Cranberry Crumble Bars

A Sweet and Tangy Favorite

Cranberry crumble bars are truly a delightful treat that balances a tart burst of cranberries with a buttery, crumbly topping. I remember the first time I made these bars; the vibrant colors and enticing aroma filled my kitchen, instantly drawing my family in. They’re not just a dessert; they make for an excellent snack during the holidays, an easy brunch offering, or even a simple weekday pick-me-up. With their simple setup and quick preparation, these bars quickly become a go-to recipe in my repertoire.

What Sets This Recipe Apart

The beauty of cranberry crumble bars lies in their combination of flavors and textures. You get the sweet yet tart flavor of cranberries paired with a crisp, buttery crust that provides both crunch and chew. They’re budget-friendly, as cranberries can often be found at a good price, especially during the fall season. Plus, the recipe is incredibly straightforward, making it a great choice for beginner bakers or busy parents looking for a quick dessert.

“These cranberry crumble bars are a family favorite! They’re perfect for anyone who loves a mix of sweet and tart.” – A satisfied baker

Preparing Cranberry Crumble Bars

Creating these bars is a breeze. The process involves cooking the cranberries until they burst with flavor, preparing a crumbly topping, and then baking everything to golden perfection. Here’s a quick overview: you’ll start by making the cranberry filling, then combine your dry ingredients for the crumble, and finally assemble everything in a baking dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold butter

Note: You can substitute the brown sugar with coconut sugar for a different flavor, and rolled oats can be swapped with quick oats if that’s what you have on hand.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9 inch baking pan.
2. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberries, granulated sugar, and vanilla. Cook until the cranberries start to burst and the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.
3. In a bowl, mix together the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Press half of the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Pour the cranberry filling over the crust, and then sprinkle the remaining oat mixture on top.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
6. Allow to cool before slicing into bars.

Best Way to Serve

These cranberry crumble bars are delicious on their own but can be taken to the next level with a few simple serving suggestions. Consider topping them with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a touch of elegance. Pair them with coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon snack, or serve them as part of a festive dessert table during the holidays.

Storage Tips

To keep your cranberry crumble bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before freezing. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge overnight for the best texture.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some expert tips to elevate your cranberry crumble bars:

• Make sure to use cold butter; this helps create a flaky, crumbly topping.
• Don’t skip the cooling time; allowing the bars to cool completely will make slicing much easier.
• For added texture and flavor, consider mixing in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the crumble mixture.

Creative Twists

Feel free to get creative with your cranberry crumble bars! You can:

• Add orange zest to the cranberry mixture for a refreshing citrus note.
• Experiment with different fruit fillings such as blueberries or apples for a unique flavor twist.
• Try a nutty topping by incorporating almond flour or finely chopped nuts into the crumble.

FAQ

How long does it take to make cranberry crumble bars?

The total time to make these bars is around 45 minutes to an hour, including prep and baking time.

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before using them.

How do I ensure my bars cut cleanly?

To achieve clean slices, let the bars cool completely before cutting them. If they are still warm, they may fall apart when you slice them.

Give these cranberry crumble bars a try; they might just become your new favorite fall treat!

Cranberry Crumble Bars

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• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 16 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Pin Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

These cranberry crumble bars balance a tart burst of cranberries with a buttery, crumbly topping, making them a delightful treat for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold butter

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9 inch baking pan.
2. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberries, granulated sugar, and vanilla. Cook until the cranberries start to burst and the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.
3. In a bowl, mix together the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Press half of the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Pour the cranberry filling over the crust, and then sprinkle the remaining oat mixture on top.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
6. Allow to cool before slicing into bars.

Notes

Top with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or powdered sugar for added elegance. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: cranberry, crumble bars, dessert, fall treat