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Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 23 reviews
  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 16 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Delight in these Cranberry Crumble Bars featuring a buttery shortbread crust filled with a tangy cranberry mixture and topped with a crisp crumble. Perfectly balanced with hints of cinnamon and orange zest, these bars are a festive treat ideal for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a sweet-tart dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Shortbread Dough

  • 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 1/4 cups (405 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Cranberry Filling

  • 2 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 2/3 cup (133 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1 tablespoon orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Vanilla Glaze

  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 4 tablespoons whole milk or heavy cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Cream Butter and Sugars: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
  2. Add Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate the egg and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. Scrape the sides of the bowl again to mix all ingredients uniformly.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and kosher salt ensuring they are well combined.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry: Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture and mix just until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl, careful not to overmix to keep the shortbread tender.
  5. Reserve Dough for Topping: Set aside roughly 2 cups (loosely packed) of the dough to be used later as the crumble topping.
  6. Press Dough for Crust: Press the remaining dough evenly into an 8 x 8 inch baking pan lined with parchment paper, using your hands or the flat side of a measuring cup to press into the corners firmly.
  7. Pre-Bake Crust: Bake the crust in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 15 minutes, until the edges are slightly golden and the center just set, without overbaking.
  8. Prepare Cranberry Filling: While the crust cools slightly, mix cranberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, orange zest, orange juice, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract in a large bowl until well combined.
  9. Assemble Bars: Pour the cranberry filling evenly over the pre-baked crust.
  10. Add Crumble Topping: Break the reserved dough into smaller, flat pieces using your hands and place them randomly over the cranberry filling, leaving gaps so the filling can peek through.
  11. Bake Bars: Bake for about 45 minutes at 350°F (175°C). For the last 10 to 15 minutes, cover the top of the pan with aluminum foil to prevent the crumble topping from becoming too dark.
  12. Cool and Glaze: Remove bars from the oven and place the pan on a wire rack to cool completely before drizzling with the vanilla glaze made by mixing powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract.

Notes

  • Use fresh or frozen cranberries; if frozen, thaw slightly before mixing.
  • Do not overmix the dough to maintain a tender, crumbly texture.
  • Covering with foil near the end of baking prevents burning the crumble topping.
  • Cool bars completely before glazing to avoid melting the glaze.
  • Substitute orange juice and zest with lemon for a different citrus flavor.
  • Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.

Find it online: https://yumrecipesfood.com/cranberry-crumble-bars-recipe/