Cranberry Crumble Bars
Cranberry Crumble Bars are the perfect sweet treat for any time of the year. With their tangy cranberries balanced by a buttery crumble topping, these bars deliver a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor in every bite. They’re an easy way to impress your friends and family, making them ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or even just a cozy night at home. Plus, they’re simple enough to whip up in no time!
What Goes into These Cranberry Crumble Bars
To make your delicious Cranberry Crumble Bars, gather these ingredients:
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For the crust and topping:
- 250 g unsalted butter, room temperature (1 cup)
- 100 g granulated sugar (½ cup)
- 100 g light brown sugar, packed (½ cup)
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 400 g all-purpose flour (3 ¼ cups)
- 3 g baking powder (¾ teaspoon)
- 2 g cinnamon (½ teaspoon)
- 1 g kosher salt (¼ teaspoon)
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For the filling:
- 300 g fresh or frozen cranberries (2 ½ cups)
- 130 g granulated sugar (⅔ cup)
- 10 g cornstarch (2 ½ teaspoons)
- Zest of 1 orange
- 15 ml orange juice (1 tablespoon)
- 5 ml vanilla (for filling) (1 teaspoon)
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For the glaze:
- 90 g powdered sugar (¾ cup)
- 60 ml whole milk or heavy cream (¼ cup)
- 2.5 ml vanilla (for glaze) (½ teaspoon)
Step-by-Step Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe
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Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal later.
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In a stand mixer, cream together the room temperature butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
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Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
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Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
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Set aside 250 g of the dough for the topping.
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Press the remaining dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Bake the crust for 15 minutes or until it is slightly golden.
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While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a bowl, combine the cranberries, 130 g of granulated sugar, cornstarch, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla. Mix well to coat the cranberries.
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Once the crust is done baking, pour the cranberry mixture evenly over the crust.
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Take the reserved dough and crumble it over the cranberry filling in small pieces.
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Bake the assembled bars for an additional 45 minutes, covering with foil for the last 10-15 minutes to prevent over-browning.
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Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before removing.
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For the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk or heavy cream, and vanilla until smooth.
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Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars, slice into squares, and enjoy!
The Best Way to Serve Cranberry Crumble Bars
These delightful bars are best served at room temperature. You can cut them into squares or rectangles, making them perfect for sharing. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side for an extra treat. For a refreshing twist, pair them with a cup of herbal tea or your favorite coffee!
Helpful Tricks for Cranberry Crumble Bars
- If you want to change up the flavors a bit, consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the topping for an extra crunch.
- For a sweeter filling, you can adjust the sugar according to your taste or mix in some blueberries or raspberries with the cranberries.
- To make cutting easier, refrigerate or freeze the bars for a short while before slicing!
Cranberry Crumble Bars FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, frozen cranberries work great! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess water before using them in the filling.
How do I store leftover bars?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Can I freeze Cranberry Crumble Bars?
Absolutely! You can freeze the bars either sliced or whole. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
These Cranberry Crumble Bars make for a delightful dessert that you’ll want to enjoy again and again. They’re simple, delicious, and sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. Give them a go—your taste buds will thank you!
Cranberry Crumble Bars
Ingredients
For the crust and topping
- 250 g unsalted butter, room temperature (1 cup)
- 100 g granulated sugar (½ cup)
- 100 g light brown sugar, packed (½ cup)
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 400 g all-purpose flour (3 ¼ cups)
- 3 g baking powder (¾ teaspoon)
- 2 g cinnamon (½ teaspoon)
- 1 g kosher salt (¼ teaspoon)
For the filling
- 300 g fresh or frozen cranberries (2 ½ cups)
- 130 g granulated sugar (⅔ cup)
- 10 g cornstarch (2 ½ teaspoons)
- 1 zest of 1 orange
- 15 ml orange juice (1 tablespoon)
- 5 ml vanilla (for filling) (1 teaspoon)
For the glaze
- 90 g powdered sugar (¾ cup)
- 60 ml whole milk or heavy cream (¼ cup)
- 2.5 ml vanilla (for glaze) (½ teaspoon)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal later.
- In a stand mixer, cream together the room temperature butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Set aside 250 g of the dough for the topping.
- Press the remaining dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Bake the crust for 15 minutes or until it is slightly golden.
Filling
- While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a bowl, combine the cranberries, 130 g of granulated sugar, cornstarch, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla. Mix well to coat the cranberries.
- Once the crust is done baking, pour the cranberry mixture evenly over the crust.
- Take the reserved dough and crumble it over the cranberry filling in small pieces.
- Bake the assembled bars for an additional 45 minutes, covering with foil for the last 10-15 minutes to prevent over-browning.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before removing.
Glaze
- For the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk or heavy cream, and vanilla until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars, slice into squares, and enjoy!
