Oh, these Cranberry Crumble Bars? They’re a total game-changer. Imagine a buttery, crumbly base, filled with a sweet-tart cranberry filling, and then topped with a golden, melt-in-your-mouth crumble. Every bite is the perfect mix of sweet and tangy, with just the right amount of crunch. Whether you’re treating yourself to a cozy snack or bringing something to a gathering, these bars are sure to win hearts and disappear in no time. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made them sooner!
Why You’ll Love Cranberry Crumble Bars
These bars are so much more than just a dessert; they’re the kind of treat that makes you feel all warm inside. Perfect for the holidays, family gatherings, or even just because you want something delicious, here’s why they’re so irresistible:
- Versatile: These bars work for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a festive get-together or need a sweet pick-me-up, they’re always the right choice. Plus, they travel well, so they’re great for gifting or taking to potlucks.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, everyday ingredients, these bars prove that you don’t need anything fancy to create a show-stopping dessert. They’re perfect for when you want something homemade, but don’t want to break the bank.
- Quick and Easy: Even if you’re a beginner, you’ll love how easy it is to make these bars. No complicated techniques, just layer it all together and bake. They’re as simple as they are delicious!
- Customizable: Not a fan of cranberries? No problem! Swap in blueberries, raspberries, or even a mix of your favorite berries for a twist on this classic treat.
- Crowd-Pleasing: The balance of sweet and tart flavors in these bars is loved by everyone—kids, adults, and everyone in between. They’re the perfect dessert for a crowd, and they’re always gone before you know it.
Ingredients
The magic of these bars comes from how a few simple ingredients come together to create something that tastes so much more complex. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Butter: For that rich, melt-in-your-mouth base and crumble topping. Butter is key for that decadent texture.
- Sugar: A combination of granulated sugar for sweetness and brown sugar for a little extra richness in the crust and crumble topping.
- Flour: All-purpose flour to bring it all together and create a soft, tender texture for the base and topping.
- Baking Powder: Just a little bit of baking powder to give the bars a light, airy feel.
- Salt: A pinch of salt to balance out the sweetness and enhance all the flavors.
- Fresh Cranberries: The star of the show! Fresh cranberries add that perfect balance of tartness to the bars.
- Orange Zest: To bring out the cranberry flavor even more and add a touch of citrusy brightness.
- Lemon Juice: A little tang to complement the cranberries and balance the sweetness of the crumble.
- Cornstarch: To thicken the cranberry filling and keep it from being too runny.
(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, can be found in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Ready to bake? Let’s dive into the simple steps to make these irresistible cranberry crumble bars:
Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You’ll want it nice and hot to get that perfect golden-brown crumble topping.
Prepare the Cranberry Filling
In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, sugar, orange zest, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries start to burst and the mixture thickens. Set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the crust and crumble topping.
Make the Crust and Crumble
In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter, sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to blend everything together until it forms a crumbly texture. Take about 2/3 of the mixture and press it into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking pan to form the crust. Save the rest for the crumble topping.
Add the Cranberry Filling
Once the crust is in place, spread the cranberry filling evenly over the crust. Don’t worry if it looks a little messy—it’ll all come together in the baking process!
Add the Crumble Topping
Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture evenly over the cranberry filling. This will create that golden, delicious topping we all love.
Bake to Perfection
Bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cranberry filling is bubbling. You’ll know they’re ready when your kitchen smells absolutely amazing.
Cool and Slice
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This helps the filling set and makes them easier to slice. Once cool, slice them into squares and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
Cook Time: [Time to cook or bake]
Total Time: [Total time needed]
How to Serve Cranberry Crumble Bars
These bars are so versatile and can be served in so many ways. Here are a few ideas to enhance your serving experience:
- With a Scoop of Ice Cream: Top your warm cranberry bars with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- With a Hot Drink: Pair with a cup of tea, coffee, or hot cocoa for a cozy treat, especially during the colder months.
- On Their Own: Sometimes, simple is best. These bars are perfect on their own as a sweet snack or dessert.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: For a little extra elegance, dust the bars with powdered sugar before serving—so pretty!
Additional Tips
- Prep Ahead: You can make the cranberry filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge. It’ll save you some time on the day you plan to bake.
- Use Frozen Cranberries: If you can’t find fresh cranberries, frozen cranberries work just as well. Just don’t thaw them before cooking!
- Dietary Adjustments: To make these bars dairy-free, swap the butter with a dairy-free version. You can also use a gluten-free flour blend to make them gluten-free.
- Storage Tips: Store the leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze well, so feel free to make a double batch and freeze some for later!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute the cranberries with other fruits?
A1: Yes! You can swap cranberries for other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or even a mix of berries. Each fruit will give the bars a slightly different flavor, but it’ll still be delicious!
Q2: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can make them a day or two ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They actually taste even better after a day or two!
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze well, so you can keep them for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Q4: Can I double the recipe?
A4: Yes! Just use a larger baking pan and adjust the baking time if needed. Keep an eye on the crumble topping to make sure it doesn’t over-brown.
Q5: Can I use a different type of flour?
A5: If you need a gluten-free version, you can swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend.
Q6: How do I make these bars extra fancy?
A6: You can add a drizzle of white chocolate on top, or garnish with a few whole cranberries or fresh mint leaves for a festive touch!
Cranberry Crumble Bars
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cranberry Crumble Bars are the perfect balance of tart cranberries and a buttery, crumbly topping. The soft, sweet filling paired with a crunchy, oat-based crumble makes these bars a delicious treat for any season. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy dessert, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Crust and Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 large egg, beaten
For the Cranberry Filling:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Prep Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make the Crumble: In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the beaten egg and stir to combine. Reserve 1 cup of this crumble mixture for the topping.
- Prepare the Cranberry Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and cinnamon (if using). Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries release their juices and the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Assemble the Bars: Press the remaining crumble mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating an even layer. Pour the cranberry filling over the crust, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture over the cranberry filling.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before cutting into squares. For cleaner cuts, refrigerate for an hour or so before slicing.
- Serve & Enjoy: Serve the bars at room temperature or chilled. They’re perfect for a sweet snack or dessert!
Notes
- Fresh or frozen cranberries can be used in the filling. If using frozen, don’t thaw them before cooking.
- You can make these bars ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Feel free to add a drizzle of powdered sugar glaze on top for extra sweetness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 55mg