Cranberries are a staple ingredient for many holiday dishes, but they can also be the star of the show when it comes to desserts. Whether you prefer sweet or tart flavors, there’s no denying that cranberry desserts add a festive touch to any occasion.
In this article, we’ll be sharing 10 easy cranberry dessert recipes that are perfect for the holiday season or any time of the year. From classic favorites like cranberry apple pie and cranberry cheesecake bars to unique treats like cranberry pistachio bark and cranberry almond tart, there’s something for everyone on this list.
These recipes are not only delicious but also easy to make, so you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to impress your guests. And even if you’re not a fan of cranberries, these desserts might just change your mind.
So, whether you’re hosting a holiday party, looking for a new dessert to bring to a potluck, or just want to indulge in something sweet and tangy, these 10 easy cranberry dessert recipes are sure to satisfy your taste buds and impress your guests.
1. Cranberry Apple Crisp
As someone who loves to indulge in sweet treats, I’m always on the lookout for new dessert recipes to add to my collection. That’s why I was thrilled to come across this cranberry apple crisp recipe from Build Your Bite. Not only does it combine two of my favorite fruits, but it’s also easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
The combination of sweet apples and tangy cranberries creates a deliciously balanced flavor profile that’s sure to please anyone’s taste buds. And with the added crunch from the crisp topping made with oats and brown sugar, this dessert is simply irresistible.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. It’s perfect for a cozy night in with family or friends, but it’s also elegant enough to serve at a dinner party. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover cranberries you may have from the holiday season.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups of apples, peeled, cored and sliced
- 2 cups of fresh cranberries
- 3/4 cup of brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup of rolled oats
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, fresh cranberries, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Mix well to combine.
- Transfer the fruit mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and cubed butter. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to work the ingredients together until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the fruit mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is tender.
- Allow the cranberry apple crisp to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
2. White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
These White Chocolate Cranberry Pistachio Cookies are a classic holiday treat that I always look forward to baking. The combination of white chocolate, tart cranberries, and crunchy pistachios creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with deliciousness in every bite.
I love this recipe not only for its delicious taste but also for its versatility. It’s a great base recipe that can be easily modified to suit different tastes and preferences. For example, I sometimes add a hint of orange zest to give the cookies a citrusy twist, or I swap out the white chocolate for dark chocolate to make them richer.
These cookies are also a hit with my family and friends during holiday gatherings. I love watching their faces light up as they bite into a freshly baked cookie, enjoying the burst of flavors and the perfect chewy texture.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs and vanilla to the butter mixture, and beat until well combined.
- Gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined.
- Fold in the dried cranberries, white chocolate chips, and chopped pistachios.
- Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy your delicious White Chocolate Cranberry Pistachio Cookies!
3. Cranberry Pistachio Bark
I absolutely adore this recipe for Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Bark, not only because it’s delicious, but also because it’s so simple to make! The combination of the tartness of cranberries, the saltiness of pistachios, and the sweetness of white chocolate is simply divine. Plus, the vibrant red and green colors of the cranberries and pistachios make it the perfect treat for the holiday season.
This recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can use any combination of nuts and dried fruits that you like, and it will still turn out delicious. Plus, you can easily make a big batch of this bark to give as gifts to friends and family during the holidays.
Another great thing about this recipe is that it doesn’t require any fancy equipment or complicated techniques. All you need is a baking sheet, some parchment paper, and a microwave or double boiler to melt the chocolate.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pistachios
Instructions:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Melt the white chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave, stirring every 20 seconds until smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it into an even layer.
- Sprinkle the dried cranberries and chopped pistachios on top of the melted chocolate, pressing them lightly into the chocolate.
- Refrigerate the bark for about 30 minutes or until firm.
- Once the bark is set, break it into pieces and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
4. Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding
Orange Cranberry Bread with Glaze is one of my favorite holiday treats. This sweet and tangy bread is packed with juicy cranberries, fresh orange zest, and topped with a delicious orange glaze. The combination of the tart cranberries and the sweet orange is simply irresistible. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a quick breakfast, snack, or dessert.
I love this recipe because it is both comforting and festive, making it the perfect addition to any holiday table. The orange glaze adds a subtle sweetness and a bright burst of flavor to the bread, making it the star of the show. Plus, it is easy to adapt the recipe to fit any dietary restrictions, such as using gluten-free flour or dairy-free alternatives.
Another reason why I love this recipe is that it is a great way to use up leftover cranberries from Thanksgiving. Instead of letting them go to waste, I can use them to make a delicious treat that everyone in my family loves. I highly recommend giving this Orange Cranberry Bread with Glaze a try, especially during the holiday season.
Ingredients:
For the bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the sugar, orange zest, and butter until creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- With the mixer on low, add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the orange juice, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
- Fold in the chopped cranberries.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the bread comes out clean.
- Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Remove the bread from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the bread is cooling, make the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, orange zest, and orange juice in a small bowl.
- Once the bread has cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over the top.
- Slice and serve.
5. Cranberry Cheesecake Bars
If you’re a cheesecake lover and you also love the tangy sweetness of cranberries, then you will definitely want to try these Cranberry Cheesecake Bars. This recipe offers a delightful balance of creaminess, sweetness, and tartness that will satisfy your dessert cravings.
I love this recipe because it takes traditional cheesecake and adds a fun twist with the addition of cranberries. The cranberry topping is made with fresh or frozen cranberries, sugar, and orange zest, which pairs perfectly with the rich and creamy cheesecake layer.
Another great thing about this recipe is that it’s easy to make and perfect for entertaining. You can make these bars ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve. They are also great for holiday parties or potlucks. The crust is made with graham crackers and melted butter, which adds a nice crunch to the creamy cheesecake and tart cranberry topping. And the drizzle of white chocolate on top adds a sweet finishing touch.
Ingredients:
- 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, butter, 1/4 cup sugar, and salt until crumbly.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
- Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cranberry sauce and cornstarch until smooth.
- Stir the cranberry mixture into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
- Pour the filling over the crust and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Allow the bars to cool to room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before slicing and serving.
6. Cranberry Almond Tart
The Almond Cranberry Tart is a delightful dessert that is perfect for the holiday season. I love this recipe because it is not only delicious, but also gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions. The combination of the nutty almond crust and the sweet-tart cranberry filling is a match made in heaven, and the hint of orange zest gives it a lovely citrusy aroma.
What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to make. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a beautiful and impressive dessert that your friends and family will love. Plus, the tart can be made in advance, which means less stress on the day of your gathering.
This almond cranberry tart is also a healthier option compared to many other holiday desserts. It is made with natural sweeteners like maple syrup and coconut sugar, and the almonds provide healthy fats and protein. Overall, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and healthy dessert that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
For the crust:
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup coconut flour
- 1/4 cup tapioca flour
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
For the filling:
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp arrowroot powder
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine almond flour, coconut flour, tapioca flour, melted coconut oil, and maple syrup. Mix well.
- Press the dough into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch tart pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- In a saucepan, combine fresh cranberries, maple syrup, water, coconut sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Cook over medium heat until the cranberries have burst and the mixture has thickened.
- Remove from heat and whisk in the arrowroot powder until smooth.
- Pour the cranberry filling into the pre-baked crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the filling has set.
- Let cool completely before slicing and serving.
7. Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
Cream cheese cranberry dip is a perfect appetizer for any gathering. I love this recipe because it’s incredibly easy to make, yet it tastes so delicious. The cream cheese is the perfect base for the tartness of the cranberries, and the combination of sweet and savory flavors is just irresistible.
This dip is perfect for any holiday gathering, and the beautiful red color of the cranberries makes it especially festive for Christmas. I also love that it can be made ahead of time, so you can focus on other dishes for your party.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. It can be served with crackers, pita chips, or even as a spread for bagels or toast. It’s also a great addition to a cheese board or charcuterie platter.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Mix well.
- Fold in the dried cranberries and chopped pecans.
- Chill the dip in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Serve with crackers or sliced fruits.
This Cream Cheese Cranberry Dip is perfect for holiday parties or any occasion. The cream cheese adds a rich and creamy texture, while the cranberries and pecans give a sweet and nutty flavor. The addition of cinnamon adds a warm and cozy touch, making it perfect for the fall and winter seasons. This recipe is incredibly easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time. It’s also versatile and can be served with crackers, sliced fruits, or even as a topping for bagels or toast. This dip is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and is a must-try for any cranberry lover.
8. Cranberry Apple Pie
This apple cranberry pie is the perfect dessert to enjoy during the fall season, with its sweet and tart flavor combination. The aroma of cinnamon and apples baking in the oven fills the house with warmth and comfort.
What I love most about this recipe is that it’s a twist on a classic apple pie recipe. The addition of cranberries adds a pop of tartness that complements the sweetness of the apples. The crumb topping adds a nice crunchy texture that contrasts with the soft filling.
The recipe is simple to follow, and the result is a beautiful and delicious pie that is perfect for any occasion. I love serving this pie at Thanksgiving dinner or bringing it to a fall potluck.
Another great thing about this recipe is that it can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge until ready to bake. This makes it convenient for busy days when you want to have a homemade dessert but don’t have a lot of time to spare. Overall, this apple cranberry pie is a crowd-pleaser and a perfect dessert for fall.
Ingredients:
- 1 double pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 3 cups peeled, cored, and thinly sliced Granny Smith apples
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water (for egg wash)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, fresh cranberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Roll out the bottom pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie dish. Trim any excess dough around the edges.
- Pour the fruit mixture into the pie crust and dot with small pieces of butter.
- Roll out the top pie crust and cut it into 1-inch strips.
- Lay the strips in a lattice pattern over the fruit mixture. Trim any excess dough around the edges.
- Brush the egg wash over the top crust.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Allow the pie to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
9. Cranberry Pecan Oatmeal Cookies
Cranberry Pecan Oatmeal Cookies are one of my favorite desserts to make during the holidays. These cookies are the perfect blend of sweet and tart, with the nutty taste of pecans and the chewiness of oats. The cranberries add a pop of bright color and a zing of flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
One of the reasons I love this recipe is because it’s simple to make and doesn’t require a lot of ingredients. The combination of oats, pecans, and cranberries creates a unique texture and taste that is hard to resist. They’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a potluck, holiday party, or just a cozy night in with a cup of tea.
What’s also great about this recipe is that it’s versatile. You can use fresh or dried cranberries, and you can also substitute the pecans for other nuts like walnuts or almonds. Additionally, you can adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less sugar.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
- Stir in the oats, dried cranberries, and pecans until evenly distributed.
- Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!
10. Cranberry Upside-Down Cake
As someone who loves the combination of sweet and tart flavors in desserts, this cranberry upside-down cake is one of my all-time favorites. The vibrant red cranberries make for a stunning visual display, and the taste is simply amazing. The tartness of the cranberries pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cake, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion.
What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to make, and yet it looks and tastes like something you would find in a high-end bakery. The caramelized sugar and cranberries on top give the cake a beautiful texture and flavor, while the moist and fluffy vanilla cake beneath adds the perfect balance.
This cake is perfect for the holiday season, but it’s also a great year-round dessert option that will leave your guests asking for the recipe. It’s a great way to use up any leftover cranberries you may have and impress your family and friends with your baking skills. Overall, this cranberry upside-down cake is a must-try for any dessert lover out there.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt 4 tablespoons of the butter in a 10-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
- Add 1/2 cup of the sugar and stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and spread the cranberries evenly over the bottom of the skillet.
- In a large bowl, cream together the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter and 1/2 cup of sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, until a smooth batter forms.
- Pour the batter over the cranberries in the skillet, smoothing it out to the edges.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the skillet for 10 minutes, then invert it onto a serving platter.
- Serve the cake warm or at room temperature.
Conclusion
Thank you for taking the time to read through this list of 10 easy cranberry desserts. I hope you found some inspiration for your next holiday gathering or sweet craving. Cranberries are a versatile fruit that can add a pop of color and flavor to any dish, and these desserts are no exception. Whether you’re a fan of classic favorites or looking for something new, there’s something on this list for everyone. So, grab some fresh cranberries and get baking! And, as always, feel free to experiment with the recipes and make them your own. Happy baking!
