Delicious homemade Cranberry Crumble Bars on a wooden table

Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe

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Why Make This Recipe

Cranberry Crumble Bars are a delightful dessert that strikes a perfect balance between sweet and tart. Using fresh or frozen cranberries gives these bars a vibrant flavor, while the buttery shortbread crumble adds a nice crunch. They’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual afternoon treat. Plus, they’re easy to make, which means you can whip them up and impress your family and friends without too much effort!

How to Make Cranberry Crumble Bars

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 3 1/4 cups (405 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 2/3 cup (133 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1 tablespoon orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 4 tablespoons whole milk or heavy cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and both sugars until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
  3. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing to combine well. Scrape down the sides of the bowl again.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
  5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix just until the dough starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl. Be careful not to over-mix.
  6. Set aside roughly 2 cups of the dough to use on top of the crumble.
  7. Press the remaining dough into an 8 x 8 baking pan lined with parchment paper. Use your hands or the flat side of a measuring cup to press it evenly into the corners.
  8. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden brown, and the center is just set. Do not over-bake.
  9. Remove the pan from the oven and let the crust cool slightly while you prepare the cranberry filling.
  10. In a large bowl, combine the cranberries, sugar, cornstarch, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla. Pour this mixture over the pre-baked crust.
  11. Take the reserved 2 cups of dough and break it into smaller, flat pieces. Randomly place them on top of the cranberry filling, ensuring some cranberries can peek through.
  12. Bake for about 45 minutes, covering the top of the pan with aluminum foil for the last 10 to 15 minutes to prevent over-browning.
  13. Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack before drizzling with the vanilla glaze.

Pro Tips

  • For a smoother glaze, make sure to sift the powdered sugar before mixing it with milk and vanilla.
  • To cut clean squares, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Cranberry Crumble Bars are not just delicious; they are also visually appealing. The bright, tart cranberries against the buttery crumble make them hard to resist. They’re also versatile! Enjoy them as a snack, dessert, or even for breakfast with a cup of coffee.

How to Serve Cranberry Crumble Bars

Serve these bars at room temperature, either on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. They can also be drizzled with the vanilla glaze for added sweetness.

How to Store Cranberry Crumble Bars

Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.

Tips to Make Cranberry Crumble Bars

  • If you prefer a sweeter flavor, consider adding more sugar to the cranberry filling.
  • Experiment with spices – nutmeg or ginger can add a warm touch to the bars.

Variations

Feel free to customize this recipe by adding nuts for extra crunch or mixing in other fruits like blueberries or raspberries.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries without thawing them first. They will cook in the oven.

2. Can I substitute the butter?
You can use margarine or a vegan alternative, though it may change the flavor a bit.

3. How do I know when the bars are done?
The edges should be golden brown, and the center should be set. If you’re unsure, a toothpick should come out clean from the center when they are ready.

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