These Frozen Cranberry Bars are the perfect blend of creamy, tart, and sweet flavors with a refreshing twist. Featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, a tangy cranberry-cream cheese filling, and a hint of raspberry from Jell-O, these no-bake bars are great for the holidays or any time you crave a light and fruity dessert. They’re easy to make and require minimal prep, making them a go-to for quick, crowd-pleasing treats.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ¼ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup butter, melted
For the Cranberry Mixture:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 3 ounces raspberry Jell-O
Instructions
Make the Crust:
- In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter and graham cracker crumbs. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch pan to form an even crust. Set aside.
Prepare the Cranberry Mixture:
- In a food processor, blend the cream cheese until smooth. Add the sweetened condensed milk and pulse until fully combined. Pour the mixture into a large bowl and set aside.
- Add the fresh cranberries to the food processor and pulse until finely chopped.
- In the large bowl, combine the chopped cranberries, the cream cheese mixture, and the raspberry Jell-O powder. Stir until everything is evenly incorporated.
Assemble and Freeze:
- Pour the cranberry mixture over the prepared graham cracker crust, spreading it out evenly.
- Place the pan in the freezer and let it freeze for 1-2 hours, or until the mixture is firm.
- Once frozen, remove the pan from the freezer and cut the dessert into 16 squares. Serve immediately or store in the freezer until ready to enjoy.
Tips for Perfect Frozen Cranberry Bars
- Cranberry Texture: Finely chop the cranberries for a smooth texture, but if you prefer a chunkier filling, pulse them less.
- Firm Crust: Press the crust mixture firmly into the pan to prevent it from crumbling when slicing.
- Jell-O Flavor: Swap raspberry Jell-O with strawberry or cherry for a different flavor profile.
- Serving Suggestion: Let the bars sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving for a slightly softer texture.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
Light, flavorful, and bursting with the tang of cranberries, these Frozen Cranberry Bars are a delightful dessert for any occasion. Their vibrant color and refreshing taste make them a standout addition to holiday spreads or summer gatherings.
Frozen Cranberry Bars
16
servings10
minutes20
minutesIngredients
For the Crust:
1 ¼ cups graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup butter, melted
For the Cranberry Mixture:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
12 ounces fresh cranberries
3 ounces raspberry Jell-O
Directions
- Make the Crust:
- In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter and graham cracker crumbs. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch pan to form an even crust. Set aside.
- Prepare the Cranberry Mixture:
- In a food processor, blend the cream cheese until smooth. Add the sweetened condensed milk and pulse until fully combined. Pour the mixture into a large bowl and set aside.
- Add the fresh cranberries to the food processor and pulse until finely chopped.
- In the large bowl, combine the chopped cranberries, the cream cheese mixture, and the raspberry Jell-O powder. Stir until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Assemble and Freeze:
- Pour the cranberry mixture over the prepared graham cracker crust, spreading it out evenly.
- Place the pan in the freezer and let it freeze for 1-2 hours, or until the mixture is firm.
- Once frozen, remove the pan from the freezer and cut the dessert into 16 squares. Serve immediately or store in the freezer until ready to enjoy.
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