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
Scale
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