![Paula Deen's Cranberry Almond Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | fabulous #PaulaDeen #cookie recipe with a streusel crust and topping. The filling is made with fresh #cranberries & #pineapple preserves & #almonds on top. This is a terrific #dessert for #Christmas baking.](https://cantstayoutofthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/Cranberry-Almond-Bars-IMG_8845.jpg)
Cranberry Almond Bars
Teresa’s Bake Shop – Christmas Cookie Extravaganza – 2013
These ooey, gooey, juicy Cranberry Almond Bars are fantastic! This fabulous Paula Deen recipe is a colorful and festive bar just in time for the holiday season! The crust and streusel topping layer is made out of your basic oatmeal, flour, butter and brown sugar base. This is topped with cooked cranberries with the added twist of pineapple preserves. After the cranberry layer is spread on the crust, the cranberries are topped with almonds and then the streusel topping. Cranberry Almond Bars are absolutely delicious!
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I found the recipe for Cranberry Almond Bars a few years ago in Paula’s Holiday Baking magazine, circa 2010. I really wanted to try it but it took me a long time to find pineapple preserves back then. No store in the metroplex carried it. Now Smuckers offers it pretty regularly. When I saw pineapple preserves on the shelf about a month ago I snatched up a couple of jars just so I could make up several batches of this recipe for our Christmas Cookie Extravaganza this year.
I have to admit this is the first (and only) recipe I’ve made from Paula Deen that I’ve really had to fiddle with to get to work. The filling ingredients are so skimpy they barely cover the crust. So skimpy that I had to double the ingredients of the filling so there’s enough and you’re not just eating a crust bar! Yes, it does make these bars a little gooier as a result, but we love them that way. My husband has always liked fruity desserts, not dried out stuff, so adding extra filling suits him fine.
If you’re looking for a beautiful, elegant dessert bar for Christmas and all your holiday parties, may I suggest Paula Deen’s Cranberry Almond Bars this season? With my changes for double the cranberry/pineapple filling, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed at all in this lovely dessert.
![Paula Deen's Cranberry Almond Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | fabulous #PaulaDeen #cookie recipe with a streusel crust and topping. The filling is made with fresh #cranberries & #pineapple preserves & #almonds on top. This is a terrific #dessert for #Christmas baking.](https://cantstayoutofthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/Cranberry-Almond-Bars-Collage.jpg)
Paula Deen’s Cranberry Almond Bars are festive and beautiful.
![Paula Deen's Cranberry Almond Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | fabulous #PaulaDeen #cookie recipe with a streusel crust and topping. The filling is made with fresh #cranberries & #pineapple preserves & #almonds on top. This is a terrific #dessert for #Christmas baking.](https://cantstayoutofthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/Cranberry-Almond-Bars-IMG_8840-1.jpg)
These lovely bars are great for holiday entertaining. This recipe makes a large 10×15″ pan of bars. Enough to have a few for yourselves and share at an office or holiday party! 🙂
![Paula Deen's Cranberry Almond Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | fabulous #PaulaDeen #cookie recipe with a streusel crust and topping. The filling is made with fresh #cranberries & #pineapple preserves & #almonds on top. This is a terrific #dessert for #Christmas baking.](https://cantstayoutofthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/Cranberry-Almond-Bars-IMG_8850-657x1024.jpg)
If you freeze some cranberries you can make this dessert other times of the year, too! Cranberry Almond Bars are ooey, gooey, and delicious!
Here’s what I did.
![Paula Deen's Cranberry Almond Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | fabulous #PaulaDeen #cookie recipe with a streusel crust and topping. The filling is made with fresh #cranberries & #pineapple preserves & #almonds on top. This is a terrific #dessert for #Christmas baking.](http://cantstayoutofthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/Cranberry-Almond-Bars-IMG_2208-1-540x405.jpg)
Soften butter and put in large mixing bowl.
![Paula Deen's Cranberry Almond Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | fabulous #PaulaDeen #cookie recipe with a streusel crust and topping. The filling is made with fresh #cranberries & #pineapple preserves & #almonds on top. This is a terrific #dessert for #Christmas baking.](http://cantstayoutofthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/Cranberry-Almond-Bars-IMG_2209-1-540x405.jpg)
Add brown sugar, UNBLEACHED all-purpose flour (bleached flour toughens baked goods), baking soda, baking powder and oatmeal.
![Paula Deen's Cranberry Almond Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | fabulous #PaulaDeen #cookie recipe with a streusel crust and topping. The filling is made with fresh #cranberries & #pineapple preserves & #almonds on top. This is a terrific #dessert for #Christmas baking.](http://cantstayoutofthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/Cranberry-Almond-Bars-IMG_2210-1-540x405.jpg)
Using a pastry blender, cut the butter into the flour/oatmeal mixture. Reserve 1 1/2 cups crumb mixture for topping.
![Paula Deen's Cranberry Almond Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | fabulous #PaulaDeen #cookie recipe with a streusel crust and topping. The filling is made with fresh #cranberries & #pineapple preserves & #almonds on top. This is a terrific #dessert for #Christmas baking.](http://cantstayoutofthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/Cranberry-Almond-Bars-IMG_2211-1-540x405.jpg)
Spray a 10×15″ cookie sheet with an edge with cooking spray. Press remaining streusel crumb mixture into pan.
![Paula Deen's Cranberry Almond Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | fabulous #PaulaDeen #cookie recipe with a streusel crust and topping. The filling is made with fresh #cranberries & #pineapple preserves & #almonds on top. This is a terrific #dessert for #Christmas baking.](http://cantstayoutofthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/Cranberry-Almond-Bars-IMG_2212-1-540x405.jpg)
Place cranberries and sugar in a medium-sized saucepan over medium-high heat. Add water and bring to a boil.
![Paula Deen's Cranberry Almond Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | fabulous #PaulaDeen #cookie recipe with a streusel crust and topping. The filling is made with fresh #cranberries & #pineapple preserves & #almonds on top. This is a terrific #dessert for #Christmas baking.](http://cantstayoutofthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/Cranberry-Almond-Bars-IMG_2213-1-540x405.jpg)
Cook mixture about 5 -10 minutes until it’s thickened.
![Paula Deen's Cranberry Almond Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | fabulous #PaulaDeen #cookie recipe with a streusel crust and topping. The filling is made with fresh #cranberries & #pineapple preserves & #almonds on top. This is a terrific #dessert for #Christmas baking.](http://cantstayoutofthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/Cranberry-Almond-Bars-IMG_2214-540x405.jpg)
Here the sauce has thickened.
![Paula Deen's Cranberry Almond Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | fabulous #PaulaDeen #cookie recipe with a streusel crust and topping. The filling is made with fresh #cranberries & #pineapple preserves & #almonds on top. This is a terrific #dessert for #Christmas baking.](http://cantstayoutofthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/Cranberry-Almond-Bars-IMG_2215-1-540x405.jpg)
Add Pineapple Preserves. These are now more readily available in the metroplex than three years ago when this recipe was first printed.
![Paula Deen's Cranberry Almond Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | fabulous #PaulaDeen #cookie recipe with a streusel crust and topping. The filling is made with fresh #cranberries & #pineapple preserves & #almonds on top. This is a terrific #dessert for #Christmas baking.](http://cantstayoutofthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/Cranberry-Almond-Bars-IMG_2216-1-540x405.jpg)
Add pineapple preserves to the thickened cranberry sauce.
![Paula Deen's Cranberry Almond Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | fabulous #PaulaDeen #cookie recipe with a streusel crust and topping. The filling is made with fresh #cranberries & #pineapple preserves & #almonds on top. This is a terrific #dessert for #Christmas baking.](http://cantstayoutofthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/Cranberry-Almond-Bars-IMG_2218-1-540x405.jpg)
Spread mixture on top of streusel crust.
![Paula Deen's Cranberry Almond Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | fabulous #PaulaDeen #cookie recipe with a streusel crust and topping. The filling is made with fresh #cranberries & #pineapple preserves & #almonds on top. This is a terrific #dessert for #Christmas baking.](http://cantstayoutofthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/Cranberry-Almond-Bars-IMG_2219-1-540x405.jpg)
Sprinkle with sliced almonds.
![Paula Deen's Cranberry Almond Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | fabulous #PaulaDeen #cookie recipe with a streusel crust and topping. The filling is made with fresh #cranberries & #pineapple preserves & #almonds on top. This is a terrific #dessert for #Christmas baking.](http://cantstayoutofthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/Cranberry-Almond-Bars-IMG_2220-1-540x405.jpg)
Sprinkle reserved 1 1/2 cups streusel topping over top of the almonds.
![Paula Deen's Cranberry Almond Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | fabulous #PaulaDeen #cookie recipe with a streusel crust and topping. The filling is made with fresh #cranberries & #pineapple preserves & #almonds on top. This is a terrific #dessert for #Christmas baking.](http://cantstayoutofthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/Cranberry-Almond-Bars-IMG_2221-540x405.jpg)
Bake at 350 for about 25 minutes. This is what it looked like just out of the oven.
![Paula Deen's Cranberry Almond Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | fabulous #PaulaDeen #cookie recipe with a streusel crust and topping. The filling is made with fresh #cranberries & #pineapple preserves & #almonds on top. This is a terrific #dessert for #Christmas baking.](http://cantstayoutofthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/Cranberry-Almond-Bars-IMG_2300-1-540x405.jpg)
Cool completely before cutting into bars. I think I put mine in the freezer for a little while before cutting so I could get a cleaner edge.
![Paula Deen's Cranberry Almond Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | fabulous #PaulaDeen #cookie recipe with a streusel crust and topping. The filling is made with fresh #cranberries & #pineapple preserves & #almonds on top. This is a terrific #dessert for #Christmas baking.](https://cantstayoutofthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/Cranberry-Almond-Bars-IMG_8846.jpg)
Cranberry Almond Bars are such a tasty treat. If you like cranberries, almonds and pineapples you will love these wonderful dessert bars.
![Paula Deen's Cranberry Almond Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | fabulous #PaulaDeen #cookie recipe with a streusel crust and topping. The filling is made with fresh #cranberries & #pineapple preserves & #almonds on top. This is a terrific #dessert for #Christmas baking.](https://cantstayoutofthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/Cranberry-Almond-Bars-IMG_8865.jpg)
We like these bars with a little more filling than the original recipe calls for.
![Paula Deen's Cranberry Almond Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | fabulous #PaulaDeen #cookie recipe with a streusel crust and topping. The filling is made with fresh #cranberries & #pineapple preserves & #almonds on top. This is a terrific #dessert for #Christmas baking.](https://cantstayoutofthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/Cranberry-Almond-Bars-IMG_8867-666x1024.jpg)
Paula Deen’s Cranberry Almond Bars are a luscious dessert your whole family will enjoy.
Here’s the recipe.
CRANBERRY ALMOND BARS
(Recipe adapted from Paula Deen, Holiday Baking, 2010)
![Paula Deen's Cranberry Almond Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | fabulous #PaulaDeen #cookie recipe with a streusel crust and topping. The filling is made with fresh #cranberries & #pineapple preserves & #almonds on top. This is a terrific #dessert for #Christmas baking.](https://cantstayoutofthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/Cranberry-Almond-Bars-IMG_8845-500x500.jpg)
Cranberry Almond Bars
Equipment
- 1 10x15 cookie sheet pan or baking dish
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 pastry blender
- 1 wooden spoon
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
- 1 medium sauce pan
- 1 spatula
Ingredients
- 2 cups UNBLEACHED all-purpose flour bleached flour toughens baked goods
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oatmeal
- 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar firmly packed
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. baking soda
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 4 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp. water
- 1/2 cup pineapple preserves
- 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups almonds sliced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350˚.
- Spray a 10x15” baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Using a pastry blender, cut in butter until mixture is crumbly.
- Reserve 1 ½ cups crumb mixture.
- Press remaining crumb mixture firmly into bottom of prepared pan.
- In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and water.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Cook, stirring constantly, for 5-10 minutes or until mixture is thickened.
- Stir in pineapple preserves.
- Spread cranberry mixture over crumb mixture in pan.
- Top evenly with almonds.
- Sprinkle reserved 1 ½ cups crumb mixture over almonds.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool for 1 hour before cutting into bars.
Notes
Recipe adapted from Paula Deen.
© Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen
Nutrition
- 2 cups Gold Medal UNBLEACHED all-purpose flour (bleached flour toughens baked goods)
- 1 ½ cups Quaker old-fashioned oatmeal
- 1 ½ cups firmly packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- ½ tsp. baking soda
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 4 cups fresh or frozen Ocean Spray cranberries
- 1 1/3 cup sugar
- 6 tbsp. water
- ½ cup [url href=”http://www.smuckers.com/products” target=”_blank” title=”smuckers”]Smucker’s[/url] pineapple preserves
- 1 ¼ to 1 ½ cups Fisher sliced almonds
- Preheat oven to 350˚.
- Spray a 10×15” baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Using a pastry blender, cut in butter until mixture is crumbly.
- Reserve 1 ½ cups crumb mixture.
- Press remaining crumb mixture firmly into bottom of prepared pan.
- In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and water.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Cook, stirring constantly, for 5-10 minutes or until mixture is thickened.
- Stir in pineapple preserves.
- Spread cranberry mixture over crumb mixture in pan.
- Top evenly with almonds.
- Sprinkle reserved 1 ½ cups crumb mixture over almonds.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool for 1 hour before cutting into bars.
![Paula Deen's Cranberry Almond Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | fabulous #PaulaDeen #cookie recipe with a streusel crust and topping. The filling is made with fresh #cranberries & #pineapple preserves & #almonds on top. This is a terrific #dessert for #Christmas baking.](https://cantstayoutofthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/Cranberry-Almond-Bars-IMG_8845-646x1024.jpg)
If you enjoy holiday baking (and eating), give these bars a try sometime. You will love the combination of flavors. While these are a little gooey, they are mouthwatering.
![Paula Deen's Cranberry Almond Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | fabulous #PaulaDeen #cookie recipe with a streusel crust and topping. The filling is made with fresh #cranberries & #pineapple preserves & #almonds on top. This is a terrific #dessert for #Christmas baking.](https://cantstayoutofthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/Cranberry-Almond-Bars-IMG_8832-684x1024.jpg)
Are you drooling yet? Prepare yourself for a wonderful treat when you make up a batch of these tasty jewels.
You may also enjoy these delicious recipes!
![Cranberry Nut Swirls | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these are our favorite #Christmas #cookies. They have a lovely #cranberry, pecan & orange zest filling in a shortbread crust. Heavenly. #dessert](http://cantstayoutofthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/Cranberry-Nut-Swirls-Collage-311x1024.jpg)
![Cranberry Lemon Sandwiches | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these fantastic #cookies are perfect for the #holidays. They use #craisins & #lemon zest. The icing is heavenly. #dessert](http://cantstayoutofthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/Cranberry-Lemon-Sandwiches-Collage-302x1024.jpg)
Cranberry Nut Vanilla Chip Bars
![Cranberry Nut Vanilla Chip Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these amazing #brownies include dried #cranberries, Vanilla chips & #walnuts. They're terrific for #holiday & #Christmas parties. They're rich, decadent & heavenly. #Dessert #HolidayDessert #CranberryDessert #ChristmasCookie #ChristmasCookieExchange](http://cantstayoutofthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/Cranberry-Nut-Vanilla-Chip-Bars-Collage-357x1024.jpg)
![Paula Deen's Cranberry Almond Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | fabulous #PaulaDeen #cookie recipe with a streusel crust and topping. The filling is made with fresh #cranberries & #pineapple preserves & #almonds on top. This is a terrific #dessert for #Christmas baking.](https://cantstayoutofthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/Cranberry-Almond-Bars-IMG_8845-500x500.jpg)
Cranberry Almond Bars
Equipment
- 1 10×15 cookie sheet pan or baking dish
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 pastry blender
- 1 wooden spoon
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
- 1 medium sauce pan
- 1 spatula
Ingredients
- 2 cups UNBLEACHED all-purpose flour bleached flour toughens baked goods
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oatmeal
- 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar firmly packed
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. baking soda
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 4 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp. water
- 1/2 cup pineapple preserves
- 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups almonds sliced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350˚.
- Spray a 10×15” baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Using a pastry blender, cut in butter until mixture is crumbly.
- Reserve 1 ½ cups crumb mixture.
- Press remaining crumb mixture firmly into bottom of prepared pan.
- In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and water.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Cook, stirring constantly, for 5-10 minutes or until mixture is thickened.
- Stir in pineapple preserves.
- Spread cranberry mixture over crumb mixture in pan.
- Top evenly with almonds.
- Sprinkle reserved 1 ½ cups crumb mixture over almonds.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool for 1 hour before cutting into bars.
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