There’s something special about cooking together, with the smell of fresh treats filling the air. Homemade treats bring joy, and cranberry crumble bars are no exception. This Cranberry Crumble Bars recipe is more than a sweet treat; it’s a celebration of warmth and togetherness.
The mix of sweet and tart cranberries in a buttery crumble is irresistible. It brings back memories of cozy times and loved ones. These bars are perfect for any occasion, making any gathering more special.
Key Takeaways
- Discover the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors.
- Learn how to make easy cranberry crumble bars from scratch.
- Perfect for both holiday celebrations and everyday treats.
- Enjoy homemade cranberry bars that delight every palate.
- Embrace the joy of baking with loved ones.
Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Crumble Bars
Imagine biting into a cranberry crumble bar that’s just right. It has the perfect mix of flavors and textures. This dessert is a hit, with its tangy cranberries and sweet topping. Making it is easy, and it will wow your loved ones.
Sweet‑tart flavor contrast
The sweet and tart mix in these bars is a winner. Cranberries add a refreshing tartness that balances the sweetness of the topping. Each bite is a treat that makes you want more.
Easy to make from scratch
Making cranberry crumble bars is simple. You just need basic ingredients and a bit of time. No special tools or cooking skills are needed. Just enjoy making these tasty treats.
Great for holiday baking or everyday treats
These bars are perfect for any time. They’re a hit at holiday parties and great for a quick snack. Their delicious taste and look will win over anyone.
Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe
Making homemade cranberry bars is a fun and rewarding task. This guide will help you make the best cranberry crumble bars. You’ll learn how to create a treat that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (100 g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 1/4 cups (405 g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 2 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 2/3 cup (133 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1 tbsp orange juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 4 tbsp whole milk or heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides.
3. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing well. Scrape down the sides.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until the dough just starts to come together. Avoid overmixing.
6. Set aside about 2 cups of dough.
7. Press the remaining dough into the prepared pan evenly and bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden. Let it cool slightly.
8. Combine cranberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla in a bowl. Spread over the pre-baked crust.
9. Break the reserved dough into pieces and place them on top of the cranberry filling.
10. Bake for about 45 minutes, covering with foil for the last 10-15 minutes to prevent over-browning.
11. Cool the bars completely on a wire rack before adding the vanilla glaze.
Vanilla Glaze:
1. Whisk powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla until smooth. Adjust consistency with more milk or sugar.
2. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars.
3. Slice into squares and enjoy!
Notes:
– Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
– Bars can be frozen without the glaze. Defrost at room temperature before adding the glaze.
Notes & Storage Tips
Keeping your easy cranberry crumble bars fresh is key to enjoying their delightful flavor. Proper storage ensures that these homemade cranberry bars remain a delicious cranberry dessert for days. Follow these tips to maintain the quality of your treats.
Store at room temperature in an airtight container (up to 4 days)
To preserve the freshness of your easy cranberry crumble bars, simply store them at room temperature in an airtight container. This way, they will stay delicious for up to four days. Make sure the container is sealed properly to prevent any moisture from making them soggy.
Freeze without glaze; thaw before glazing
If you’d like to enjoy these homemade cranberry bars at a later date, freezing is an excellent option. Before freezing, be sure to leave off any glaze. Wrap the bars in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw the bars and add the glaze for a fresh burst of flavor.
Tips & Variations
Customizing your cranberry crumble bars can make them even more special. You can try different fruits, follow dietary preferences, or add a personal touch. These tips will help you make the best cranberry crumble bars for your taste.
Fruit Swaps: Use raspberries, blueberries, or mixed berries
Don’t be afraid to swap out fruits in your simple cranberry recipe. Raspberries, blueberries, or a mix of berries can add a delicious, tangy flavor.
Make It Gluten‑Free: Substitute flour with a cup-for-cup GF blend
If you or your guests have gluten concerns, use a gluten-free flour blend. This way, everyone can enjoy these cranberry oat bars without worrying about gluten.
Add More Zing: Sprinkle extra orange zest or a pinch of nutmeg
Enhance your bars’ flavor by adding extra orange zest or a pinch of nutmeg. These ingredients add a refreshing brightness that pairs well with the tartness.
Make Ahead: Prep crust/filling, assemble later
For easy convenience, prepare the crust and filling ahead of time. Store them separately and assemble later for a quick bake when you’re ready to enjoy your cranberry crumble bars.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoying easy cranberry crumble bars can be a joy, even more so with the right sides. These desserts bring out flavors that shine when paired with something different.
Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or warm tea
For a special treat, try your homemade cranberry bars with vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream and the warm filling make a perfect mix. It’s a treat for your taste buds.
Or, enjoy them with a warm cup of tea. This adds a cozy feel, great for a relaxing afternoon. Both options make these bars a standout in any meal.
Conclusion
Making cranberry crumble bars is more than just cooking; it’s a fun journey. It brings happiness to both the person baking and those who eat them. The mix of flavors in this recipe makes it hard to stop at just one.
These homemade bars are perfect for holidays, but they’re great any time you need a sweet treat. They’re easy to make, thanks to a simple recipe. You can also try different fruits or make them gluten-free to suit your taste.
Exploring cranberry crumble bars can make them a favorite in your home. So, get your ingredients ready and start making these easy bars. You’ll create a dessert that’s not only delicious but also memorable for everyone.
If you’re a fan of cozy, fruit-forward desserts, you might also enjoy the richness of our apple crisp cheesecake. It blends the crunch of crisp apples with the creamy indulgence of cheesecake—perfect for autumn evenings or holiday tables.
Want something with a citrusy twist? Our key lime pie bars offer a refreshing alternative. They’re ideal when you’re craving that same bar-style convenience but with a tropical, tangy spin. They’re also a great option when experimenting with fruit swaps in your crumble bar creations.
Or, if you can’t resist a good crumb topping, the blueberry cream cheese crumb cake might just become your new favorite. With a moist cake base, fruity middle, and decadent topping, it’s everything you love about cranberry bars—just with a different berry twist.
Whether it’s cranberry, apple, lime, or blueberry, one thing stays constant: the joy of homemade baking. So gather your ingredients, invite someone into the kitchen, and embrace the season with treats that are as comforting to bake as they are to share.
Cranberry Crumble Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup 226 g unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup 100 g granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup 100 g light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg at room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 1/4 cups 405 g all-purpose flour
- 3/4 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 2 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 2/3 cup 133 g granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1 tbsp orange juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar sifted
- 4 tbsp whole milk or heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides.
- Add the egg and vanilla, mixing well. Scrape down the sides.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until the dough just starts to come together. Avoid overmixing.
- Set aside about 2 cups of dough.
- Press the remaining dough into the prepared pan evenly and bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden. Let it cool slightly.
- Combine cranberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla in a bowl. Spread over the pre-baked crust.
- Break the reserved dough into pieces and place them on top of the cranberry filling.
- Bake for about 45 minutes, covering with foil for the last 10-15 minutes to prevent over-browning.
- Cool the bars completely on a wire rack before adding the vanilla glaze.
- Vanilla Glaze:
- Whisk powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla until smooth. Adjust consistency with more milk or sugar.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars.
- Slice into squares and enjoy!
Notes
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Bars can be frozen without the glaze. Defrost at room temperature before adding the glaze.
