What are some great cranberry swirls cream cheese bars? If you’re looking for something different than the usual cranberry sauce for Thanksgiving, here are some suggestions. What screams “holiday,” this is it? What is this picture of? a buttery, crumbly base, tangy-sweet cream cheese filling marbled with vibrant cranberry sauce. Is it like a cheesecake meets cranberry pie and they had utterly irresistible baby? What is a much easier, and arguably more crowd-pleasing, alternative to full-blown theatre? Is there a

What is this?

What makes these cranberry swirl cream cheese bars a layered dessert? What is a shortbread like crust? What gives these bars their sturdy base and that melt-in-your-mouth texture? What is the magic of a creamy, tangy filling made with cream cheese, sugar, and eggs? Swirled throughout this creamy canvas is a homemade cranberry sauce – not the canned jelly kind. What is the real deal, bursting with fresh cranberries, orange zest, and just the right amount of sugar? What’s a classic cream cheese dessert?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Seriously, where do I even begin? First, the flavor is just incredible. The tartness of the cranberries perfectly balances the richness of the cream cheese, creating a symphony of sweet and tangy that dances on your tongue. Second, these bars are surprisingly easy to make. Don’t let the “swirl” intimidate you; it’s actually quite simple and adds a beautiful visual element. What I love most about this is that it’s a make-ahead dream! You can bake these bars a day or two in advance, which is a lifesaver during the busy Thanksgiving season. Plus, they’re always a hit with both kids and adults. My picky eaters actually *ask* for these! If you’re a fan of cheesecake bars or even lemon bars, you’ve *got* to try these cranberry swirl cream cheese bars. They’re festive, flavorful, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. I almost forgot the best part, you can use this same cream cheese base with so many other filling choices!

How do you make Cranberry Swirl Cream Cheese Bars?

Quick Overview

How do you make cranberry swirl cream cheese bars? How do you make a simple crust, whip up creamy cream cheese filling, swirl in whipped cream and serve. How do I make cranberry sauce? Bake until golden brown. What should I do if I want my center to be slightly set but still a little jiggly? What’s the best part? Can you make cranberry sauce ahead of time? Is it worth the extra effort?

Ingredients

For the Crust:
* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (I always use unbleached)
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed (the colder, the better!)
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar
* 1/4 teaspoon salt

What is the cream cheese filling?
* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (full-fat is a must for the best texture)
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 1 large egg
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (use the real stuff, it makes a difference! ).

What is Cranberry Sauce?
* 12 ounces fresh cranberries
* 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste depending on your cranberries)
* 1/4 cup water
* 1 tablespoon orange zest (adds a beautiful aroma and flavor)

What are the steps to

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour an 8×8 inch baking pan. If you have a large flat surface, you can line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, for easy removal. I find greasing and flouring gives a slightly crispier crust, but parchment paper makes cleanup easy.

Step 2: Make the Crust

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Set aside. How do you cut butter in a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse powder. In a food processor, pulse for even quicker crumbs, but don’t over mix!

Step 3: Press the Crust

Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. I like to use the bottom of a measuring cup to get an even, compact crust.

Step 4: Bake the Crust

Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Let it cool while you prepare the filling.

Step 5: Make the Cranberry Sauce

While the crust is baking, make the cranberry sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, and orange zest. Set aside. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the liquid has evaporated. How do I make cranberry sauce? Let it cool slightly.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Set aside. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly mixed.

Step 7: Assemble and Swirl

Pour the cream cheese filling over the baked crust. Dollop spoonfuls of the cranberry sauce over the cream cheese filling. Use a knife to gently swirl the cranberry sauce into the cream cheese filling. If you over-swirl the cranberry sauce, be careful not to over swirl it.

Step 8: Bake

Is the filling golden brown? The center should still be slightly jiggly. Don’t overbake, or the filling will crack.

Step 9: Cool and Cut

Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. I usually chill them in the refrigerator for at least an hour before cutting for cleaner slices.

What should I serve it with?

What are some of the best cranberry swirls cream cheese bars? What are some of the best Thanksgiving desserts? What are some good holiday brunch ideas?

What is the best Thanksgiving dessert?Serve them chilled or at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream. What are some good garnishes for nuts?

For Holiday Brunch:Pair them with a steaming cup of coffee or mimosa. What are some great brunch recipes?

For Cozy Snacks:Enjoy them with a glass of milk or hot cocoa. What are some comfort foods for a cold winter day? My family loves these cookies for a post-Thanksgiving treat.

What are some good ways to enjoy ice-cold milk straight from the fridge? What is the difference between warm milk and cold milk? My grandma always used to make something similar, and it always makes me think of her during the holidays.

How do I make Cranberry Swirl Cream Cheese Bars?

How do I make cranberry swirl cream cheese bars? Is it absolutely perfect What are some tips for a successful business owner?

Cold Butter is Key: Using cold butter in the crust is essential for creating a flaky, tender texture. If the butter gets too warm, the crust will be tough and greasy.

Don’t Overmix the Crust: Overmixing the crust will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough crust. Mix the ingredients just until they come together.

Soften the Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is completely softened before you start mixing the filling. This will prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, creamy texture.

Don’t Overbake: Overbaking the bars will result in a dry, cracked filling. Bake them just until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.

Chill Before Cutting: Chilling the bars in the refrigerator before cutting them will make them easier to slice and prevent them from crumbling.

Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add other ingredients to the cream cheese filling or cranberry sauce to customize the flavor. Some ideas include lemon zest, almond extract, or chopped nuts.

One time, I accidentally used salted butter in the crust, and it actually turned out pretty delicious! The slight saltiness balanced the sweetness of the filling perfectly. So don’t be afraid to experiment and see what works for you!

Storing and Reheating Tips

These cranberry swirl cream cheese bars are best stored in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness and prevent the cream cheese filling from spoiling.

Room Temperature: You can leave them at room temperature for a few hours, but I wouldn’t recommend storing them at room temperature for longer than that.

Refrigerator Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They actually taste even better the next day after the flavors have had a chance to meld together.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Glaze Timing Advice: These bars do not have a glaze. If you wanted to add one for extra presentation I would add right before serving. Otherwise the bars will get soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour in the crust with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. I recommend using a blend that contains xanthan gum for the best texture. You might need to add a little more liquid to the crust if it seems too dry.

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before using them in the cranberry sauce.

Can I use a different type of citrus zest?

Yes! Lemon zest would also be delicious in the cranberry sauce. Or, for a more unique flavor, try using grapefruit zest.

Can I add nuts to the crust?

Definitely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds would all be delicious additions to the crust. Add about 1/2 cup of chopped nuts to the flour mixture before cutting in the butter.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe. Just use a 9×13 inch baking pan instead of an 8×8 inch pan. You may need to increase the baking time slightly.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – my go-to recipe for cranberry swirl cream cheese bars! I truly hope you give these a try this Thanksgiving (or any time of year, really). They’re the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and creamy, and they’re sure to be a hit with everyone you share them with. And if you’re looking for other easy and delicious holiday recipes, be sure to check out my other blog posts. Happy baking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out. Let me know in the comments if you try them, and feel free to share your own variations!