Looking for a dessert that’s as wholesome as it is delicious? Say hello to Cranberry and Pistachio Date Bars!

These chewy, flavorful bars are packed with the natural sweetness of dates, vibrant pops of dried cranberries, and the delightful crunch of pistachios.

Not only are they free from refined sugar, but they’re also loaded with feel-good ingredients that make snacking a little healthier and a lot more satisfying.

Whether you’re craving a festive holiday treat or a quick grab-and-go snack, these bars have got you covered.

They’re simple to make, beautifully balanced in flavor, and just the right amount of sweet.

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Why you’ll love this cranberry and pistachio date bar recipe

These cranberry and pistachio date bars are a wholesome treat that checks all the boxes: delicious, nutritious, and easy to make. Whether you’re craving a quick snack or a festive dessert, these bars are sure to become a favorite. Here’s why:

Naturally sweetened with dates: Say goodbye to refined sugar! These bars are sweetened entirely with dates, giving them a rich, caramel-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with the tart cranberries and crunchy pistachios.

Packed with nutrients: With heart-healthy pistachios, antioxidant-rich cranberries, and fiber-filled dates, these bars are as good for you as they are tasty.

Perfect for the holidays and beyond: The festive cranberry and pistachio combination makes these bars ideal for holiday gatherings, but they’re so versatile you’ll want to make them year-round.

These bars will make you feel great about sharing them with family and friends—or keeping them all to yourself!

Date bar ingredients and some notes

Making cranberry and pistachio date bars requires a handful of wholesome ingredients, each chosen to bring flavor, texture, and nutrition to the recipe.

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters:

Whole wheat flour: A nutrient-rich base that adds fiber and a subtle nutty flavor. Whole wheat flour gives the bars a hearty texture while keeping them on the healthier side.
Dates: The star sweetener! Dates provide natural sweetness and a sticky texture that holds the bars together without the need for refined sugar. Plus, they’re packed with nutrients like potassium and fiber.
Salt: Just a pinch brings out the flavors of the other ingredients, balancing the sweetness from the dates and cranberries.
Baking soda: A leavening agent that reacts with the acidity in the sour cream for a tender crumb.
Dried Cranberries: These add a pop of tartness to balance the sweetness, along with a chewy texture that pairs beautifully with everything else.
Pistachios: For a crunchy contrast and a rich, nutty flavor. Pistachios also add a festive touch with their green color.
Butter: Adds moisture and rich flavor. Opt for unsalted butter to control the salt content of the recipe.
Vanilla: A warm, fragrant note that enhances the overall flavor of the bars, tying together the sweet and nutty elements.
Sour cream: A secret weapon for moist and tender bars. The slight tang also balances the sweetness and works with the baking soda to create the perfect texture.

With these ingredients, you’ll have everything you need to whip up a batch of cranberry and pistachio date bars that are as delicious as they are wholesome!

How to make cranberry pistachio date bars

These cranberry pistachio date bars come together quickly with wholesome ingredients and no refined sugar. They’re naturally sweetened with dates and packed with chewy cranberries and crunchy pistachios.

Prep. Lightly grease and line with parchment an 8×8 pan. Heat the oven to 350º F.
Process. In a food processor, combine the dates, flour, salt, and baking soda. Process until the mixture forms a texture like wet sand.
Whisk. Melt the butter and let it cool slightly. Whisk the melted butter, vanilla, and sour cream together until smooth.
Mix. Combine the flour and date mixture with the butter mixture. Mix until combined. Fold in the cranberries and pistachios.
Bake. Press the dough into the prepared pan. Bake for 15 – 20 minutes.
Enjoy. Let cool, slice, and enjoy.

Now you’re ready to enjoy these naturally sweet, chewy, and crunchy bars! Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with a wholesome treat.

Baking tips

Making cranberry and pistachio date bars is simple, but a few key tips will help you achieve the perfect sweet and nutty goodness every time.

Follow these guidelines to ensure your bars turn out just right:

Line your baking pan with parchment paper. To make removing and slicing the bars a breeze, line your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang on the sides. This prevents sticking and allows you to lift the bars out easily once they’ve cooled.
Use soft dates. For the best texture and sweetness, use soft, fresh Medjool dates. Avoid using dates that are dry and tough.
Chop the nuts coarsely. When preparing the pistachios, give them a coarse chop so you get a nice crunch in every bite. Too finely chopped, and they’ll lose their texture; too large, and the bars might not hold together as well.
Don’t overbake. Overbaking is the quickest way to dry out your date bars. Keep an eye on them in the oven, and remove them when the edges are just set. The center will firm up as the bars cool, so it’s okay if they look slightly soft when you take them out.
Cool completely before slicing. Patience pays off here! Let your bars cool completely before slicing. This step helps them set properly, so you’ll get clean, even pieces without crumbling.

Follow these tips, and you’ll be on your way to making perfectly chewy and flavorful cranberry and pistachio date bars every time!

How to store cranberry and pistachio date bars

Once you’ve whipped up a batch of these naturally sweet and nutty date bars, it’s important to store them right to keep them fresh and delicious.

Whether you’re making them ahead for holiday gatherings or meal prepping snacks for the week, here are some simple tips to ensure your bars stay just right.

Room temperature (short-term storage): If you plan to enjoy the bars within a couple of days, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Refrigeration (medium-term storage): For a slightly longer shelf life, refrigerate the bars. Use an airtight container or wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to a week, making them perfect for grab-and-go snacks.

By storing your cranberry and pistachio date bars properly, you can savor their chewy, nutty goodness whenever the craving strikes!

Conclusion

These cranberry and pistachio date bars are a sweet and satisfying way to enjoy a healthier treat.

Packed with natural sweetness from dates, a delightful crunch from pistachios, and bursts of tart cranberries, they’re the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a festive dessert, or something special to share with friends and family, these bars are great.

Not only are they easy to make, but they’re also free of refined sugar, making them a feel-good choice anytime. Plus, they’re versatile enough to customize with your favorite add-ins, so you can truly make them your own.