Looking for a delightful dessert that perfectly balances sweet and tart, while also bringing the family together?
These Cranberry Crumble Bars are a treat that will have everyone gathering around the kitchen. With their buttery crumb topping and juicy cranberry filling, they are both comforting and satisfying. The vibrant pop of cranberries against the buttery crumble makes for a visually appealing and mouthwatering dessert that is sure to impress guests or tickle the taste buds of your family.
Why should you whip up a batch of these bars? First, they’re quick to prepare—ideal for last-minute cravings or unexpected company. Second, they use simple ingredients, which you probably already have in your pantry. Lastly, they’re a family favorite that not only pleases the crowd but also gives you a sense of achievement when you see those happy faces!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in under an hour
- Made with pantry staples
- Perfect for gatherings or potlucks
- Easily customizable for different tastes
Ingredients for Cranberry Crumble Bars
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup sugar (for filling)
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
Step-by-Step Instructions of Cranberry Crumble Bars
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan.
Cream together the softened butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
Add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined. This will be your crumble base.
Reserve 1 cup of the crumble mixture, pressing the rest into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
Combine the cranberries, remaining sugar, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl and mix well.
Spread the cranberry mixture evenly over the pressed crumble in the pan.
Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture evenly over the cranberry layer.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar with milk until smooth, then drizzle it over the cooled bars.
Let cool and cut into squares for serving.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor, but frozen ones work well too! Just don’t thaw them before using.
- Let the bars cool completely before glazing; this makes the cutting simpler.
- Experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg in the crumble for added warmth.
Substitutions & Variations of Cranberry Crumble Bars
To Make It Vegan/Gluten-Free: Substitute vegan butter for the unsalted butter and use gluten-free flour.
Variations: Add chopped nuts for a crunchy texture or a hint of almond extract for a lovely twist.
Storage Instructions of Cranberry Crumble Bars
Refrigerator: Store leftover bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
Freezer: These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the crumble mixture a day ahead just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) of Cranberry Crumble Bars
Can I use other fruits?
Absolutely! These bars work well with blueberries, raspberries, or even peaches.
Is there a way to make the bars less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling to suit your taste or use less sweet fruits.
Can I skip the glaze?
Certainly! The bars are delicious on their own, but the glaze adds a nice touch.
Final Toughts
Who wouldn’t want to dive into a plate of warm, gooey Cranberry Crumble Bars? This recipe not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also brings joy and warmth to family gatherings and cozy nights at home. Whether you’re looking for a fun activity to do with the kids or simply want to treat yourself, these bars are the way to go. Give this easy recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your thoughts! We’d love to hear your experiences and see your lovely creations!
Print
Cranberry Crumble Bars
Delightful dessert bars that balance sweet and tart, perfect for gatherings and family cravings.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup sugar (for filling)
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan.
- Cream together the softened butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
- Add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined. This will be your crumble base.
- Reserve 1 cup of the crumble mixture, pressing the rest into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- Combine the cranberries, remaining sugar, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl and mix well.
- Spread the cranberry mixture evenly over the pressed crumble in the pan.
- Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture evenly over the cranberry layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
- Prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar with milk until smooth, then drizzle it over the cooled bars.
- Let cool and cut into squares for serving.
Notes
Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor but frozen ones work well too. Let the bars cool completely before glazing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian