Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe

There is something incredibly comforting and irresistibly festive about the Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe. These bars combine a buttery, tender shortbread crust with a tangy, fruity cranberry filling, all topped with a crunchy, crumbly layer that’s delightfully textured. Each bite dances between tart and sweet, perfectly balanced with hints of warm cinnamon and bright orange zest. They are the kind of treat that feels cozy enough for a quiet afternoon snack yet elegant enough to share at holiday gatherings. If you love classic crumble desserts but crave a portable, bar-style twist, this recipe will become your new favorite go-to.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe is in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, from creating that rich and tender shortbread base to crafting a vibrant, zesty cranberry filling that bursts with flavor and color in every bite.

• Unsalted butter, 1 cup: Room temperature butter is crucial for a creamy, smooth dough that’s easy to work with and crisp after baking.
• Granulated sugar, 1/2 cup + 2/3 cup: The first quantity sweetens the dough; the second balances the tartness of the cranberries perfectly.
• Light brown sugar, 1/2 cup packed: Adds moistness and a subtle caramel flavor to the crust and crumble topping.
• Large egg, 1: Helps bind the dough together for a shortbread that’s sturdy yet tender.
• Vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons + 1 teaspoon: Infuses warmth and enhances all other flavors in the dough and filling.
• All-purpose flour, 3 1/4 cups: The base for the shortbread crust, providing structure with a delicate crumb.
• Baking powder, 3/4 teaspoon: Gives a slight lift to keep the shortbread from being too dense.
• Cinnamon, 1 teaspoon: Offers that cozy hint of spice, complementing the tart cranberries so well.
• Kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon: Balances sweetness and brightens all the flavors.
• Fresh or frozen cranberries, 2 1/2 cups: The star of the filling—tart, juicy, and visually stunning.
• Cornstarch, 1 tablespoon: Thickens the cranberry filling to prevent it from running.
• Orange zest and juice, 1 tablespoon each: Adds a lively citrus note that lifts the entire bar.
• Powdered sugar, 3/4 cup: Used for the smooth vanilla glaze on top.
• Whole milk or heavy cream, 4 tablespoons: Creates a luscious glaze with the powdered sugar.

How to Make Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Start by creaming the unsalted butter with both granulated and light brown sugars until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This process usually takes about three minutes and is key to building that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture of the crumbly shortbread crust. Be sure to scrape down the sides of your bowl so everything is evenly mixed.

Step 2: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Next, mix in the egg and vanilla extract thoroughly. This adds moisture and flavor, binding the dough while giving it that deep, aromatic warmth that makes this Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe so comforting. Again, scrape the bowl to ensure there are no pockets of unmixed ingredients.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and kosher salt. This step evenly distributes the leavening and spices, ensuring your crust has the perfect balance of texture and taste.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Into Wet

Add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until the dough starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl. Avoid overmixing here to keep the dough tender and crumbly, not tough. Once combined, set aside about 2 cups of the dough to use later as the crumble topping.

Step 5: Press Dough into Pan and Pre-bake

Press the remaining dough firmly and evenly into an 8 x 8-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper. You can use your hands or the flat bottom of a measuring cup to smooth it out. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes or until the edges turn just golden and the center is set. This pre-baked crust is the perfect sturdy base for the tangy cranberry filling.

Step 6: Prepare the Cranberry Filling

While the crust cools slightly, toss the cranberries with sugar, cornstarch, orange zest and juice, and vanilla in a large bowl. This vibrant mixture will fill the bars with a bright, tart flavor that contrasts beautifully with the buttery crust.

Step 7: Assemble and Add Crumble Topping

Pour the cranberry mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust. Take the reserved 2 cups of dough and crumble it by hand into smaller chunks, then scatter them randomly over the cranberry layer, leaving gaps so the juicy filling can peek through. This topping bakes into a crunchy, golden crumble that’s utterly addictive.

Step 8: Final Bake

Bake the assembled bars for about 45 minutes. To prevent the top from getting too dark, cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil during the last 10 to 15 minutes of baking. Removing perfect bars with a tender crust, a luscious filling, and a crispy topping is pure joy.

Step 9: Cool and Glaze

Once out of the oven, let the bars cool completely on a wire rack. When cool, whisk together powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla to create a smooth glaze, then drizzle it on top for that extra touch of sweetness and gleam.

How to Serve Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle fresh orange zest or a few whole cranberries on top of the glaze to add a pop of color and a fresh burst of citrus aroma. A light dusting of powdered sugar also adds a charming snowy look, perfect for festive occasions.

Side Dishes

These bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a cozy brunch, serve alongside a cup of hot spiced tea or freshly brewed coffee to complement the fruity, buttery flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the bars into smaller squares and serve on a decorative platter for parties, or layer them in a glass trifle dish with whipped cream and extra cranberries for a stunning visual treat. You can also wrap individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine for lovely homemade gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator for up to one week. The flavors tend to deepen as they sit, making leftovers even tastier!

Freezing

If you want to make these bars ahead of time, they freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

To enjoy the bars warm, reheat individual pieces in a microwave for 15–20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes. This warms the filling and restores the crispness of the crumble topping.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones. Just make sure to thaw and drain them a bit before mixing with the sugar and cornstarch to reduce excess moisture.

Is there a gluten-free version of the Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just check that it includes xanthan gum or add some yourself to keep the texture right.

Can these bars be made vegan?

To make this recipe vegan, swap the butter for a plant-based margarine and use a flax egg or other egg substitute. Also, replace the milk with a non-dairy milk alternative for the glaze.

How juicy should the cranberry filling be?

The cranberry filling should be thick enough to hold together without being runny, thanks to the cornstarch. It should have that lovely balance of tartness and sweetness, creating a burst of flavor in every bite.

Why cover the bars with foil during baking?

Covering with foil prevents the crumble topping from getting too dark or burnt while allowing the filling time to cook through and thicken properly. This ensures a beautifully browned, tender topping with a perfectly cooked fruit layer.

Final Thoughts

If you are looking to delight your family or friends with a dessert that shines in both flavor and texture, you have to try this Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the tart brightness of cranberries wrapped in a buttery, crumbly blanket of shortbread. Trust me, once you make these bars, they’ll become a beloved staple at your table for seasons to come!

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