Cranberry Pecan Dessert Bars with White Chocolate
These indulgent dessert bars combine the convenience of crescent roll dough with the rich flavors of dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and creamy white and milk chocolate chips. The sweetened condensed milk creates a gooey, candy-like filling that sets into perfect squares when cooled. These bars are ideal for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or whenever you need a crowd-pleasing dessert that requires minimal prep time. The combination of tart cranberries and buttery pecans creates a delightful contrast to the sweet chocolate, while the flaky crescent roll base adds a unique twist to traditional bar cookies.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 375°F
- 2
Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper
- 3
Unroll crescent dinner rolls into the bottom of the baking pan
- 4
Push dough into corners with heel of hand, sealing seams and pushing up sides to form low crust
- 5
Scatter dried cranberries, pecan pieces, and chocolate chips over the dough
- 6
Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over the cranberries, pecans, and chocolate chips
- 7
Bake for 20 to 30 minutes or until crescent roll edges are golden brown
- 8
Cool for at least one hour to allow filling to set before cutting into squares
Tips
Press the crescent roll dough firmly into corners and seal all seams to prevent the filling from leaking through during baking.
Allow bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean slices and proper setting of the condensed milk filling.
For easier removal, lift the parchment paper to remove the entire batch from the pan before cutting into individual squares.
Good to Know
Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week
Can be made 1-2 days ahead and refrigerated before serving
Serve at room temperature or chilled, cut into squares
Common Mistakes
Don't skip sealing the crescent roll seams to avoid filling leakage
Allow adequate cooling time to prevent messy, gooey cuts
Substitutions
firmer base texture
FAQ
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries will release too much moisture and create a soggy texture. Stick with dried cranberries for best results.
How long do these bars keep?
Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week for longer storage.
Can I freeze these dessert bars?
Yes, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.