Go Back
Close-up of soft cranberry gooey butter bars with a golden crust and powdered sugar on top, arranged on a white plate.

Moist Christmas Cranberry Gooey Butter Bars

These festive Moist Christmas Cranberry Gooey Butter Bars feature a delicious cake base topped with a creamy, cranberry-filled mixture. They are perfect for holiday gatherings and easy to make.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 43 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 13 minutes
Servings: 24 bars
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake Base
  • 1 box Betty Crocker™ Super Moist™ Yellow Cake Mix
  • ½ cup butter, melted, cooled slightly
  • 1 egg
  • 2 teaspoons orange zest
Filling
  • 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
  • 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • ½ cup butter, melted, cooled slightly
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen (thawed) cranberries
Garnish
  • 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
  • Sweetened whipped cream if desired

Equipment

  • 13x9-inch pan
  • Large bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Sharp Knife

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F and spray the bottom of a 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cake base ingredients until well blended, then press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
  3. In another large bowl, beat cream cheese and 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar until blended; then beat in 1/2 cup melted butter and the eggs one at a time, and stir in cranberries. Pour and evenly spread this batter over the cake base in the pan.
  4. Bake for 38 to 43 minutes or until golden brown and the center is set; cool completely for about 2 hours.
  5. When ready to serve, sprinkle 1 tablespoon powdered sugar over the top and cut into 6 rows by 4 rows, cleaning the knife after each cut; serve with whipped cream and store leftovers loosely covered in the refrigerator.

Notes

Store these gooey butter bars loosely covered in the refrigerator. For best results, ensure the bars are completely cooled before cutting.