Do cranberries and pecans go together?

Absolutely! Cranberries and pecans are a perfect flavor match. The tartness of cranberries balances the rich, buttery crunch of pecans, creating a dessert that’s not overly sweet. That’s why cranberry pecan pie bars have become a seasonal favorite—they combine bright fruitiness with deep nutty flavor.

Why are my pecan pie bars runny?

A runny texture is usually caused by underbaking or skipping cornstarch in the filling . Always bake until the cranberry-pecan mixture is bubbling slightly at the edges and looks set. Letting the bars cool completely before slicing also ensures the filling firms up. For extra insurance, refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Is pecan pie an American thing?

Yes, pecan pie is deeply rooted in American culinary history, especially in the South where pecan trees are abundant. By adding cranberries, these bars give a fresh, festive twist to a traditional classic—perfect for both Thanksgiving and Christmas tables.

Is cranberry pie good?

Cranberry desserts are beloved for their balance of tart and sweet . Cranberry pie, and by extension cranberry pecan pie bars , are excellent holiday choices because they cut through the richness of heavy meals with a refreshing tang.

What fruit pairs best with pecans?

Cranberries, apples, and pears are the top fruit pairings for pecans. Their tart or mellow sweetness complements the nutty, buttery flavor of pecans beautifully. This makes pecans a versatile choice for seasonal desserts, from cranberry pecan bars to apple crisps.

What nut pairs best with cranberries?

While pecans are the most traditional, cranberries also pair well with walnuts and almonds. Pecans, however, provide a softer texture and natural sweetness that balances cranberry’s tart punch, making them the ideal choice for holiday baking.

Cranberry Pecan Pie Bars – Easy Holiday Dessert Squares

Name: Cranberry Pecan Pie Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 5 tablespoons cold butter, cubed; ¾ cup all-purpose flour; ¼ cup old-fashioned rolled oats; 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed; 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup; 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries, roughly chopped; 1 cup chopped pecans; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup; 3 tablespoons melted butter; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; ¼ teaspoon coarse salt

Description

These Cranberry Pecan Pie Bars combine a buttery oat crust, gooey cranberry filling, and crunchy pecan topping into one irresistible holiday dessert. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or cozy fall gatherings, these bars are easy to slice, serve, and share.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

5 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
¾ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup

For the Filling:

1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries, roughly chopped
1 cup chopped pecans
¼ cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
3 tablespoons melted butter
1 tablespoon cornstarch
¼ teaspoon coarse salt

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Instructions

Prep the Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch (or 10×7-inch) baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
Make the Crust: In a food processor, combine butter, flour, oats, flaxseed, and maple syrup. Pulse until a crumbly dough forms.
Bake the Crust: Press the dough evenly into the prepared dish. Bake for 20 minutes, until lightly golden. Let cool slightly.
Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, mix cranberries, pecans, sugar, maple syrup, melted butter, cornstarch, and salt. Stir until fully coated.
Assemble Bars: Pour the filling over the baked crust. Spread evenly with a spatula.
Final Bake: Return to the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, until the filling sets and the pecans look toasted.
Cool & Serve: Allow to cool completely. Refrigerate until firm. Lift out with parchment, slice into bars, and serve.

Notes

Storage: Keep bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake and chill one day ahead for holiday gatherings.
Flavor Variations: Add orange zest, swap pecans for walnuts, or drizzle with white chocolate.

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Category: Dessert, Holiday Baking
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: per bar, 1 of 16
Calories: 193 kcal
Sugar: 11 g
Sodium: 36 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 2 g
Cholesterol: 17 mg