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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Overhead photo of glazed cranberry almond bars.

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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

Cranberry Almond Bars cooling on a counter.

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.

Side view of a cut glazed cranberry almond square.

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. 

Glazed Cranberry Almond Squares Twitter Image

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:

Glazed Cranberry Almond Squares Pinterest Image

Did you make this recipe? If so, please leave a 5-star review on the recipe card below.

Glazed Cranberry Almond Squares

Glazed cranberry almond squares will disappear quickly. Perfect for a holiday dessert buffet.
4.85 from 113 votes
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 10 minutes
Course: Desserts and Sweets
Cuisine: American
Servings: 12 – 15 servings

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. 

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51 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Made several batches of these, they were such a hit. I did add toasted almonds to the recipe and sprinkled some on top prior to baking. Have had several requests for the recipe. Love them and they are so easy to make. Thank you!

  2. 5 stars
    I made these and they are a hit! Everyone in my family loves them. I will be making these again. I do have a question. Can these be made gluten free by swapping flour gluten free flour? I’d love to make these for a friend who cannot have gluten.

    1. Hi Lynn, While I have not tried making this recipe with gluten free flour, I think it can be done. I consulted with a friend who follows a GF diet and she thinks a 1:1 ratio of gluten free flour to the all-purpose flour would work. She and I both recommend using King Arthur Baking Gluten Free Flour. It can usually be substituted 1:1. Please let me know how it works and I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe!

      1. 5 stars
        Thank you for answering me. I am going to try making these gluten free. I will let you know how they turn out. It’s finally cranberry season, and I’m going to make these for my family for, and to give as gifts for friends!

  3. Great recipe! Everyone loved it! I did substitute orange flavoring + orange zest in the bars, simply because we love the cranberry and orange combo of flavors. Will definitely make again and again!

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