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–+ servings
cranberry cheery dessert squares

Easy and Delicious Cranberry Cherry Dessert Bars

Kitchen Ready Betty
These vibrant cranberry cherry dessert squares feature a sweet and tart fruit topping layered over rich cheesecake pudding. Made with time-saving shortcuts like a refrigerated pie crust, they are the perfect effortless treat for a busy holiday season.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Resting Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Course Desserts, Holidays
Servings 12
Calories 294 kcal

Equipment

  • Rolling Pin
  • 13x9 metal pan (well greased or lined with parchment paper)
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • medium nonstick saucepan
  • whisk
  • medium mixing bowl
  • spreading spatula

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Ingredients
  

  • 1 refrigerated pie crust at room temperature
  • 3 cups fresh or frozen cranberries do not defrost before using
  • 1 cup sugar
  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling
  • 2 (3.4 oz) boxes instant cheesecake flavored pudding may substitute vanilla
  • 2 cups milk I use 2%
  • whip for topping

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 425℉.
  • Roll out the pie crust to make a rectangle; then press into the bottom of a prepared 13x9 pan. Prick generously and bake for 9-11 minutes or until light golden brown; cool.
  • In a nonstick saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon; mix.
  • Stir in water, bring to a boil; cook and stir over medium-high heat for 5 minutes, or until mixture thickens and cranberries pop.
  • Remove from heat; add cherry pie filling and mix well. Cover and cool in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  • Just before assembling, whisk the pudding and milk until mixture thickens. Spread pudding onto cooled crust and smooth to edges.
  • Spread chilled fruit mixture on top, taking time to spread it evenly so that the pudding is completely covered.
  • Place the dessert in the refrigerator for a minimum of 1 hour to set before slicing and serving.

Notes

Before serving, top individual cranberry squares with Easy Homemade Whipped Cream and add a few Candied Cranberries to the plate for the perfect finishing touch.
It's important to make sure the dessert is set before slicing into squares. If you're short on time, pop the assembled dessert in the freezer (covered) for 30-45 minutes to set faster.
Store Cranberry Cherry Dessert Squares in an airtight container and keep refrigerated. Best enjoyed within 3 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 squareCalories: 294kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 3gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 306mgPotassium: 148mgFiber: 2gSugar: 32gVitamin A: 183IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 61mgIron: 1mg
Keyword cherry pie filling, cranberries, cranberry, cranberry cherry dessert squares, cranberry dessert, cranberry dessrt squares, instant pudding
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