Cranberry-Pecan Bars
Cranberry-Pecan Bars are a delightful treat that combine the nutty richness of pecans with the tart sweetness of cranberries. These bars have a buttery crust and a chewy filling, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet snack any time of year. They suit those who love a balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Cut in margarine and stir in 1/2 cup of pecans.
- Press mixture into a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Bake at 350° for about 15 minutes.
- Mix 1 1/4 cups sugar and 2 tablespoons flour.
- Stir in beaten eggs, 2 tablespoons milk, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon vanilla.
- Fold in cranberries, coconut, and the remaining pecans.
- Spread mixture over the partly baked crust and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is golden.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes on a rack; cut into bars while warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nuttier flavor, toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the batter. You can substitute butter for margarine if preferred. If you don't have cranberries, feel free to use dried cherries or raisins. Ensure the crust is slightly cooled before adding the filling for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
These cranberry-pecan bars make a delightful dessert on their own, or serve them with a dollop of whipped cream for added richness. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, consider serving alongside Almond Roca during the holidays.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cranberry-pecan bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave for a few seconds, ensuring they remain moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry-Pecan Bars contains roughly 416 calories, with 5g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (16% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (13% of the Daily Value), and iron (11% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars can be made a day in advance and stored properly. Just allow them to cool completely before cutting and storing. This can enhance the flavors as they sit, making them even more delicious!
What can I substitute for cranberries?
If you don't have cranberries on hand, dried cherries or even chopped dates work well as substitutes. Each will lend a different sweetness and texture to the bars, so feel free to experiment!
Can these bars be frozen?
Yes, cranberry-pecan bars freeze well! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
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).