Cranberry Coffee Bars
Sweet and tart cranberry coffee bars combine crunchy pecans and a lemon-flavored frosting, perfect for a quick treat or holiday dessert that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat together sugar, eggs, lemon juice, and salt until well combined.
- Add flour and baking powder; beat until smooth.
- Fold in chopped pecans and cranberry sauce.
- Spread the batter evenly in a 9 x 12-inch pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes until golden.
- While warm, frost with lemon butter frosting made from confectioners sugar, warm milk, butter, and lemon juice.
- Cut into small squares and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. You can also substitute walnuts for pecans if you prefer. If you don't have jellied cranberry sauce, a homemade cranberry puree can work well. Ensure your eggs are at room temperature to help the batter mix more smoothly. For a twist, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These cranberry coffee bars are delightful with a cup of coffee or tea. They can be served as a sweet breakfast treat or a dessert. For an elegant touch, dust them with powdered sugar before serving. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast. They also make a great addition to a brunch table alongside other pastries like Old Fashioned Blueberry Muffins.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cranberry coffee bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry Coffee Bars contains roughly 186 calories, with 4g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of iron (19% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 653mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of jellied cranberry sauce?
Yes, you can use fresh cranberries, but you'll need to cook them down with some sugar and water to create a sauce-like consistency. This will add a nice tartness to your bars and enhance the flavor.
What can I use instead of lemon juice?
If you don't have lemon juice, lime juice or even orange juice can be good substitutes, though they will change the flavor slightly. You can also omit it if necessary, but it does help balance the sweetness.
Can I make these coffee bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or add a teaspoon to help with texture. The bars may turn out slightly different in texture but should still be delicious.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).