Tangy Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe: Buttery Bliss in Every Bite

Cranberry magic transforms ordinary dessert expectations into a delightful culinary adventure.

Sweet meets tart in this simple treat that promises pure comfort.

Baking becomes an art form with these irresistible bars.

Layers of buttery crumble and vibrant fruit create a mouthwatering experience you won’t forget.

Rustic and elegant, this recipe speaks to home cooks seeking something special.

Seasonal ingredients dance together, promising a dessert that sparkles with warmth and flavor.

Dive into this delectable creation – your taste buds will thank you.

Why Easy Cranberry Crumble Bars Are a Hit

• Perfect for novice bakers, this recipe requires simple mixing and pressing techniques that guarantee delicious results without complex skills.
• Packed with wholesome ingredients like oats and fresh cranberries, these bars offer a nutritious dessert that kids and adults will adore equally.
• Ideal for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or casual weekend treats, these bars slice easily and transport well without losing their delightful texture.

Ingredients for Easy Cranberry Crumble Bars

• All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure and texture for the crumble bars.
• Rolled Oats: Adds a hearty, nutty flavor and creates a rustic texture to the crumble.
• Butter: Provides richness and helps bind the crumb mixture together.
• Baking Powder: Ensures a light and slightly raised texture in the bars.

• Fresh Cranberries: Brings a tart and vibrant flavor that complements the sweet crumble base.
• Sugar: Balances the tartness of the cranberries and adds sweetness to the filling.

• Powdered Sugar: Can be used for dusting the bars for a decorative and sweet touch.

How to Make Cranberry Crumble Bars

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C).

Grab your square baking pan and give it a light grease or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prep the Cranberry Filling

Toss the fresh cranberries with sugar in a bowl, mixing them until they’re well-coated and looking glossy.

Set this fruity mixture aside while you work on the crumbly base.

Step 3: Create the Crumble Mixture

• Flour
• Rolled oats
• Remaining sugar
• Baking powder
• Softened butter

Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend everything until it forms a delightful, crumbly texture that looks like sandy clusters.

Step 4: Build the Base Layer

Press half of the crumbly mixture firmly into the prepared pan, creating a solid foundation for your bars.

Make sure it’s evenly distributed and packed down nicely.

Step 5: Add the Cranberry Layer

Spread the sugared cranberry mixture evenly over the crumb base, covering it completely with the vibrant red fruit.

Step 6: Top with Remaining Crumbs

Sprinkle the rest of the crumbly mixture over the cranberry layer, creating a rustic, uneven topping that will turn golden and crispy when baked.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.

You’re looking for a gorgeous golden-brown color with bubbling edges that signal the bars are ready.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan.

This patience allows them to set and makes cutting into perfect squares a breeze.

Helpful Tips for Cranberry Crumble Bars

• Press the base mixture firmly and evenly to create a solid foundation that resists moisture from the cranberry filling.
• Mix some orange zest into the cranberry mixture for a bright, citrusy undertone that complements the tart berries.
• Let the bars cool completely before cutting to ensure clean, neat slices that hold their shape.
• Replace butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version that maintains the crumbly texture and rich taste.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.

Storing and Reheating Cranberry Crumble Bars

• Store cooled cranberry crumble bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent them from sticking together.
• Carefully place bars in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or place in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore their crisp texture.
• Keep bars at room temperature for up to 2 days in a sealed container, ensuring they remain soft and delicious.

Pairings That Work with Cranberry Crumble Bars

• Pair with Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of smooth, cold vanilla ice cream alongside the warm, tangy cranberry crumble bars for a delightful temperature and flavor contrast.
• Match with Spiced Chai Latte: Enjoy a hot, aromatic chai latte that complements the sweet-tart cranberry bars with its warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger.
• Combine with Soft Whipped Cream: Top the bars with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream to balance the cranberry's tartness and add a luxurious, creamy texture.
• Serve with Sparkling White Wine: Choose a crisp, slightly sweet Riesling or Moscato to enhance the fruity notes and provide a refreshing accompaniment to the rich, buttery crumble.

Creative Variations for Cranberry Crumble Bars

• Gluten-Free Cranberry Crumble Bars: Replace regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend to create a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same delicious texture and flavor.
• Vegan Cranberry Bars: Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine and use maple syrup instead of sugar to craft a plant-based alternative that's equally delectable.
• Low-Sugar Cranberry Bars: Reduce sugar content by using stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and add chopped nuts like almonds for extra crunch and natural sweetness.
• Seasonal Berry Variation: Substitute cranberries with seasonal berries like raspberries, blueberries, or mixed berries to create a year-round fruity dessert that adapts to available produce.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Just thaw and drain them before mixing with sugar to prevent excess moisture.

• How do I know if the crumble is fully baked?

Look for golden brown edges and a slightly set center. The top should have a light, crispy texture when touched.

• What can I do if my crumb mixture is too dry or not sticking together?

Add a little more softened butter or a tablespoon of milk to help the crumbs bind better and create a more cohesive texture.

• Is it necessary to let the bars cool completely before cutting?

Yes, cooling helps the bars set and makes cutting cleaner. If you cut too soon, the bars might crumble or fall apart.

Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Cranberry crumble bars bring festive flavors and homemade comfort to classic dessert tables. Sweet-tart cranberries nestled between buttery crumble layers promise a delightful treat you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup rolled oats (old-fashioned)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)

Sweeteners:

• 1 cup granulated sugar

Leavening and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350°F (175°C) and prepare a square baking pan with either a light greasing or parchment paper lining.
2. Toss fresh cranberries with a portion of sugar, allowing the fruit to macerate and release its natural juices.
3. Create a crumbly mixture by blending flour, oats, remaining sugar, baking powder, and softened butter until the texture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
4. Compact half of the crumb mixture into a solid, even base layer within the prepared pan, ensuring a uniform foundation.
5. Distribute the sweetened cranberry mixture across the crumb base, covering it entirely with an even spread.
6. Delicately sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the cranberry layer, creating a rustic, textured topping.
7. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for a golden-brown color and slightly bubbling edges.
8. Remove from the oven and let the crumble bars cool completely at room temperature to allow proper setting and easier cutting.
9. Once fully cooled, slice into neat squares and serve as a delightful dessert or afternoon treat.

Notes

• Swap fresh cranberries with frozen ones directly from the freezer without thawing to maintain texture and prevent color bleeding.
• Use gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats to make this recipe celiac-friendly and suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Add a sprinkle of orange zest into the crumb mixture for an extra layer of bright, citrusy complexity that complements the tart cranberries.
• For a lower-sugar version, replace half the sugar with monk fruit sweetener or reduce total sugar by one-third without compromising the dessert’s delicious structure.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 40mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 20mg