Glazed Cranberry Almond Squares

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Tart and delicious, these Glazed Cranberry Almond Squares are a nice fall, after-dinner sweet treat. Serve them with coffee after your Thanksgiving meal or add them to a dessert table throughout the season.

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It’s just been in the last number of years that I’ve come to enjoy cranberries and recipes with cranberries.

Ingredients for Glazed Cranberry Almond Squares

• Butter
• Flour
• Sugar
• Eggs
• Pure Almond Extract
• Fresh or Frozen Cranberries
• Confectioners’ Sugar
• Pure Vanilla Extract
• Water

Once the pan came out of the oven I decided they needed to look prettier. So a simple glaze was a natural choice.

The sweetness of the glaze cuts the tartness of the cranberries. These glazed cranberry almond squares are sure to become a holiday staple in the years to come.

It’s certainly become one of the most popular fall recipes since it was originally published back in 2018.

Tips and Substitutions

These glazed cranberry almond bars are full of whole tart cranberries and are bursting with flavor.

If you prefer a more almond flavor, increase the almond extract to 1, or even 2, teaspoons. I used vanilla in the glaze but you could use almond here too. Almond can be overpowering so don’t overdo it.

I used frozen cranberries. I did not thaw them first. Thawed cranberries will bleed and make the bars pink.

You can use fresh cranberries if you have them. This is not a recipe you want to use dried cranberries in because the result will be very different.

This is a VERY thick batter. You may want to use your hands to pat the batter into the pan. Just make sure it’s even so it bakes evenly.

How do you serve Cranberry Almond Bars?

Of course, many see this as a dessert but you could also serve a slice for breakfast. I mean, it’s got fruit, right?
I typically serve this as a dessert or on a dessert buffet for a holiday party or open house.

What Can I Serve with Glazed Cranberry Almond Bars?

While you can always just put on a pot of coffee and call it a day, it’s nice to up your dessert game with a flavored or specialty coffee. 

• Pumpkin Spice Caramel Mocha – A nice way to incorporate another fall flavor.
• Original Irish Coffee – A classic that’s always a hit.
• Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate with Butterscotch Whipped Cream – For the non-coffee drinkers.

Cranberry Fun Fact: Cranberries are native to North America and it is widely believed they were a part of the first Thanksgiving feast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s the perfect balance of tart and sweet.
• You can use fresh or frozen cranberries.
• Cut the squares smaller to serve a crowd.
• Perfect for a dessert buffet table.

More tasty Cranberry Recipes:

• Cranberry Bliss Bars – A copycat recipe from a famous gourmet coffee chain.
• Chunky Cranberry Double Chip Cookies – Perfect for a holiday cookie tray.
• Panko Crusted Chicken with Maple Cranberry Sauce – A fall-inspired chicken dish perfect for any night of the week.
• Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball – Great for a party or happy hour at home with friends.
• Traditional Cranberry Sauce – Another fresh cranberry recipe that’s a holiday staple on many tables.
• Refreshing Non-Alcoholic Cranberry Orange Spritzer – Great for kids and designated drivers.

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Glazed Cranberry Almond Squares

Glazed cranberry almond squares will disappear quickly. Perfect for a holiday dessert buffet.

4.85 from 112 votes

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time1 hour hr

Total Time1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course: Desserts and Sweets

Cuisine: American

Keyword: baking, bars, Cranberry, dessert, glaze

Servings: 12 – 15 servings

Author: Ellen Folkman

Equipment

• OXO Good Grips Non-Stick Pro Cake Pan 9 x 13 Inch
• Measuring Cups
• Cooling Rack
• Stand Mixer
• Pure Vanilla Extract
• Almond Extract

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• 2 sticks butter melted
• 2 cups flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 ½ teaspoons pure almond extract
• 3 cups fresh or frozen cranberries

Glaze

• ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons water

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350℉ Spray a 9 x 13 baking pan with non-stick spray with flour. Set aside.
• In a stand mixer beat butter, flour and sugar until combined. Add eggs, one at a time, and almond flavoring in mixing bowl.  Stir by hand and add 3 cups of cranberries. Fold batter until most cranberries are covered in batter.  Spread prepared batter evenly in pan and bake for 1 hour. 
• Cool bars completely before glazing.

To make glaze:

• Combine all glaze ingredients in a small bowl and drizzle over cooled bars.

Recipe Notes

If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw first.