worry. Plus, they serve a crowd beautifully, ensuring everyone gets a taste of this festive deliciousness.

Expert Tips for Crafting Perfect Cranberry Cream Cheese Bars

Layered bar cookies are a favorite for a reason: they are an ideal, low-effort way to serve a crowd without sacrificing elegance or flavor. A single 13×9-inch pan of these bars can yield up to 24 servings, making them incredibly efficient for larger gatherings. Here are some essential tips to ensure your Cranberry Cream Cheese Bars turn out absolutely perfect:

• To guarantee an effortless release from the pan, always line it with non-stick aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on the sides. This foil acts as a convenient sling, allowing you to lift the entire batch of bars onto a cutting board for easier, neater slicing once chilled. This simple step prevents sticking and maintains the beautiful integrity of your layers.
• PRO-Tip: Chilling the bars thoroughly before cutting is paramount for achieving the neatest, cleanest slices. Aim for at least 4-6 hours, or ideally, overnight. A well-chilled bar will hold its shape beautifully, allowing for precise cuts. For more detailed insights on this technique, you can explore guides on How to Cut Perfect Cookie Bars.
• For uniform and even layers, particularly when pressing the crust into the pan, consider using a flat-bottomed meat mallet or the bottom of a measuring cup. This helps to create a compressed, even crust that will support the subsequent layers beautifully. After spreading the cream cheese and cranberry layers, an offset spatula is your best friend for smoothing the surfaces to perfection. Its flat, angled blade makes spreading even and mess-free.
• Always ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before you begin mixing. This is crucial for achieving the best results. Room temperature ingredients emulsify much more easily, resulting in a smoother, more uniform, and lump-free batter for your cream cheese layer. If your ingredients are still cold, they won’t incorporate properly, leading to a less desirable texture.
• If you forget to take your butter and cream cheese out early, you can gently microwave them for just 15-20 seconds (remove foil from cream cheese first). Be careful not to melt them, just soften. This gentle warming will bring them to the ideal consistency for mixing.
• These bars are fantastic for make-ahead convenience. You can prepare them 1-2 days in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They taste even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld.
• For long-term storage, these bars freeze wonderfully. Wrap individual bars or small batches tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Explore More Holiday Culinary Delights

The holiday season is a time for culinary exploration and indulgence. If you’re looking for more inspiration, whether it’s for the main feast, delightful side dishes, or even more incredible desserts, we have a curated collection of recipes to enhance your celebration. From creative ways to utilize Thanksgiving leftovers to a comprehensive guide of classic and modern holiday desserts, there’s something for every palate and occasion.

• 12 Innovative Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes from A Spicy Perspective
• Best Recipes Crafted from Thanksgiving Leftovers from A Family Feast
• 25 Inspiring Recipes for Thanksgiving Leftovers from Real Housemoms
• The Best Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes Collection
• 25+ Essential Thanksgiving Recipes for Your Feast
• Classic Homemade Pumpkin Pie
• Refreshing Cranberry Fluff Salad
• Elegant Cranberry Brie en Croute
• Adorable Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes
• A Guide to The Best Holiday Pies
• Discover More Festive Holiday Recipes

The Recipe:

Cranberry Cream Cheese Bars

Prep Time
20 minutes

Cook Time
40 minutes

Total Time
1 hour

Yield
24 bars

A terrific bar cookie perfect for utilizing any extra cranberry sauce you might have on hand after Thanksgiving! Recipe adapted from my friend, Chezz.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups quick oats
• ¾ cups plus 1 tablespoon brown sugar, divided
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 (16 ounces) can whole berry cranberry sauce

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 13 x 9-inch baking pan with non-stick foil, ensuring there’s an overhang on the sides for easy lifting.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, quick oats, ¾ cup of brown sugar, and the softened butter. Mix until the mixture is crumbly. Set aside 1 ½ cups of these crumbs to use as the topping. Press the remaining crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake this crust for 15 minutes. Allow it to cool completely before proceeding.
3. While the crust cools, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it is light and fluffy. Gradually mix in the sweetened condensed milk, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Carefully spread this cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
4. In a small separate bowl, combine the remaining 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, the cornstarch, and the whole berry cranberry sauce. Mix until thoroughly blended. Spoon this cranberry mixture gently over the cream cheese layer. Finally, sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the top.
5. Bake for 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is set. Let the bars cool completely on a wire rack at room temperature. Once fully cooled, chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight) before cutting into squares. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

24

Serving Size:

1 bar

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 183Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 105mgCarbohydrates: 18gFiber: 1gSugar: 6gProtein: 3g

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