Cranberry Crumble Bars

Introduction

Cranberry Crumble Bars are the perfect balance of tart, sweet, and buttery. These delightful treats feature a vibrant cranberry filling sandwiched between a golden, crumbly oat crust and topping. Each bite offers a burst of cranberry flavor with just the right amount of sweetness, making them a fantastic dessert or snack option for any occasion.

I first made Cranberry Crumble Bars during the holiday season, wanting a dessert that highlighted cranberries’ festive, tangy flavor. The buttery crust provided a rich base, while the crumbly topping added the perfect crunchy texture. The cranberry filling, bursting with fresh, zesty notes, tied everything together beautifully. They quickly became a family favorite, offering a refreshing change from heavier desserts.

What I love most about these bars is their versatility. Swap cranberries for raspberries or mix them with orange zest for a citrusy twist. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or enjoy them chilled for a refreshing treat. Whether for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or as a midday indulgence, Cranberry Crumble Bars are irresistibly delicious and easy to make—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Perfect for:

Holiday gatherings
Potlucks
Afternoon snacks
Tea parties
Gifting to friends and family

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why Cranberry Crumble Bars will become your go-to dessert:

Tangy Sweetness: The cranberry filling offers a delightful burst of flavor.
Easy to Make: Requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
Perfect Texture: A buttery base and crumbly topping contrast beautifully with the juicy filling.
Holiday Appeal: Ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive occasion.
Customizable Recipe: Add nuts or spices to make it your own.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepares well in advance for stress-free entertaining.
Versatile Treat: Great as a dessert, snack, or even breakfast on the go.
Crowd Pleaser: A universal favorite, loved by all ages.
Portable and Giftable: Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as edible gifts.
Freezer-Friendly: Stores well for future enjoyment.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Calories per serving: Approximately 250-280 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 2g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

For the Crust and Crumble:

2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cranberry Filling:

3 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon orange zest
¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice

Optional Garnish:

Powdered sugar for dusting
White chocolate drizzle

Ingredient Highlights

Fresh Cranberries: Provide a tart, juicy filling.
Brown Sugar: Adds depth and richness to the crumble.
Orange Zest and Juice: Enhance the cranberry flavor with citrusy brightness.
Melted Butter: Ensures a soft, buttery crust and topping.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Crust and Crumble:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in melted butter and vanilla extract until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Press the Crust: Firmly press two-thirds of the mixture into the prepared pan to form an even base. Set aside the remaining crumble for the topping.

Make the Cranberry Filling:

Cook the Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, cornstarch, orange zest, and orange juice. Cook over medium heat until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens, about 8-10 minutes. Let it cool slightly.

Assemble the Bars:

Add the Filling: Spread the cranberry mixture evenly over the crust.
Top with Crumble: Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture over the cranberry filling.

Bake:

Bake the Bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

Cool and Slice:

Cool Completely: Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 1 hour. Use the parchment overhang to lift them out, then slice into squares or rectangles.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Cranberry Crumble Bars:

With Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm bars with a scoop of ice cream.
As a Coffee Companion: Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
For Breakfast: Enjoy as a quick grab-and-go morning treat.
With Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Holiday Dessert Platter: Include on a festive dessert board.
With Yogurt: Pair with Greek yogurt for a wholesome snack.
As a Party Favor: Wrap individually for guests to take home.
With White Chocolate Drizzle: Enhance the bars with a sweet drizzle.
Frozen Treat: Enjoy chilled straight from the fridge or freezer.
At Picnics: Pack for outdoor gatherings or road trips.

Additional Tips

Use Fresh or Frozen Cranberries: Fresh cranberries give a bright, tangy flavor, but frozen cranberries work just as well if fresh isn’t available.
Balance the Sweetness: Adjust the sugar according to your preference. If you like a tart twist, reduce the sugar slightly.
Chill Before Cutting: Let the bars cool completely before slicing. For even cleaner cuts, chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
Add Orange Zest: A bit of fresh orange zest in the cranberry filling enhances the citrus notes and brightens the flavors.
Mix Textures with Nuts: Add chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans to the crumble topping for extra crunch.
Double the Crumble: For an extra decadent texture, double the crumble topping for a thicker, crunchier layer.
Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking pan with parchment paper to make removing the bars much easier.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crumble mixture for a subtle warming flavor.
Drizzle with White Chocolate: Melt some white chocolate and drizzle it over the top for a sweet, creamy finishing touch.
Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Recipe Variations

Lemon Cranberry Bars: Replace orange zest and juice with lemon for a zesty twist.
Mixed Berry Bars: Combine cranberries with blueberries or raspberries for variety.
Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Spiced Cranberry Bars: Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the crumble for warmth.
Almond Topping: Sprinkle slivered almonds on top before baking.
Vegan Option: Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine.
Jam Shortcut: Use cranberry jam instead of making a filling.

Special Equipment

9×13-inch Baking Dish – Perfect for baking and serving the bars.
Parchment Paper – For lining the baking dish to prevent sticking.
Mixing Bowls – For combining the crumble mixture and cranberry filling.
Measuring Cups and Spoons – Essential for accurate ingredient measurements.
Pastry Cutter – For blending butter into the crumble mixture to create a sandy texture.
Rubber Spatula – Useful for spreading the filling and crumble topping evenly.
Cooling Rack – To cool the bars completely before cutting.
Sharp Knife or Bench Scraper – For neatly slicing the bars into clean, even pieces.
Whisk – Ideal for mixing dry ingredients evenly.
Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer – A time-saving tool for combining the crumble ingredients effortlessly.

FAQ Section

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
No, dried cranberries won’t provide the same texture or tartness.
How should I store the bars?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for a week.
Can I freeze the bars?
Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare and store the bars up to 2 days in advance.
What’s the best way to cut clean slices?
Use a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust the baking time as needed.
What can I substitute for orange juice?
Lemon juice or water with a touch of sugar can be used instead.
Do I need a food processor?
No, this recipe can be made with simple mixing tools.
Can I make it less tart?
Add more sugar to the filling or mix in a sweeter fruit like raspberries.
Can I skip the orange zest?
Yes, but it enhances the flavor, so consider substituting with lemon zest.

Conclusion

Cranberry Crumble Bars are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves a balance of tart and sweet flavors. These delightful bars feature a buttery, crumbly base and topping, paired with a luscious cranberry filling that’s bursting with vibrant, tangy goodness. Perfect for dessert, a sweet snack, or even a festive holiday treat, they’re as visually stunning as they are delicious.

Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these bars are a go-to recipe for gatherings or as a quick homemade indulgence. You can customize the crumble with oats or nuts for added texture, and a sprinkle of powdered sugar or drizzle of glaze makes them extra special. Whether served warm with a scoop of ice cream or enjoyed on their own, these bars bring a taste of the season to every bite.

I can’t wait to see your Cranberry Crumble Bars! Share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to admire your creations. Be sure to leave a comment and let me know how you made these bars your own—your personal twists are always inspiring!