Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe: Sweet Holiday Joy

Cranberry crumble bars offer a delightful blend of tangy sweetness and buttery richness that dances across your taste buds.

These irresistible treats capture the essence of comfort and indulgence in every single bite.

Seasonal fruits redefine simple ingredients into a spectacular dessert that feels both homemade and elegant.

Warm spices and a crumbly streusel topping elevate this classic pastry beyond ordinary expectations.

Texture plays a crucial role, with a golden, crisp base supporting a vibrant, jewel-toned filling that promises pure satisfaction.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this approachable recipe with ease and confidence.

You’ll love how these bars strike a perfect balance between rustic charm and sophisticated flavor.

Cranberry Crumble Bars That Mix Tart and Sweet

• Burst of Festive Flavors: Cranberry crumble bars deliver a perfect balance of tart cranberries and sweet shortbread, creating a holiday-inspired treat that dances on your taste buds.
• Texture Sensation: Enjoy the delightful contrast between the crisp, buttery shortbread crust, the jammy cranberry filling, and the crumbly, tender topping that provides a satisfying mouthfeel.
• Quick and Easy Baking Adventure: This recipe offers a simple yet impressive dessert that can be prepared in under an hour, making it ideal for spontaneous baking sessions or last-minute gatherings with friends and family.

Ingredients You Need for Cranberry Crumble Bars

• Butter: Rich, creamy base that provides tender texture and deep flavor.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet components that caramelize and add moisture to the crust.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds richness to the dough.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.

• All-Purpose Flour: Structural foundation for the shortbread crust.
• Baking Powder: Helps crust rise and become light.
• Cinnamon: Warm spice that adds depth to the flavor profile.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall taste.

• Fresh Cranberries: Tart fruit that provides bright, tangy flavor.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cranberry mixture and balances tartness.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the filling and prevents excess liquid.
• Orange Zest, Orange Juice: Citrus elements that complement cranberry's tartness.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, sweet drizzle for finishing.
• Milk or Heavy Cream: Adjusts glaze consistency and adds richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle sweet flavor to the glaze.

Cranberry Crumble Bar Instructions You Can Follow

Step 1: Prepare Oven And Pan

Warm oven to 350°F. Line 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, letting edges hang over sides.

Step 2: Create Buttery Base

• Butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar

Beat until super fluffy and light, about 3 minutes. Scrape bowl sides.

Step 3: Add Moisture Ingredients

• Egg
• Vanilla extract

Blend until completely combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Ground cinnamon
• Salt

Slowly add dry mix to wet ingredients, mixing gently until dough forms.

Step 5: Divide Dough

Separate approximately 2 cups of dough for topping. Press remaining dough into pan evenly.

Step 6: Bake Initial Crust

Bake crust for 15 minutes until edges turn golden. Let cool slightly.

Step 7: Prepare Cranberry Filling

• Fresh cranberries
• Sugar
• Cornstarch
• Orange zest
• Orange juice
• Vanilla extract

Spread filling over pre-baked crust.

Step 8: Add Crumble Topping

Break reserved dough into small pieces. Scatter randomly over cranberry layer, leaving some filling visible.

Step 9: Final Baking

Bake 45 minutes. Cover with foil during last 10-15 minutes to prevent burning.

Step 10: Create Vanilla Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Milk
• Vanilla extract

Adjust thickness as needed.

Step 11: Cool And Finish

Let bars cool completely. Drizzle glaze over top. Slice and serve.

Tips for the Best Crumble Topping

• Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the shortbread dough for 30 minutes before pressing into the pan to prevent sticking and create a more manageable texture.
• Prevent Soggy Bottom: Ensure the crust is partially baked before adding the cranberry filling to maintain a crisp, golden base that won't become mushy.
• Perfect Crumble Technique: Use cold butter and gently break the reserved dough into irregular pieces for a rustic, textured topping that creates beautiful visual appeal.
• Zest Magic: Maximize orange flavor by using fresh orange zest and rolling the cranberries in the zest before mixing to intensify the citrusy notes.
• Cooling is Crucial: Let the bars cool completely before cutting to allow the filling to set and prevent crumbly, messy slices.

Storage and Reheating for Cranberry Crumble Bars

• Refrigerate: Store cranberry crumble bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Freeze: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheat: Warm bars gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their crisp texture and revive the delicious flavors.

Pairing Drinks or Treats with Cranberry Bars

• Pair with Warming Winter Cocktail: Complement the tartness of cranberry bars with a spiced mulled wine or hot toddy, enhancing the cozy cinnamon notes and providing a comforting contrast to the sweet-tangy dessert.
• Match with Creamy Vanilla Accompaniment: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream to balance the cranberry's sharp flavor and add a luxurious, smooth texture.
• Brew the Perfect Coffee Companion: Enjoy with a rich, medium-roast coffee or a chai latte, whose warm spices will echo the cinnamon in the bars and create a delightful flavor harmony that elevates the entire dessert experience.
• Create a Cheese Plate Accent: Serve with a mild, creamy cheese like brie or mascarpone to cut through the sweetness and provide a sophisticated counterpoint to the fruity, buttery bars.

Fun Variations for Cranberry Crumble Bars

• Berry Medley Bars: Replace cranberries with a mix of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries for a vibrant, multi-berry flavor profile.
• Nutty Cranberry Crunch: Incorporate chopped pecans or almonds into the crumble topping for added texture and rich, toasty notes.
• Spiced Autumn Bars: Enhance the cinnamon with ground nutmeg and ginger, creating a warm, seasonal dessert that captures fall's essence.
• Citrus Cranberry Zinger: Boost the orange zest and add lemon juice to the filling for a brighter, more tangy cranberry experience.

Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe

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4.9 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Cranberry crumble bars offer a delightful symphony of sweet-tart flavors and buttery, crumbly texture. Festive seasonal ingredients blend perfectly, creating an irresistible dessert sure to charm family and friends at holiday gatherings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

Shortbread Crust:

• 3 ¼ cups (405 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100 g) light brown sugar
• 1 large egg

Filling Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups cranberries
• ⅔ cup (133 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon orange zest

Finishing/Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¾ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice

Glaze Ingredients:

• ¾ cup powdered sugar
• 4 tablespoons whole milk or heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Craft a cozy parchment paper base in an 8×8-inch baking vessel, ensuring slight overhang for effortless extraction.
2. Utilize a stand mixer to harmonize butter, granulated and brown sugars until airy and voluminous, creating a velvety foundation.
3. Introduce egg and vanilla essence, blending thoroughly to achieve a cohesive mixture.
4. Sift together flour, baking powder, warming cinnamon, and delicate salt in a separate vessel.
5. Gently incorporate dry ingredients into wet components, mixing minimally until dough spontaneously separates from mixer walls.
6. Strategically reserve approximately two cups of dough for crumbly crown, pressing remaining mixture firmly into prepared pan to create an uniform base.
7. Roast the foundational layer until golden-rimmed and center appears subtly set, approximately 15 minutes.
8. Meanwhile, orchestrate cranberry symphony by amalgamating tart berries with sugar, cornstarch, vibrant orange zest, citrusy juice, and vanilla extract.
9. Cascade cranberry medley across pre-baked crust, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
10. Disassemble reserved dough into irregular, flattened fragments, artfully dispersing atop fruity landscape, permitting crimson gems to peep through.
11. Bake for three-quarters of an hour, shielding with aluminum veil during final segment to prevent excessive caramelization.
12. Allow creation to cool completely on wire platform, transforming into serene state.
13. Whisk powdered sugar, dairy liquid, and vanilla into silky glaze, adjusting consistency as desired.
14. Gracefully drizzle luminous glaze across cooled masterpiece, creating elegant finishing touch.

Notes

• Chill dough briefly before pressing into pan for cleaner, more even shortbread base.
• Use fresh or frozen cranberries interchangeably, ensuring berries are completely thawed if frozen.
• Create rustic crumble topping by breaking reserved dough into irregular, uneven pieces for attractive texture.
• Cover bars with foil during final baking stage to prevent excessive browning while ensuring complete cranberry filling cooking.
• Allow bars to cool completely before glazing to prevent runny, messy drizzle and achieve clean, professional finish.
• Store in airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days or refrigerate for extended freshness, bringing to room temperature before serving.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg