Cranberry Crumble Bars are a delightful treat that combines the tartness of cranberries with a buttery, crumbly topping. Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or as a sweet snack, these bars are sure to impress.
Cranberry Crumble Bars
Why These Cranberry Crumble Bars Are the Best
- Tart and Sweet Filling: The cranberry filling is perfectly balanced with a combination of tart and sweet flavors, making each bite irresistible.
- Buttery Crumb Topping: The crumbly, golden-brown topping adds a delightful crunch and richness to the bars.
- Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant red cranberry filling and crumbly topping make these bars visually appealing and festive.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with simple pantry staples, these bars are easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, attending a potluck, or simply looking for a sweet treat, Cranberry Crumble Bars are the perfect choice. The combination of tart cranberry filling, buttery crumb topping, and beautiful presentation makes them a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredient Notes
Crust and Crumb Topping:
- Butter (room temperature): Provides richness and binds the crust and crumb topping together.
- Light Brown Sugar: Adds a soft sweetness with a hint of molasses, complementing the cranberries.
- Quick Oats: Contribute a chewy texture and nutty flavor to the base and topping.
- All-Purpose Flour: Forms the structure for the crumbly layers.
- Baking Powder: Helps the crust achieve a slight lift.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness.
- Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth and enhances the overall flavor.
Cranberry Filling:
- Fresh or Frozen Cranberries: Provide a tart, fruity center that contrasts beautifully with the sweet layers.
- Granulated Sugar: Balances the natural tartness of the cranberries.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the filling to the perfect consistency.
- Orange Zest and Juice: Add brightness and a subtle citrusy note to complement the cranberries.
Orange Icing:
- Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth and sweet glaze.
- Orange Zest and Juice: Infuse the icing with a fresh, citrusy flavor that ties the bars together.
Tips for Making the Best Cranberry Crumble Bars
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh or high-quality frozen cranberries and real butter.
- Even Crust: Press the crust mixture evenly into the baking pan to ensure a sturdy base for the bars.
- Cook the Filling: Cook the cranberry filling until it thickens to prevent the bars from becoming too runny.
- Generously Top: Add a generous amount of crumb topping for added texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- With a Cup of Tea: Enjoy a Cranberry Crumble Bar with a hot cup of tea for a perfect afternoon treat.
- With Fresh Berries: Serve with additional fresh cranberries or raspberries for a burst of flavor and color.
- With a Scoop of Ice Cream: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- With a Dusting of Powdered Sugar: Finish with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a classic touch.
- With a Dollop of Whipped Cream: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for added richness and flavor.
A Must Try
Imagine biting into one of these Cranberry Crumble Bars—each bite offers a perfect blend of tart cranberries and buttery crumb topping. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, these bars are sure to bring joy to any occasion. So, gather your ingredients and bake a batch of these delightful treats. You’ll love sharing these delicious bars with loved ones and making your holiday season even sweeter!
Be sure to check out these other delicious bar recipes!
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Apple Crumb Bars With Caramel Sauce
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Apple Crumble Bars
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Apricot Shortbread Bars
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Blueberry Crumble Bars
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Caramel Apple Bars
Cranberry Crumble Bars
Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, attending a potluck, or simply looking for a sweet treat, Cranberry Crumble Bars are the perfect choice.
Ingredients
Crust and Crumb Topping:
- 1 cup 226 gr butter, (2 sticks) at room temperature
- 2 cups 240gr all-purpose flour, (stir, spoon, & level)
- 1 ¼ cup 250 gr light brown sugar, packed
- 1 ¼ cup 100 gr quick oats
- 1 ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Cranberry Filling:
- 4 cups 440 gr fresh or frozen cranberries
- ¾ cup 150 gr granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoon orange zest (approx 1 orange)
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
Orange Icing:
- 1 cup 120 g powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon orange zest
- 1-2 tablespoon orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 13x9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on each side to easily lift the bars out, or lightly grease the dish with cooking spray.
For the crust and crumb topping:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter, brown sugar, oats, flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Mix until the mixture is well blended and begins to clump together, with no large chunks of butter remaining. You can use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or mix by hand. Set aside.
For the cranberry filling:
- Rinse and drain the cranberries. In a large bowl, combine the cranberries, sugar, cornstarch, orange zest, and orange juice. Stir until well mixed.
- Press 2/3 of the crumble mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Spread the cranberry mixture evenly over the crust, then sprinkle the remaining crumble over the top. For larger clumps, press the crumbs together or gently pat them down after sprinkling.
- Bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling in the center, not just around the edges. If the crust is browning too quickly, cover the pan with foil. For the best results, chill in the refrigerator for 1 hours before icing and serving.
For the orange icing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange zest, and orange juice until smooth and at your desired consistency. For easy drizzling, transfer the icing to a zip-top bag, then snip a small corner and drizzle over the cooled bars. Alternatively, you can drizzle the icing directly with a spoon. To serve, use parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan, then cut and enjoy.
Notes
- Even after baking for 50 minutes, the bottom crust may appear moist and slightly under-baked. If you prefer a firmer crust, you can pre-bake it for 10 minutes before adding the cranberries and crumb topping. Then continue baking as directed.
- Store cranberry crumble bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week (with or without icing).
- To freeze, layer the bars in a large freezer-safe container, separating each layer with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Allow the bars to come to room temperature before serving, if desired.
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Cranberry Crumble Bars