Cranberry Crumble Bars

Cranberry crumble bars are a delightful treat, perfect for those cozy afternoons or festive gatherings. The combination of tart cranberries and a crumbly, buttery topping creates an irresistible dessert that’s both comforting and bright. Fresh cranberries infused with orange juice bring a zesty flavor that balances beautifully with the sweetness of the crumble. This recipe is not only easy to make but is also ideal for holiday gifting or serving at family brunches.

Emily

Cranberry Crumble Bars

Sweet and tangy cranberry crumble bars that are easy to make and perfect for any gathering or cozy evening at home.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 9 servings

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 200

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Crust and Crumble Topping

• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.5 cups unsalted butter, softened
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Filling

• 2 cups fresh cranberries You can also use frozen, but thaw first.
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon milk

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch square pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, vanilla extract, and baking powder until the mixture is crumbly. Press half of this mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the fresh cranberries and orange juice. Spread this cranberry mixture over the crust you’ve just created.
4. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the cranberries, ensuring even coverage.
5. Bake the bars for 30-35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the cranberry juice is bubbling.
6. Allow the bars to cool completely before drizzling them with a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.

Notes

Cranberry crumble bars can be enjoyed warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. They can also be sliced into bite-sized squares for parties. Store them wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or freeze for up to three months.

Why Make This Recipe

There are plenty of reasons to try your hand at making cranberry crumble bars. First and foremost, they are incredibly simple and quick, making them a fantastic choice for unexpected guests or a last-minute dessert. They come together with just a handful of ingredients, which most people have in their kitchen already. Additionally, the vibrant color of cranberries adds a festive touch, perfect for holiday celebrations or cozy gatherings.

Here’s what one happy baker had to say about this recipe: “These cranberry crumble bars were a hit at our family dinner. They were easy to make and absolutely delicious! The perfect blend of tart and sweet.”

How to Make Cranberry Crumble Bars

Creating these scrumptious cranberry crumble bars is straightforward and fun. You’ll be layering a buttery crumble over tart cranberries, which will then bake into a delightful treat. You only need a few mixing bowls and a baking pan to get started. Here’s what you need to know before diving into the recipe.

Ingredients

To make these delicious cranberry crumble bars, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 cups fresh cranberries (you can also use frozen but thaw first)
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon milk

Note: If you are looking for substitutions, feel free to use coconut oil in place of butter or a sugar substitute for a healthier option.

Directions to Follow

Follow these simple steps to make your cranberry crumble bars:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, vanilla extract, and baking powder until the mixture is crumbly. Press half of this mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the fresh cranberries and orange juice. Spread this cranberry mixture over the crust you’ve just created.
4. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the cranberries, ensuring even coverage.
5. Bake the bars for 30-35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the cranberry juice is bubbling.
6. Allow the bars to cool completely before drizzling them with a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.

How to Serve Cranberry Crumble Bars

Cranberry crumble bars are versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways. For a cozy touch, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on the side. They can also be sliced into smaller squares for bite-sized treats at holiday parties. For a festive twist, dust with powdered sugar or add a ribbon of glaze for presentation before serving.

If you’re feeling adventurous, pair them with a hot cup of spiced tea or coffee, enhancing the overall cozy experience.

How to Store

Keeping your cranberry crumble bars fresh is easy. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to prolong their shelf life, consider freezing them. To freeze, cut the bars into individual squares, place them in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to three months. You can thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Tips to Make

Here are some pro tips to elevate your cranberry crumble bars:

• Ensure your butter is softened for easier mixing and a better crumbly texture.
• For added flavor, consider mixing in some chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, into the crumble mixture for extra crunch.
• If you’re short on time, use store-bought cranberry sauce instead of fresh cranberries mixed with juice.
• Watch the baking time closely, since ovens can vary. You want a golden top without overbaking.

Variations

Looking to change things up? Here are a few variations you can try:

• Apple-Cranberry Crumble Bars: Add chopped apples along with cranberries for a delightful twist.
• Spiced Oatmeal Crumble: Mix rolled oats into the crumble for a heartier texture and a nutty flavor.
• Nut-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with oat flour for a gluten-free alternative.
• Citrus Burst: Add lemon or lime zest to the cranberries for an extra zingy flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before mixing.

How long do the bars take to prepare?
The total preparation time, including baking, is around an hour. It’s relatively quick for a delicious homemade dessert.

Can I substitute the sugar in the recipe?
Absolutely! You can use a sugar substitute or maple syrup to make it healthier, although adjustments in measurements may be needed.

For more delicious sweets and treats, check out our recipes for high-protein bagels and protein muffins.

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