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Cranberry Curd Bars

Cranberry Curd Bars: A Sweet-Tart Holiday Delight

Cranberry Curd Bars combine vibrant cranberries with a buttery walnut crust, perfect for any gathering.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Cooling Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

For the Crust
  • 1 can Cooking Spray Use it to ensure your bars don’t stick to the pan.
  • 1 cup Walnut Pieces Adds a delicious nuttiness; substitute with slivered almonds if desired.
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour Creates a sturdy base.
  • 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar Sweetens and softens the crust.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon Infuses warmth into the flavor profile.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt Enhances overall taste balance.
  • 3/4 cup Unsalted Butter Bring to room temperature for easy mixing.
For the Cranberry Curd
  • 2 cups Fresh or Frozen Cranberries The star of the show.
  • 1/2 cup Water Helps cook the cranberries down.
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar Sweetens the curd; adjust to taste.
  • 3 Large Eggs Acts as a binder.
  • 2 Large Egg Yolks Makes the curd creamier.
  • 1 tablespoon Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice Adds a bright note.
For the Final Touch
  • 1 cup Powdered Sugar For dusting.
  • Candied Citrus Zest Optional garnish for added flavor.

Equipment

  • Food Processor
  • Saucepan
  • 9x13-inch baking pan
  • parchment paper

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), line a baking pan with parchment paper, and spray with cooking spray.
  2. Pulse walnuts in a food processor until coarsely ground. Add flour, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and salt; pulse until combined.
  3. Add butter and pulse until the mixture resembles moist clumps. Press into the prepared pan and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  4. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Cool slightly while preparing the cranberry filling.
  5. In a saucepan, combine cranberries and water, cooking over medium heat until cranberries burst, about 8-10 minutes.
  6. Strain mixture to extract cranberry purée. In a bowl, whisk purée, sugar, eggs, yolks, lemon juice, and salt until smooth.
  7. Return mixture to saucepan, cook over medium-low heat, stirring until thickened, about 5-11 minutes.
  8. Pour cranberry curd over the baked walnut crust, spread evenly, and bake for another 10-15 minutes until just set.
  9. Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour; refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
  10. Dust with powdered sugar, cut into squares or bars, and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 3gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

Stir constantly while cooking cranberries to avoid burning. Allow bars to cool completely before cutting to maintain structure.

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