Cranberry Crumble Bars are a delightful combination of sweet and tart flavors, featuring a buttery crumble base that elevates any occasion. These bars are perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or simply as a sweet treat after a meal. The balance of fresh or frozen cranberries with a crumbly topping makes this dessert irresistible. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, you’ll find this recipe approachable and satisfying. Let’s dive into how to make these scrumptious bars!

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Crumble Bars

This recipe for Cranberry Crumble Bars is not just delicious; it’s also versatile and easy to make. Here are several reasons why these bars stand out:

They offer a perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors, appealing to a wide range of palates.
The recipe is straightforward, making it an easy cranberry crumble bar recipe for beginners.
They can easily be modified to cater to various dietary needs, including gluten-free cranberry crumble bars.
These bars are great for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious treat throughout the week.
Cranberry Crumble Bars can be made vegan by substituting butter and milk.
They serve as a delightful dessert option, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients for Cranberry Crumble Bars

Gather these items:

1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
1/2 cup orange juice
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup powdered sugar (for the glaze)
1 tablespoon milk (for the glaze)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla (for the glaze)

How to Make Cranberry Crumble Bars Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan.
Step 2: Cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined.
Step 4: Press half of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
Step 5: In another bowl, mix cranberries, orange juice, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Spread this mixture over the crust.
Step 6: Crumble the remaining mixture over the cranberries.
Step 7: Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden.
Step 8: Let cool before drizzling with the glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.

Cranberry Crumble Bars: 5 Irresistible Treats to Try - Cranberry Crumble Bars - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Best Cranberry Crumble Bars

Keep these in mind:

Ensure the butter is at room temperature for better creaming with sugar.
Experiment with additional spices like nutmeg or ginger for added warmth.
For a nutty flavor, consider adding chopped nuts to the crumble topping.
These bars are best served chilled, enhancing their texture and flavor.
Use quality cranberries for the best taste, whether fresh or frozen.

Best Ways to Serve Cranberry Crumble Bars

Looking for ways to serve these delicious bars? Here are a few ideas:

Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Serve them warm with whipped cream for a comforting treat.
Top with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.

How to Store and Reheat Cranberry Crumble Bars

Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. These bars can also be frozen for longer storage. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven or microwave for a few seconds to enjoy them fresh again.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Crumble Bars

What’s the secret to perfect Cranberry Crumble Bars?

The key to perfect Cranberry Crumble Bars lies in the balance between the sweet and tart flavors of the cranberries and the buttery crumble. Make sure to use fresh cranberries for the best taste, and don’t forget to let them cool before slicing for cleaner edges.

Can I make Cranberry Crumble Bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare Cranberry Crumble Bars a day in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator and bring them to room temperature before serving, or warm them slightly for a delightful experience.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Cranberry Crumble Bars?

To avoid common pitfalls, ensure your butter is softened but not melted. Also, be careful not to overmix the crumble topping to maintain a nice texture. Finally, monitor baking times closely to prevent overcooking.

Variations of Cranberry Crumble Bars You Can Try

If you’re looking to mix things up, consider these variations:

Cranberry Oat Bars: Swap half the flour for oats for a chewier texture.
Cranberry Streusel Bars: Add a streusel topping with oats and brown sugar for extra crunch.
Cranberry Crust Bars: Use a graham cracker crust for a different flavor profile.
Cranberry crumble bars with cream cheese filling: Add a layer of cream cheese for a rich, creamy twist.

For more delicious dessert ideas, check out our desserts category or try making easy cinnamon rolls for a sweet breakfast treat. If you’re interested in gluten-free options, visit our vegan recipes for more inspiration.

Cranberry Crumble Bars: 5 Irresistible Treats to Try

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Sweet-tart cranberry crumble bars with a buttery crumbly base, perfect for any occasion.

Author: Robert
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 16 bars 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
1/2 cup orange juice
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup powdered sugar (for the glaze)
1 tablespoon milk (for the glaze)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla (for the glaze)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan.
Cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined.
Press half of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
In another bowl, mix cranberries, orange juice, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Spread this mixture over the crust.
Crumble the remaining mixture over the cranberries.
Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden.
Let cool before drizzling with the glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.