Cranberry Crumb Bars are a delightful blend of sweet and tart flavors, perfect for any occasion. With their bright cranberry filling and crumbly topping, these bars evoke the spirit of the fall season while bringing a touch of sweetness to any gathering. Imagine biting into a soft, buttery crust with a burst of juicy cranberries, complemented by a hint of orange zest. Whether served at a family gathering, holiday feast, or simply enjoyed with a cup of tea, these treats are sure to impress!

Gather Your Cranberry Crumb Bars Ingredients

To whip up a batch of these mouthwatering bars, here’s what you’ll need:

1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest
2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup (225g) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
1 large egg
4 cups (400g) fresh cranberries
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
2 tablespoons orange juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon cornstarch

Step-by-Step Cranberry Crumb Bars Recipe

Creating your very own Cranberry Crumb Bars is easy! Just follow these simple steps:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
Prepare the crust and topping: In a medium bowl, mix the granulated sugar and orange zest with your fingertips until well combined. In a larger bowl, whisk together the orange sugar, flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
Incorporate the butter: Cut the cold butter into the flour mixture using a pastry blender or two knives until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add the egg: Stir in the egg into the crumb mixture and mix until fully combined. Press 2 1/2 cups of this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Set the remaining crumb mixture aside.
Make the cranberry filling: In another large bowl, combine the fresh cranberries, 1 cup of granulated sugar, orange juice, vanilla extract, and cornstarch until everything is thoroughly mixed.
Pour and spread: Pour the cranberry mixture over the crust in the baking pan and spread it into an even layer.
Top it off: Using your hands, gently squeeze the remaining crumbs to form small clusters and scatter them evenly over the cranberry layer.
Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes or until the top is light golden brown.
Cool down: Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a cooling rack. Refrigerate the bars to make cutting easier.
Serve: If desired, serve with freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an extra special treat!

The Best Way to Serve It

When it comes to serving Cranberry Crumb Bars, presentation is key! Slice the bars into squares or rectangles and place them on a decorative plate. These bars are not only delicious but visually appealing, with their crumbly topping and vibrant red filling. For an extra indulgence, consider drizzling some warm vanilla bean sauce over the bars or pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Whipped cream also adds a perfect finishing touch.

Helpful Tricks for Cranberry Crumb Bars

Here are a few tips to make your Cranberry Crumb Bars even better:

Use fresh cranberries: For the best flavor, always opt for fresh cranberries. You can find them in stores during the fall and winter months.
Chill the butter: Ensure your butter is cold when mixing; this helps create a flaky, crumbly texture.
Experiment with spices: For a twist, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the crumb mixture.

Cranberry Crumb Bars FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Just ensure they are thawed and drained before using them in your recipe.

How do I store the leftovers?

Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. You can also freeze them for later enjoyment.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars can be made a day in advance, making them perfect for parties or gatherings. Just remember to refrigerate them to keep them fresh.

Treat yourself to these delightful Cranberry Crumb Bars that are not only easy to make but also offer a burst of flavor in every bite. They’re sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire! Enjoy baking and savoring every delicious piece!

Print Recipe

Cranberry Crumb Bars

Cranberry Crumb Bars are a delightful blend of sweet and tart flavors, perfect for any occasion with their bright cranberry filling and crumbly topping.

Prep Time20

Cook Time55

Total Time1 15

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Baking, Cranberry Bars, Cranberry Recipes, Dessert Bars, Fall Recipes

Servings: 12 pieces

Calories: 220kcal

Ingredients

Crust and Topping

1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest
2.5 cups all-purpose flour (315g)
1 teaspoon baking powder
0.25 teaspoon kosher salt
0.25 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes (225g)
1 large egg

Cranberry Filling

4 cups fresh cranberries (400g)
1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
2 tablespoons orange juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
In a medium bowl, mix the granulated sugar and orange zest with your fingertips until well combined.
In a larger bowl, whisk together the orange sugar, flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.

Making Crust

Cut the cold butter into the flour mixture using a pastry blender or two knives until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Stir in the egg into the crumb mixture and mix until fully combined. Press 2 1/2 cups of this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Set the remaining crumb mixture aside.

Making Filling

In another large bowl, combine the fresh cranberries, 1 cup of granulated sugar, orange juice, vanilla extract, and cornstarch until everything is thoroughly mixed.

Baking

Pour the cranberry mixture over the crust in the baking pan and spread it into an even layer.
Using your hands, gently squeeze the remaining crumbs to form small clusters and scatter them evenly over the cranberry layer.
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes or until the top is light golden brown.
Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a cooling rack.

Serving

Refrigerate the bars to make cutting easier. If desired, serve with freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.

Notes

For best flavor, always opt for fresh cranberries. Ensure your butter is cold when mixing; this helps create a flaky, crumbly texture. These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.