Cranberry Dessert Recipes
Cranberry dessert recipes are a holiday favorite, balancing tart and sweet in cakes, pies, bars, cookies, and more. Perfect for Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings, these festive treats brighten the table with jewel-like cranberries and timeless flavor.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Hand or Stand Mixer
- Baking dish or muffin tin
Ingredients
Essentials
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries do not thaw if frozen
- 1 cup sugar adjust to taste
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs room temperature
Optional Swaps
- honey instead of sugar for softer sweetness
- coconut oil instead of butter for lighter option
- 1 tbsp orange zest optional, for citrus lift
Instructions
- Rinse fresh cranberries and pat dry. If using frozen, measure straight from the bag.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla (or almond extract), mixing until smooth.
- Fold in cranberries gently to avoid breaking them.
- Pour into a prepared baking pan or muffin tin. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool fully before cutting if making bars or squares.
Notes
For festive flair, drizzle cooled cranberry bars with white chocolate or add orange glaze to cranberry cakes. Cranberries pair beautifully with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for holiday warmth.