Irresistible Cranberry Sauce Brownies Recipe for Holidays

Posted on November 3, 2025

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Picture this: fudgy, gooey chocolate brownies with a vibrant swirl of tangy cranberry sauce running through them. The combination of rich chocolate and tart cranberries is like a holiday party in your mouth! These irresistible cranberry sauce swirl brownies are the perfect treat for your holiday celebrations—whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or curling up on the couch with a mug of hot cocoa. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll be a new holiday tradition.

I stumbled upon this recipe one year when I was gifted a giant jar of homemade cranberry sauce after Thanksgiving. Not wanting to waste it, I got creative and decided to incorporate it into my favorite dessert—brownies. Let’s just say, the results were magical. The cranberry sauce adds a gorgeous marbled effect and a tangy twist, making these brownies not only visually stunning but also uniquely delicious. Get ready to wow your family and friends with this holiday favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect for the holidays: Cranberry sauce is a quintessential holiday flavor, and pairing it with chocolate takes it to a whole new level. These brownies are festive, flavorful, and sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering.
Easy to make: No fancy techniques or equipment needed—this recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly. You don’t need to be a professional baker to create beautiful swirl designs!
A great way to use leftovers: If you’ve got extra cranberry sauce from Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, this recipe is a fun and delicious way to repurpose it.
Sweet and tangy combo: The rich chocolate base pairs perfectly with the tangy cranberry sauce, creating a flavor explosion that’s both indulgent and refreshing.
Customizable: You can make these brownies gluten-free, dairy-free, or even add other mix-ins like nuts or white chocolate chips for extra texture.
Crowd-pleaser: Whether you serve them at a holiday party or gift them as a homemade treat, these brownies are guaranteed to impress.

What sets these brownies apart is the unexpected cranberry swirl. It’s a creative twist on traditional brownies, giving them a festive flair while staying true to classic comfort food. Plus, they’re pretty enough to make you look like a pro baker—even if you’re just winging it!

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple ingredients and a few holiday staples to create a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s as easy as it is delicious.

Unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and keeps the brownies moist.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and balances the cocoa’s bitterness.
Brown sugar: Adds depth and a touch of caramel flavor.
Large eggs: Room temperature eggs provide structure and help bind the batter.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor and aroma.
All-purpose flour: Creates the perfect texture—feel free to use gluten-free flour if needed.
Cocoa powder: Go for unsweetened cocoa powder for that deep, chocolatey flavor.
Salt: A pinch of salt offsets the sweetness and enhances the overall taste.
Cranberry sauce: Whether it’s homemade or store-bought, this is the star of the show.

If you’re using homemade cranberry sauce, make sure it’s thick and has a good balance of sweetness and tartness. For store-bought cranberry sauce, I recommend going for whole berry rather than jellied.

Equipment Needed

Mixing bowls: You’ll need at least two—one for the wet ingredients and one for the dry.
Whisk: Great for mixing the batter without overworking it.
Spatula: For folding the ingredients together and spreading the batter evenly.
9×13-inch baking pan: Perfect for evenly baked brownies. You can line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Toothpick or skewer: Essential for creating the cranberry swirl design.

If you don’t have a 9×13-inch pan, a 9×9-inch pan will work—you’ll just need to increase the baking time by a few minutes.

Preparation Method

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined and slightly fluffy.
Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the sugar mixture. Whisk until smooth and glossy.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. This step helps avoid clumps in the batter.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the brownies dense.
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with the spatula.
Drop spoonfuls of cranberry sauce over the brownie batter. Using a toothpick or skewer, gently swirl the cranberry sauce into the batter to create a marbled effect. Don’t overdo it—you want distinct swirls!
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not completely clean). Avoid overbaking.
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before lifting them out and slicing into squares. Serve and enjoy!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Here are some useful tips to ensure your cranberry sauce swirl brownies turn out perfectly:

Don’t overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense brownies.
Use room temperature eggs: Cold eggs can cause the batter to seize when mixed with melted butter, so let them sit out for about 30 minutes before you start.
Check for doneness: Brownies should have a slightly fudgy center when done. Insert a toothpick into the middle—it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Swirling technique: Use gentle swirling motions with a toothpick or skewer to avoid blending the cranberry sauce completely into the batter.
Cooling is key: Resist the urge to cut into the brownies while they’re still warm. They need time to set for clean slices and optimal texture.

Variations & Adaptations

Want to switch things up or adapt this recipe? Here are some ideas:

Gluten-free option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for those with dietary restrictions.
Dairy-free version: Swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter.
Add texture: Fold in chopped walnuts, pecans, or white chocolate chips for extra crunch and flavor.
Seasonal twist: Try using raspberry or cherry preserves instead of cranberry sauce for a different fruity swirl.
Extra festive: Sprinkle crushed candy canes or drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled brownies for a holiday-inspired topping.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These cranberry sauce swirl brownies are best enjoyed slightly warm or at room temperature. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. They’re also lovely with a cup of coffee, hot cocoa, or spiced tea.

To store leftovers, place the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or let them thaw at room temperature.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

While these brownies are definitely a treat, they do have some redeeming qualities:

Cranberries: Packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber—plus, they’re known for promoting urinary tract health.
Cocoa powder: A great source of flavonoids, which can support heart health and boost mood.
Portion control: Cut the brownies into small squares to enjoy the indulgent flavors without overdoing it.

Each brownie (based on a 16-piece batch) contains approximately 180 calories, 8g fat, 26g carbs, and 2g protein. Please note that these values may vary depending on specific brands and substitutions.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a show-stopping holiday dessert that’s as delicious as it is festive, these irresistible cranberry sauce swirl brownies are exactly what you need. The combination of rich chocolate and tangy cranberry sauce is a match made in dessert heaven. Plus, they’re so simple to make, you’ll want to whip them up for every holiday gathering—or just because!

Give these cranberry sauce swirl brownies a try, and let me know what you think! Leave a comment below with your thoughts, your own twists, or questions. If you loved it, don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family. Baking is better when you share it with others!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use jellied cranberry sauce instead of whole berry?

Yes, you can! Jellied cranberry sauce will work, but it may not create the same textured swirl effect as whole berry. If using jellied, make sure to whisk it first to smooth out any lumps.

Can I make these brownies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake them a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They taste just as delicious, if not better, the next day.

What if I don’t have a 9×13-inch pan?

No problem! You can use a 9×9-inch pan for thicker brownies. Just increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes and keep an eye on doneness.

Can I freeze these brownies?

Yes! Wrap each brownie tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds.

How do I make homemade cranberry sauce for this recipe?

Combine 12 ounces of fresh cranberries, 1 cup sugar, and 1/4 cup orange juice in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. Let it cool before using.

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