cranberry crumb bars

Name: Cranberry Crumb Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1.5 cups all-purpose flour; 0.5 cups rolled oats; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 0.66 cups brown sugar; 1 cup cold butter (cut into cubes); 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries; 0.5 cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons orange zest; 2 tablespoons orange juice

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Okay, friends, let me tell you about these cranberry crumb bars. They’re like a cozy hug in dessert form. Think of your favorite cranberry sauce, that vibrant, tangy-sweet goodness that graces your Thanksgiving table, but instead of being a side, it’s nestled between layers of buttery, crumbly perfection. Seriously, if you love a good fruit crisp or even a slice of Coffee Cake, these bars are going to rock your world. I stumbled upon this recipe years ago, tweaked it to perfection (more on that later!), and now it’s a total family favorite. And the best part? They’re way easier to make than they look. These cranberry crumb bars, once you make them once you will do it again and again!

What is Cranberry Crumb Bars?

So, what *are* cranberry Crumb Bars, exactly? Well, think of it as a delightful cross between a shortbread cookie and a fruit crumble. You’ve got a base layer of buttery, slightly sweet dough that’s pressed into a pan. Then comes the star of the show: a luscious, tart cranberry filling that’s usually spiked with a little orange zest for extra zing. Finally, everything is topped with a generous layer of crumbly, oat-studded goodness. It’s essentially a handheld version of a cranberry pie, without all the fuss of making a pie crust! The best thing is the contrast: the soft cranberry filling and the crunchy, buttery crumbs!

Why you will love this recipe?

Okay, let me count the ways I adore these cranberry Crumb Bars. First, the flavor is just incredible. You’ve got the tartness of the cranberries balanced perfectly by the sweetness of the crumb topping and the orange zest brightens everything up. It’s an explosion of flavor! Second, these bars are surprisingly easy to make. Seriously, don’t let the layers intimidate you. It’s just a matter of mixing a few ingredients, pressing them into a pan, and baking! Third, the ingredients are pretty budget-friendly. Cranberries are often on sale, especially during the holiday season.
What I love most about these is their versatility. You can serve them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert! They’re equally delicious warm or at room temperature. I even like to crumble them over yogurt for a quick and easy snack. Compared to other crumb bar recipes, or even a traditional cranberry pie, this one is quicker and easier. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll be hooked!

How to Make Cranberry Crumb Bars

Quick Overview

Making these cranberry Crumb Bars is easier than you might think! First, you’ll make the base and crumb topping, which is essentially the same mixture. Press half of it into the pan for the base, then set the other half aside. Next, you’ll whip up the cranberry filling. Then, just spread the filling over the base, sprinkle with the remaining crumb topping, and bake until golden brown and bubbly. The best part? The amazing smell that fills your kitchen while they’re baking. This recipe is special because it uses fresh cranberries and orange zest for a truly vibrant flavor. It’s simple enough for a weeknight bake, but impressive enough to serve to guests!

Ingredients

For the Main Batter: Why is it important to
* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: I always use unbleached, but regular works just fine.
* 1 cup rolled oats: Adds a nice chewiness to the crumb topping. Use old-fashioned oats, not instant.
* 3/4 cup granulated sugar: For sweetness, of course!
* 1/2 cup packed Brown Sugar: Adds a little molasses flavor and helps keep the bars moist.
* 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bars rise and become nice and tender.
* 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
* 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes: Make sure it’s *really* cold. This is key to getting a crumbly texture.

For the Filling:
* 12 ounces fresh cranberries: Fresh is best for that bright, tart flavor.
* 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adjust to your taste! If you like things extra tart, you can reduce it a bit.
* 1/4 cup water: Helps the cranberries break down and become saucy.
* 1 tablespoon orange zest: Adds a lovely citrusy aroma and flavor.
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the other flavors.
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the filling.

For the Glaze:
* 1 cup powdered sugar: For a smooth, sweet glaze.
* 2-3 tablespoons milk: Start with 2 and add more until you reach your desired consistency.
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Optional, but adds a nice touch of flavor.

How do I follow step

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch Baking Pan. You can also line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. This is my preferred method because it makes cleanup a breeze! Make sure the oven is fully preheated before you start baking. A cold oven can affect the texture of the bars.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, granulated sugar, Brown Sugar, baking powder, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined. This ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed, which will help the bars rise properly.

Step 3: Cut In Butter

Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This is where the cold butter really shines! You want to see small pieces of butter throughout the mixture. If the butter gets too warm, the bars will be greasy.

Step 4: Combine

Press half of the crumb mixture into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes. What is the best way to make a solid base? I like to use the bottom of a measuring cup to help me get nice, even layer. What’s the recipe for topping?

Step 5: Prepare Filling

In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the mixture has thickened slightly. Stir in the cornstarch and cook for another minute, or until the filling is nice and thick. Let the filling cool slightly before spreading it over the base. This prevents the base from getting soggy.

Step 6: Layer & Swirl

Spread the Cranberry Filling evenly over the prepared base. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the filling. Gently press the crumb topping into the filling so it adheres while baking. You don’t have to press firmly, just enough to make sure it sticks. I always do this to make sure everything holds together!

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Is it necessary to keep an eye on the bars towards the end of the baking time to make sure the topping doesn’t burn? If it starts to get too dark, you can tent the pan with foil.

Step 8: Cool & Glaze

Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting and glazing. This is important! If you try to cut them while they’re still warm, they will be too crumbly. While the bars are cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and salt. How do you make a smooth paste with vanilla extract Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars. If you prefer a uniform look, you can also spread it evenly with the spatula.

Step 9: Slice & Serve

Cut the cooled bars into squares and serve. These are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream or a dollop of whipped cream! I like to serve them slightly warm, but they’re also great at room temperature. If you’re making these ahead of time, wait to glaze them until just before serving. That way, the glaze stays perfect!

What should I serve it with?

What are some of the best cranberry crumb bars?

For Breakfast:What are some good ways to start your day with a cup of coffee or tea? I love a strong black coffee to cut through the sweetness. Arrange them on a plate with Fresh Berries for an extra touch.

For Brunch:Serve them alongside other brunch favorites like scrambled eggs, bacon, and fruit salad. What are some great ways to enjoy cranberry juice with a mimosa? Cut the bars into smaller squares for easy serving.

As Dessert: These bars are a delightful ending to any meal. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A glass of dessert wine or a cup of herbal tea would be a lovely pairing.

For Cozy Snacks:Enjoy them with a glass of milk or mug of hot chocolate. I love to curl up on the couch with a good book and cranberry crumb bar. What are some of the best comfort foods?

My family always makes a big batch of these for Thanksgiving and Christmas. They’re tradition! I’ve also brought them to potlucks and parties, and they’re always a hit. What are some of the best bars in the world?

How do I make Cranberry Crumb Bars?

Want to take your cranberry crumb bars to the next level? Here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years:

Butter Prep:Make sure your butter is cold. This is crucial for getting a crumbly texture. I like to chill it in the freezer for about 15 minutes before using it. If the butter gets too warm, the bars will be greasy.

Mixing Advice:Don’t overmix the crumb mixture. If you overmix the flour, the gluten will develop, resulting in tough bars. Mix just until the butter is evenly distributed and the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Swirl CustomizationWhat are some creative filling ideas? Can you add other fruits to the cranberry mixture? Can you add nuts to the crumb topping? I used cinnamon in my crumb topping and it was delicious!

Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have rolled oats, you can substitute them with more flour. If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use all granulated sugar. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may be slightly different. I’ve tested this with almond milk instead of regular milk in the glaze and it still tastes perfect!

Baking Tips:What should I do to make sure the topping doesn’t burn at the end of the baking time? If it gets too dark, you can tent the pan with foil.

Glaze Variations:For a tangier glaze, substitute some of the milk with lemon juice. Can you add some orange zest to the glaze for extra flavor? I have also put a little bit of honey in the glaze when I wanted to reduce the use of sugar.

I learned the hard way that overbaking these bars is a no-no. They can become dry and hard. So, keep a close watch and take them out of the oven as soon as the topping is golden brown.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Want to make these cranberry crumb bars ahead of time? Here’s how to store them properly:

Room Temperature: Store the cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To maintain freshness, cover the container tightly.

Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, keep the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. This will help them stay fresh and moist.

Freezer Instructions: To freeze the bars, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to store the bars, it’s best to wait to glaze them until just before serving. This will prevent the glaze from becoming sticky or dissolving.

I always store my bars in the refrigerator because I love them cold! But they’re also delicious reheated in the microwave for a few seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. I recommend using a blend that contains xanthan gum for best results. The texture may be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious!

Do I need to peel the cranberries?

Nope, no need to peel the cranberries! They’ll soften and burst during cooking, releasing their juices and creating a delicious filling.

Can I make this as muffins instead?

I haven’t personally tried it, but I don’t see why not. The timing will be much different. Fill muffin tins 2/3 full with the base, then top with the cranberry mixture, then the crumbs. Bake for 15-20 min.

How can I adjust the sweetness level?

If you prefer a less sweet bar, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling. Start by reducing it by 1/4 cup and see how you like it. You can also use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.

What can I use instead of the glaze?

If you’re not a fan of glaze, you can simply dust the bars with powdered sugar. You can also top them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Final Thoughts

Okay, my friends, I hope you give these cranberry crumb bars a try! They’re truly a taste of holiday magic that you can enjoy all year round. The combination of the tart cranberries, the buttery crumb topping, and the sweet glaze is simply irresistible. And the fact that they’re so easy to make is just a bonus! If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other bar recipes! I have a lemon bar recipe that is also incredible. Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Let me know in the comments if you try them, and don’t forget to rate the recipe! I love seeing your creations, so feel free to share photos of your own cranberry crumb bars!