INTRODUCTION
Cranberry crumble bars are a delightful treat that brings together sweet and tart flavors in every bite. These bars are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just enjoying a quiet evening at home. The combination of fresh or frozen cranberries with a crumbly topping creates a wonderful texture. This recipe is easy to follow and gives you a delicious dessert that everyone will love.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
There are many reasons to love cranberry crumble bars. First, the taste is simply amazing. The sweetness of the sugar balances perfectly with the tartness of the cranberries. Second, this recipe is easy to make. Even if you are a beginner in the kitchen, you can follow the steps and create something wonderful. Third, these bars are versatile. You can enjoy them as a sweet snack, a dessert at parties, or even breakfast with a cup of coffee. Plus, they look beautiful! The vibrant red cranberries are a lovely contrast against the golden crumble topping.
HOW TO MAKE Cranberry Crumble Bars
Making cranberry crumble bars is a fun and rewarding experience. Follow these simple steps to prepare your delicious dessert.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Large pot
- Baking pan (square, 9×9 inches recommended)
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Fork
- Creaming mixer or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 12 ounces cranberries, fresh or frozen
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds, optional for topping
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
- Make the Filling:
- Start by combining the cranberries, granulated sugar, orange juice, and orange zest in a large pot.
- Cook the mixture over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
- Let it cook for about 15 minutes. You will see the cranberries burst and the sauce will thicken.
- Remove the pot from heat and let the mixture cool for a bit.
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line your square baking pan with parchment paper to make it easy to remove the bars later.
- Make the Crust:
- In a large bowl, cream together the room temperature butter and powdered sugar until the mix is smooth.
- Mix in the large egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Now, fold in the all-purpose flour, almond flour, cinnamon, and kosher salt. You’ll want to combine everything gently but thoroughly.
- Assemble the Bars:
- Press 3/4 of the dough into the bottom of your prepared baking pan to form the crust. Use a fork to poke holes all over the crust. This will help it bake evenly.
- Bake the crust in the oven for about 15 minutes or until it feels set and just lightly golden.
- Add the Filling:
- After baking the crust, pour the cooled cranberry sauce over the top.
- Crumble the remaining dough over the cranberry layer. Try to cover it evenly, and sprinkle sliced almonds on top if you like a little extra crunch.
- Bake Again:
- Put the pan back in the oven and bake for 20-30 minutes. The top should turn a nice golden brown.
- Cool and Serve:
- After baking, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, dust with extra powdered sugar before cutting into squares and serving.
HOW TO SERVE Cranberry Crumble Bars
Cranberry crumble bars can be served in many ways. You can enjoy them as is, or you can add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a decadent dessert. These bars also pair well with a cup of coffee or tea. If you are serving them at a gathering, consider cutting the bars into smaller squares for a bite-sized treat. They make a wonderful addition to a dessert table, especially during the holiday season.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Cranberry Crumble Bars
To store your cranberry crumble bars, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the bars. To freeze, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Think about serving these bars with some whipped cream or yogurt on the side. You can also add fresh cranberries or orange slices as a garnish for an extra touch. For a festive look, consider adding a drizzle of caramel sauce on top before serving. These small additions can enhance the flavors and make the dessert even more delightful!
VARIATIONS
There are many delicious variations you can try with cranberry crumble bars. If you want to mix things up, consider adding different fruits like blueberries or raspberries to the filling. You can also try adding nuts to the crust for extra crunch. If you prefer a nut-free version, just skip the almond flour and sliced almonds. Another idea is to use lemon juice and zest instead of orange for a different citrus flavor. The possibilities are endless!
FAQs
- Can I use frozen cranberries?
- Yes, frozen cranberries work well in this recipe. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time for the filling.
- Can I make these bars gluten-free?
- Absolutely! You can swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make these bars gluten-free.
- How do I know when the bars are done baking?
- The bars are done when the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean.
- Can I add spices to the filling?
- Yes! You can experiment with spices like nutmeg or ginger to add more flavor to the cranberry filling.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Cranberry Crumble Bars
If you want to prepare ahead of time, you can make the cranberry filling a day or two in advance. Store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake the bars. You can also prepare the crust dough ahead of time. Just keep it in the fridge until you are ready to assemble and bake. This can save you time on busy days and make it easier to enjoy your delicious cranberry crumble bars whenever you like.
Cranberry Crumble Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Combine the cranberries, granulated sugar, orange juice, and orange zest in a large pot.
- Cook the mixture over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
- Let it cook for about 15 minutes until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and let the mixture cool for a bit.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line your square baking pan with parchment paper.
- Cream together the room temperature butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Fold in the all-purpose flour, almond flour, cinnamon, and kosher salt gently.
- Press 3/4 of the dough into the bottom of your prepared baking pan and poke holes in the crust.
- Bake the crust for about 15 minutes until it feels set and lightly golden.
- Pour the cooled cranberry sauce over the baked crust.
- Crumble the remaining dough over the cranberry layer and sprinkle sliced almonds on top.
- Bake for another 20-30 minutes until the top turns golden brown.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
- Dust with extra powdered sugar before cutting into squares and serving.