WW Low-Fat Cranberry Bars Recipe | Simple Nourished Living (2024)

Published · Last updated · By Martha McKinnon · 13 Comments

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Weight Watchers Recipe of the Day: Low Fat Cranberry Bars

The inspiration for these low fat cranberry bars comes from my friend, Alisa. Homemade cranberry bars are one of the highlights of her Mary Kay Holiday Open House. Instead of using her recipe, which made a large batch, I decided to try to make a version that would be smaller, lower in fat and calories but every bit as delicious.

WW Low-Fat Cranberry Bars Recipe | Simple Nourished Living (1)

WW Friendly Low-Fat Cranberry Bars

Skinny on Low Fat Cranberry Bars Recipe

Baking from scratch doesn't get much simpler than this low-fat cranberry bars recipe. All you need are a few basic ingredients and a bowl. I used a whisk and lots of elbow grease to mix them, but you could always use an electric mixer (affiliate link) if you prefer.

Moist, delicious, and not too sweet, they're a nice change from fancier cookies and bars that require a lot more work.

WW Low-Fat Cranberry Bars Recipe | Simple Nourished Living (2)

Fresh Whole Cranberries

I think they're even better a day or two after baking, so they're a great choice for making ahead and sharing with friends. They're so yummy I've stashed a couple bags of cranberries in the freezer so I can make them again later this winter. I was able to shave a few calories and a point by cutting back a bit on the sugar, butter and walnuts.

WW Low-Fat Cranberry Bars Recipe | Simple Nourished Living (3)

Plate of low fat cranberry bars

How Many Calories/WW Points in these Low Calorie Cranberry Bars?

According to my calculations each bar has 122 calories and:

5 *SmartPoints (Green plan)
5 *SmartPoints (Blue plan)
5 *SmartPoints (Purple plan)
3 *PointsPlus (Old plan)

To see your WW PersonalPoints for this recipe and track it in the WW app or site, Click here!

You could cut the calories and SmartPoints further by substituting your favorite non-calorie or low-calorie sweetener such as Splenda or Truvia (affiliate link). And try unsweetened applesauce instead of the butter.

If you like these easy cranberry nut bars, be sure to check out some of my other Weight Watchers friendly recipes including Slow Cooker Cranberry Apple Cake, Crock Pot Cranberry Nut Bread, Cranberry White Chocolate Crock Pot Cookie Bars, Low-Fat Cranberry Walnut Rugalach and Low-Fat Mini Cranberry Nut Bread Loaves

Kitchen Tools I Used to Make this Recipe:

Are You Ready To Firmly Plant YourselfOn The Path To Lasting Weight Loss Success?

If you've made these Cranberry Walnut Bars, please give the recipe a star rating below and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. And stay in touch on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.

WW Low-Fat Cranberry Bars Recipe | Simple Nourished Living (4)

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4.30 from 17 votes

Low-Fat Cranberry Bars Recipe

Simple and delicious, these low-fat cranberry bars are a new Holiday favorite!

Prep Time20 minutes mins

Cook Time50 minutes mins

Total Time1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings (adjustable): 16

Calories: 122

Author: Martha McKinnon | Simple Nourished Living

Ingredients

  • 2 eggs
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1-¼ cups fresh or frozen cranberries
  • ¼ cup chopped walnuts

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350F degrees. Coat an 8-inch square baking pan with nonstick spray and set it aside.

  • In medium-sized bowl, beat the eggs until thick, about 5 minutes.

  • Add the sugar and beat until creamy and well blended.

  • Stir in the flour and butter and vanilla just until blended.

  • Stir in the cranberries and walnuts.

  • Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly.

  • Bake until set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 40 to 50 minutes.

  • Remove from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool completely.

  • Cut into 16 bars.

Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 cranberry bar

Click here to see your WW PersonalPoints for this recipe and track it in the WW app or site.

5 *SmartPoints (Green plan)
5 *SmartPoints (Blue plan)
5 *SmartPoints (Purple plan)
3 *PointsPlus (Old plan)

Nutrition Facts

Low-Fat Cranberry Bars Recipe

Amount Per Serving (1 cranberry bar)

Calories 122Calories from Fat 63

% Daily Value*

Fat 7g11%

Carbohydrates 19g6%

Fiber 1g4%

Protein 2g4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cranberry dessert bars, cranberry squares, holiday cranberry bars

Did you make this recipe?Mention @simplenourishedliving on Instagram and tag #simplenourishedliving - we love to see your creations!

Source: Ocean Spray

*Points® calculated by WW. *PointsPlus® and SmartPoints® calculated by Simple Nourished Living; Not endorsed by Weight Watchers International, Inc. All recipe ingredients except optional items included in determining nutritional estimates. SmartPoints® values calculated WITHOUT each plan's ZeroPoint Foods (Green plan, Blue plan, Purple plan) using the WW Recipe Builder.

Watch how to make your own no-bake cranberry oat bars at home:

Related WW Recipes:

WW Low-Fat Cranberry Bars Recipe | Simple Nourished Living (5)Martha is the founder and main content writer for Simple-Nourished-Living.

A longtime lifetime WW at goal, she is committed to balancing her love of food and desire to stay slim while savoring life and helping others do the same.

She is the author of the Smart Start 28-Day Weight Loss Challenge.

A huge fan of the slow cooker and confessed cookbook addict, when she's not experimenting in the kitchen, you're likely to find Martha on her yoga mat.

More about Martha McKinnon

This post contains affiliate links to products I like. When you buy something through one of my Amazon links or other (affiliate links), I receive a small commission that helps support this site. Thank you for your purchase!

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WW Low-Fat Cranberry Bars Recipe | Simple Nourished Living (2024)

FAQs

What is the healthiest way to eat cranberries? ›

There are lots of ways to add this fruit to your diet. Some varieties, such as dried cranberries, cranberry juice, and canned cranberry sauce, are available year-round. The healthiest way to enjoy cranberries is to eat them fresh. Raw cranberries take about 16 months to fully mature and are gathered in early fall.

How many cranberries should I eat a day? ›

HOW MUCH CRANBERRIES TO EAT DAILY? Studies confirming the health-promoting properties of cranberries have typically used doses of 100-300 g of fresh cranberries, equivalent to 7-10 g of dried cranberries, and 100-150 ml of 100% cranberry juice.

Can you eat fresh cranberries? ›

Yes, raw cranberries are safe to consume raw, but you probably don't want to eat them that way. "Cranberries are safe to eat raw. However, usually they are cooked and have sugar added because of the bitter and sharp taste they have when raw," says Kelly West Keyser, a registered dietitian in Alabama.

How to rehydrate dried cranberries? ›

You can rehydrate dried cranberries by covering with water, or another liquid, in a microwavable bowl. Cover and microwave on High for 30 to 60 seconds; let stand 5 minutes. Or, pour very hot liquid over dried cranberries and let stand 20 minutes.

Are cranberries healthier than blueberries? ›

The cranberry is also a contender when it comes to antioxidant content. While wild blueberries outperform them when it comes to measuring both antioxidant capacity and cellular antioxidant activity, cranberries pack their own health punch.

What medications does cranberry juice interfere with? ›

Possible Interactions
  • Warfarin (Coumadin): Cranberry may raise the risk of bleeding, especially if you already take medications to thin the blood such as warfarin. ...
  • Aspirin: Like aspirin, cranberries contain salicylic acid. ...
  • Other medications: Cranberry may interact with medications that are broken down by the liver.

Are cranberries high in sugar? ›

Out of all fruits, cranberries have one of the lowest amounts of sugar. In every cup of cranberries, there is only 4g of sugar. This compares to raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries, which have 5, 7, and 7 grams of sugar per cup, respectively.

Is cranberry good for the kidneys? ›

4. Cranberries. Cranberries are low in potassium and high in vitamin C, making them another great choice for people with kidney disease. Cranberry juice has also been shown to help prevent urinary tract infections, which are typical for people with kidney disease.

Is ocean spray cranberry juice good for you? ›

"Food and nutrition experts understand that, with its powerful nutrients and well-documented health benefits, the cranberry can play an important role in a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle," said Kellyanne Dignan, Director, Global Corporate Affairs at Ocean Spray.

Can you just eat cranberries out of the bag? ›

Yes, you most certainly can...and doing so will do your body good. The catch is that fresh, raw cranberries—even in peak season—are not quite as palate-pleasing as, say, a handful of ripe blueberries. Don't write them off, though: These oddball berries might be more sour than sweet, but they're seriously good for you.

Are cranberries good for constipation? ›

Cranberries are high in natural fiber and contain about 4.6 grams per serving. This hit of fiber keeps your digestive tract moving along and prevents constipation. It also keeps you full, preventing afternoon sugar cravings and too much snacking.

Do I need to wash fresh cranberries? ›

Avoid cranberries that look bruised or shriveled. Before use, rinse fresh or frozen cranberries and discard any that are damaged. It is not necessary to rinse before freezing, and there is also no need to clean dried cranberries. When cooking, heat cranberries just until they pop.

Can you use craisins instead of cranberries? ›

Yes, Craisins® Sweetened Dried Cranberries work well in baked goods; however, there is a 1/4 cup (60 mL) difference in measurement. If a recipe calls for one cup of fresh cranberries you should use 3/4 cup (175 mL) of Craisins®.

Can you use dried cranberries instead of fresh cookies? ›

Can I substitute dried cranberries in recipes that call for fresh cranberries? Yes, dried cranberries work well in baked goods; however there is a ¼ cup difference in measurement. If a recipe calls for one cup of fresh or frozen cranberries, use ¾ cup of sweetened dried cranberries.

Should dried cranberries be washed before eating? ›

Dried fruit. This kind of food is considered to be one of the dirtiest. This is especially true for fruit that is sold by weight. Even if you bought dried fruit in a nice package, you have to wash it first or even soak it for a few hours.

Are cranberries healthier, raw or cooked? ›

Rich with antioxidants and high in fibre, cranberries have serious health benefits including promoting digestion and helping control blood sugar. But before you load up on extra cranberry sauce over Thanksgiving, it's important to note that raw cranberries are the most nutritious variation of the fruit.

Is it better to eat cranberries or drink cranberry juice? ›

A 2011 study found that chemicals in cranberries promoted better antioxidant activity the lower their pH was. That study also found that the berries were significantly more potent antioxidants than cranberry juice, although cranberry juice still offered some benefits.

Are dried cranberries as healthy as fresh? ›

Both forms of cranberries will offer you the same nutritional benefits and medicinal value. However, dried ones are high in carbs, calories, and sugar than fresh ones, but they still contain most of the essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants found in fresh ones.

Does cooking cranberries destroy nutrients? ›

Although cooked cranberries have many health benefits, they retain their maximum amount of nutrients and taste when they are fresh, allowing you to maximize the potential cranberry juice benefits.

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