Picture a golden crust that crackles softly as you slice through it, revealing a luscious layer of cranberry jam nestled between soft, buttery cake.
The sweet, tart aroma fills the room, wrapping you in a comforting embrace, reminiscent of cozy family gatherings.
The rich flavors and textures dance together in harmony, making these Cranberry Jam-Filled White Forest Cake Bars the ultimate treat for any occasion.
I remember a hectic holiday season when these bars saved our dessert table from disaster; their simplicity and elegance wowed our guests, turning a potential flop into a festive success.
Whether you’re looking to impress at a Sunday supper or need a quick dessert for a busy weeknight, these cake bars are your go-to solution. Ready? Let’s cook!
Why You’ll Love It
- Delivers bold flavor with rich white chocolate and tart cranberry combination.
- Uses pantry staples for a simple yet delightful dessert.
- Freezes beautifully for convenient make-ahead treats.
- Offers easy-to-follow instructions for a stress-free baking experience.
- Provides a crowd-pleasing dessert perfect for gatherings and celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 cup All-purpose flour — opt for unbleached for better texture
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, melted — use high-quality for richer flavor
- 1 cup Granulated sugar — verify it’s fine granulated for even mixing
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking powder — check it’s fresh for proper leavening
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt — sea salt preferred for balanced taste
- 2 Large eggs — room temperature for better integration
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract — pure vanilla extract for authentic flavor
- 1 cup White chocolate chips — choose quality chips for creamy sweetness
- 1/2 cup Cranberry jam — homemade preferred for freshness
- 1/4 cup Chopped cranberries, fresh or dried — dried for a chewy texture
Step-by-Step Method
Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This guarantees the oven reaches the correct temperature while you prepare the batter.
An accurate temperature is essential for even baking.
Prepare the Baking Pan
Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. Use butter or non-stick spray to coat the pan evenly.
This prevents the cake bars from sticking and allows for easy removal after baking.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
Confirm the ingredients are well combined to avoid any lumps in the batter.
Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix the melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Use a whisk to achieve a consistent texture. This mixture forms the base of your batter.
Blend Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
Mix until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to prevent the bars from becoming dense.
Incorporate Add-ins
Fold in the white chocolate chips and chopped cranberries.
Use a spatula to gently incorporate these ingredients evenly throughout the batter.
Layer the Batter
Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
Use a spatula to level the surface, creating an even base for the cranberry jam.
Add the Jam
Spoon the cranberry jam over the batter layer.
Spread it evenly, confirming it covers the entire surface. This creates a sweet and tangy middle layer.
Top with Remaining Batter
Carefully spread the remaining batter over the jam layer.
Smooth it out gently to cover the jam without mixing the layers.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the bars are ready.
Cool Completely
Allow the cake bars to cool in the pan for at least 1 hour.
Cooling guarantees they set properly and are easier to cut into clean bars.
Ingredient Swaps
- To make the Cranberry Jam-Filled White Forest Cake Bars gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- For a dairy-free version, replace the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter alternative, and use dairy-free white chocolate chips.
- If cranberry jam is unavailable, raspberry jam can be used as a substitute for a similar tart flavor.
- For a nutty twist, consider adding a handful of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the batter.
You Must Know
- Preheat Properly: Make certain to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before you start mixing the ingredients to guarantee even baking.
- Measure Accurately: Use a set of measuring cups and spoons to guarantee all ingredients are measured accurately, which is essential for the cake bars to turn out perfectly.
- Mix with Care: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients to avoid over-mixing, which can lead to tough bars.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cake bars to cool in the pan for a full hour before cutting to guarantee they set properly and slices are clean.
- Customize Flavor: For an added depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon to the batter and adjust the amount of cranberry jam to suit your taste preference.
Serving Tips
- Serve bars with a dollop of whipped cream for added creaminess.
- Pair with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy treat.
- Garnish each bar with a few fresh cranberries for a festive touch.
- Dust the top with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Cranberry Jam-Filled White Forest Cake Bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days in an airtight container.
For make-ahead convenience, these bars freeze well for up to two months.
Make certain they’re cooled completely before freezing to maintain texture and flavor upon thawing.
Reheating
To gently reheat cranberry jam-filled cake bars, use a microwave in short bursts.
An oven at low temperature or a stovetop with a covered pan can also be used to avoid drying out.
Cranberry Desserts in Holidays
There’s something magical about holiday gatherings that calls for the comforting aroma of baked goods wafting through the house.
I remember one Christmas Eve when the scent of cranberries and white chocolate filled the air, instantly warming our hearts.
Cranberries, with their tartness, bring a delightful contrast to the sweet treats typical of the season. They remind me of the cranberry sauce my grandmother used to make, adding a tangy twist to our festive meals.
Now, I find joy in crafting cranberry desserts that surprise and delight. From cranberry cake bars to tarts, they’ve become my holiday tradition. Each bite evokes memories, making the season even more special.
Final Thoughts
Why not give these delightful Cranberry Jam-Filled White Forest Cake Bars a try and enjoy the perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors?
Feel free to tweak the recipe by adding a pinch of cinnamon or extra cranberry jam for a personal touch!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Different Type of Jam Instead of Cranberry?
Absolutely, you can swap in your favorite jam! I once used raspberry jam, and it added a delightful tartness. Feel free to experiment; just make certain it’s spreadable for an even layer. Happy baking adventures!
How Do I Prevent the Top Layer From Mixing With the Jam?
I’ve faced that challenge too! To keep the layers distinct, I gently spread the top batter with a spatula, starting from the edges. Freezing the jam slightly before layering also helps. It makes for a beautifully layered dessert!
Are There Any Gluten-Free Alternatives for the Flour?
I’ve experimented with gluten-free baking, and I love using almond flour or a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. They both work well as substitutes, keeping the texture delightful. Have you tried any gluten-free options in your recipes?
Can These Bars Be Frozen for Later Use?
I’ve frozen these bars before, and they taste just as delightful later. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. When cravings strike, thaw them at room temperature, and enjoy their deliciousness anew!
Is It Possible to Make This Recipe Vegan-Friendly?
I’ve tried making these vegan-friendly by swapping eggs with flaxseed meal and using vegan butter. White chocolate can be tricky, but I’ve found dairy-free options. It’s a delicious experiment that invites creativity and fun!
Cranberry Jam-Filled White Forest Cake Bars
Equipment
- 1 Baking pan 9×13 inch
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Spatula
- 1 Measuring cups set
- 1 Measuring spoons set
- 1 Oven
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup cranberry jam
- 1/4 cup cranberries chopped, fresh or dried
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan and set it aside.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Fold in the white chocolate chips and chopped cranberries.
- Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Spoon the cranberry jam over the batter and spread it evenly.
- Carefully spread the remaining batter over the jam layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Allow the cake bars to cool in the pan for 1 hour before cutting into bars.
Notes
