Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that combines the tartness of cranberries with a hint of warmth from cinnamon, then this Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe is just what you need! These bars are not only easy to make but also perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a busy weeknight treat, they bring comfort and joy with every bite. Plus, the buttery shortbread crust and sweet vanilla glaze will make your taste buds dance!

What makes this recipe truly special is its ability to impress without requiring too much time in the kitchen. You can whip up a batch in no time and enjoy the deliciousness throughout the week or share them during festive gatherings. Trust me, your friends and family will be asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With simple steps and minimal cleanup, these bars come together quickly.
• Family-friendly appeal: Everyone loves that sweet-tart flavor combo, making it a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Make-ahead convenience: Perfect for meal prep; bake them ahead of time and enjoy them all week!
• Deliciously satisfying: The combination of buttery crust and tangy cranberry filling creates a flavor explosion.
• Versatile options: Customize with different fruits or toppings to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create these amazing cranberry crumble bars! You might already have many of these in your pantry, which is always a bonus.

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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative based on what you have at home or your personal preferences.

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
• Mix in other fruits: Try using blueberries or raspberries along with cranberries for a mixed berry delight!
• Change up the spices: Experiment with nutmeg or ginger for a different flavor profile.
• Top with oats: Add rolled oats to the crumble topping for added texture and health benefits.

How to Make Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe

Step 1: Creaming the Butter and Sugars

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the unsalted butter and both sugars until light and fluffy, about three minutes. This step is essential because it incorporates air into the mixture, giving your crust that lovely melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 2: Adding Egg and Vanilla

Add in one large egg and two teaspoons of vanilla extract. Mix until combined well. Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything gets blended thoroughly. This will enhance the overall flavor!

Step 3: Whisking Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together three and a quarter cups of all-purpose flour, three-quarter teaspoon baking powder, one teaspoon cinnamon, and one-quarter teaspoon kosher salt. Mixing these dry ingredients helps ensure an even distribution of leavening agents throughout your dough.

Step 4: Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently add the dry mixture into your wet ingredients. Mix just until the dough starts pulling away from the sides of the bowl; overmixing can lead to tough bars.

Step 5: Reserve Some Dough

Set aside roughly two cups of this dough (loosely packed). You’ll use this later as topping for your cranberry filling.

Step 6: Preparing Your Pan

Press the shortbread dough evenly into an eight by eight-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper. Use your hands or a measuring cup’s flat side to ensure it’s level. This helps create that perfect base for our fruity filling!

Step 7: Pre-Baking the Crust

Bake at 350°F for about fifteen minutes until you see slight golden edges forming. This pre-baking step ensures that your crust stays firm when topped with juicy cranberries.

Step 8: Making The Cranberry Filling

While your crust cools slightly, mix together two and a half cups of cranberries, two-thirds cup granulated sugar, one tablespoon cornstarch, one tablespoon orange zest, one tablespoon orange juice, and another teaspoon vanilla in a large bowl. Pour this bright mixture over your pre-baked crust; it smells heavenly!

Step 9: Adding Topping Dough

Take that reserved dough from earlier and break it into smaller pieces by hand. Scatter it randomly over the cranberry filling—this allows those beautiful red berries to peek through!

Step 10: Final Bake

Bake again for about forty-five minutes. Cover with aluminum foil for the last ten to fifteen minutes if needed; we don’t want our topping getting too dark!

Step 11: Cooling Time

Once done, remove from oven and allow cooling completely on a wire rack before adding our sweet vanilla glaze on top. This cooling period helps set everything nicely!

And there you go! Enjoy sharing these scrumptious cranberry crumble bars with loved ones or savor them all by yourself—no judgment here!

Pro Tips for Making Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe

Making the perfect cranberry crumble bars is all about the little details! Here are some handy tips to ensure your bars turn out wonderfully every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cranberries provide the best flavor and texture. If using frozen, make sure they’re not too mushy after thawing, as this can affect the filling’s consistency.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: When combining your dry and wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture instead of that melt-in-your-mouth shortbread base.
• Cool the Crust Slightly: Allowing your crust to cool slightly before adding the filling helps prevent it from becoming soggy. This way, you’ll maintain that delightful, crumbly texture on the bottom.
• Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on your bars during baking! They should be golden brown around the edges but still slightly soft in the center when you take them out. They will firm up as they cool.
• Let Them Cool Completely: Patience is key! Allowing your bars to cool completely before slicing ensures clean cuts and helps them hold their shape better.

How to Serve Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe

These cranberry crumble bars are not only delicious but also beautifully presentable. Here are some fun ideas to serve them and make your dessert table shine!

Garnishes

• Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a lovely touch of sweetness and makes for a beautiful presentation.
• Fresh Mint Leaves: A few sprigs of fresh mint add a pop of color and a hint of freshness that complements the tartness of the cranberries nicely.
• Orange Zest: A sprinkle of additional orange zest right before serving enhances both flavor and visual appeal, tying back to those citrus notes in the filling.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with warm cranberry crumble bars, providing a delightful contrast.
• Whipped Coconut Cream: For a dairy-free option, whipped coconut cream adds richness without overpowering the flavors of the bars.
• Hot Chocolate: A cozy cup of hot chocolate is an ideal beverage pairing, especially during chilly evenings when you want something sweet and comforting.
• Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits balances out the richness of the crumble bars while enhancing your guests’ dining experience.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll be ready to impress friends and family with your delicious cranberry crumble bars! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These cranberry crumble bars are not only delightful but also perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time and store them, making them a convenient treat for busy weeks or holiday gatherings.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the bars to cool completely before storing.
• Cut into squares and place in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing

• Wrap each square individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped squares in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Remove bars from the fridge or freezer and let them thaw at room temperature.
• For a warm treat, microwave individual squares for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

Got questions about this delicious cranberry crumble bars recipe? We’ve got you covered!

Can I use frozen cranberries in the Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work perfectly in this recipe. Just mix them directly into your filling without thawing first. They’ll add a lovely tartness that complements the sweetness beautifully.

How long will the Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, these bars can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator. If you freeze them, they can stay fresh for up to 3 months!

Can I customize the flavor of my cranberry crumble bars?

Definitely! Feel free to mix in other fruits like blueberries or apples, or add spices like nutmeg or ginger for a different flavor profile. The base is versatile and forgiving!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful cranberry crumble bars as much as I do! They’re not just a treat; they’re a wonderful way to bring friends and family together during any occasion. With their buttery crust and tangy filling, they are sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your creations with loved ones!