Chocolate Cranberry Bars

Chocolate Cranberry Bars Recipe: A Decadent and Easy-to-Make Dessert

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Indulge in the perfect combination of chocolate and cranberries with these delicious Chocolate Cranberry Bars. These bars are a sweet treat that are perfect for any occasion, whether it's a holiday gathering or a simple dessert for your family.

History

The combination of chocolate and cranberries has been a popular flavor pairing for many years. This recipe takes that classic combination and turns it into a decadent dessert that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients

2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
0.5 cup HERSHEY'S cocoa
3 tbsp sugar
0.67 cup Cold butter, cut into pieces
1 can (14 oz (397 g)) sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated milk)
1 cup REESE'S peanut butter chips
1.33 cups (6 oz (170 g) pkg) sweetened dried cranberries or 1-0.33 cup raisins
1 cup Coarsely chopped walnuts

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
In a medium bowl, stir together the crumbs, cocoa, and sugar. Cut in the butter until the mixture becomes crumbly.
Press the mixture evenly on the bottom and 0.5 inch up the sides of a 13x9x2 inches baking pan.
Evenly pour the sweetened condensed milk over the crumb mixture. Sprinkle with peanut butter chips and dried cranberries.
Sprinkle the nuts on top and press down firmly.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until lightly browned.
Allow the pan to cool completely on a wire rack.
Cover with foil and let it stand for several hours.
Cut into bars before serving.

Variations

Swap out the walnuts for pecans or almonds for a different flavor profile.
Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the bars for a sweet and salty twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to press the crumb mixture firmly into the baking pan to ensure a solid base for the bars.

- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into them to ensure they hold their shape.

- For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the bars before serving.

Serving Suggestions

These Chocolate Cranberry Bars are perfect for serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special treat.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making these bars is to press the crumb mixture firmly into the baking pan to create a solid base for the bars.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have sweetened condensed milk on hand, you can use a combination of heavy cream and sugar as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

These bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve these bars on a decorative platter with a dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair these Chocolate Cranberry Bars with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of milk for a delicious dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in the microwave for a few seconds until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of these Chocolate Cranberry Bars contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of these Chocolate Cranberry Bars contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of these Chocolate Cranberry Bars contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of these Chocolate Cranberry Bars contains approximately 5 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

These bars are a good source of iron and calcium, providing essential nutrients for your body.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts and dairy. Please be cautious if you have allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

These Chocolate Cranberry Bars are a delicious treat that provide a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They also offer essential vitamins and minerals to support your overall health.

Summary

These Chocolate Cranberry Bars are a decadent dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With a rich chocolate base, sweet cranberries, and crunchy walnuts, these bars are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Chocolate Cranberry Bars. It was a cold winter day, and I was browsing through an old cookbook that belonged to my own grandmother. The pages were yellowed and worn, but the recipes within were like hidden treasures waiting to be discovered.

As I flipped through the pages, a recipe caught my eye. It was for Chocolate Cranberry Bars, a decadent dessert that combined the rich flavors of chocolate with the tartness of cranberries. I had never tasted anything like it before, and I knew I had to try making it myself.

I set to work gathering the ingredients and following the steps laid out in the recipe. I melted the chocolate until it was smooth and creamy, then stirred in the dried cranberries and chopped nuts. The scent of chocolate filled the kitchen as the bars baked in the oven, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.

When the timer finally beeped, I pulled the tray of Chocolate Cranberry Bars out of the oven. They were golden brown and smelled heavenly. I let them cool for a few minutes before cutting them into squares and taking a bite.

The taste was even better than I had imagined. The chocolate was rich and velvety, while the cranberries added a burst of tartness that balanced out the sweetness. The nuts added a satisfying crunch, and I knew I had found a new favorite dessert.

I shared the Chocolate Cranberry Bars with my family, and they couldn't get enough. My children begged me to make them again and again, and soon they became a staple in our household. Whenever we had guests over, I would proudly serve them the bars and watch as their faces lit up with delight.

As the years went by, I continued to make the Chocolate Cranberry Bars whenever I needed a special treat. They became a symbol of love and tradition in our family, passed down from generation to generation. I would often think back to that cold winter day when I first discovered the recipe and smile at how it had brought so much joy into our lives.

I never did find out where the recipe originally came from, but it didn't matter. It was a part of our family now, a cherished memory that would live on for years to come. I was grateful for the sense of wonder I had felt that day, and for the delicious Chocolate Cranberry Bars that had become a beloved tradition in our home.