These Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe are the perfect treat for any occasion. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, these bars offer a delightful blend of a buttery shortbread crust and a bright, citrus-infused cranberry filling. They’re ideal for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or simply enjoying as an afternoon snack. With a sweet vanilla glaze drizzled on top, these bars provide all the satisfaction of pie without the fuss of slicing!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: You only need one pan and simple steps to create these delicious bars.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of tart cranberries with sweet spices offers a delightful taste experience.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for holidays, parties, or everyday snacks; they fit any occasion.
- Quick Prep Time: With only 15 minutes of prep, you can have these bars ready in no time.
- Impressive Presentation: The beautiful layers and glaze make them look as good as they taste.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools. Having the right equipment will ensure that your baking process is smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking pan (8 x 8 inches)
- Parchment paper
- Wire rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: This tool helps you achieve a light and fluffy batter effortlessly.
- Baking pan: An 8 x 8 inch pan is perfect for evenly baking the bars without burning edges.
- Wire rack: Cooling on a wire rack allows air circulation, preventing sogginess.
Ingredients
These easy one-pan cranberry crumble bars are just as delicious as pie, but without the dish! Made with a buttery shortbread crust, citrus spiked cranberry filling and a sweet vanilla glaze, these bars are a real holiday crowd pleaser!
Ingredients:
– 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
– 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
– 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
– 3/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted
– 4 tablespoons whole milk or heavy cream
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment:
* Cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
* Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla
Include:
* The egg and vanilla into the mixture.
* Mix until combined well, scraping down the sides again.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl:
* Whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Add:
* The dry ingredients to your wet mixture.
* Mix just until the dough starts to pull away from the sides. Avoid over-mixing.
Step 5: Reserve Dough for Topping
Set aside:
* Roughly 2 cups of dough (loosely packed) for topping later.
Step 6: Prepare Shortbread Base
Press:
* The remaining dough into an 8 x 8 baking pan lined with parchment paper.
Use your hands or measuring cup’s flat side to press it evenly into corners.
Step 7: Pre-Bake Crust
Bake at:
* 350°F for about 15 minutes until edges are golden brown. Do not over-bake.
Step 8: Cool Crust Slightly
Remove:
* The pan from oven and let cool slightly while preparing cranberry filling.
Step 9: Make Cranberry Filling
In a large bowl:
Mix together:
* Cranberries, sugar, cornstarch, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla.
Pour this mixture over your pre-baked crust.
Step 10: Top with Remaining Dough
Break up:
* The reserved dough into smaller pieces using your hands.
Place them randomly atop cranberry filling while leaving space between pieces.
Step 11: Bake Again
Bake for about:
* 45 minutes; cover with aluminum foil for last 10–15 minutes to prevent over-browning.
Step 12: Cool Completely
Remove from oven:
Place on wire rack to cool completely before adding glaze.
How to Serve Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe
Cranberry crumble bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply indulging in a sweet snack, these bars can easily elevate your dessert table.
With a Scoop of Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing adds creaminess and balances the tartness of the cranberries.
- Cinnamon Ice Cream: A warm spice flavor that complements the cinnamon in the bars for an added kick.
Drizzled with Glaze
- Vanilla Glaze: A simple drizzle enhances sweetness and adds a beautiful finish to your bars.
- Citrus Glaze: Use lemon or orange juice for a zesty twist that brightens up the flavors.
Accompanied by Fresh Fruit
- Berries: Fresh strawberries or blueberries provide a burst of flavor and freshness.
- Citrus Slices: Orange or grapefruit slices add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the bars.
Paired with Coffee or Tea
- Hot Coffee: The rich flavor pairs nicely, making it an excellent afternoon pick-me-up.
- Herbal Tea: A light tea, such as chamomile, offers soothing notes that complement the tartness of cranberries.
How to Perfect Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe
Creating the perfect cranberry crumble bars involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your bars turn out delicious every time.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring butter and eggs are at room temperature helps create a smoother batter.
- Don’t Over Mix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined to keep the texture light and crumbly.
- Adjust Baking Time: Keep an eye on your bars while baking; ovens can vary. Look for lightly golden edges.
- Cool Completely Before Slicing: Allowing the bars to cool ensures clean cuts and prevents them from falling apart.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add nuts or different spices like nutmeg for unique variations on this classic recipe.
Best Side Dishes for Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe
Serving cranberry crumble bars alongside complementary dishes can create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some side dishes that pair wonderfully with these treats.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, like brie or goat cheese, provides creamy richness that contrasts with the tartness of the bars.
- Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts add crunch and savory notes, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layers of yogurt, granola, and berries make for a healthy accompaniment that’s both satisfying and delicious.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over the bars adds decadence that chocolate lovers will appreciate.
- Custard or Pudding: A smooth vanilla custard or pudding provides creaminess that pairs beautifully with fruity desserts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your cranberry crumble bars, avoid these common pitfalls to ensure delicious results.
- Using cold butter: Cold butter can lead to a dense crust. Make sure your butter is at room temperature for a light and fluffy texture.
- Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can result in tough bars. Mix until just combined for optimal texture.
- Skipping the parchment paper: Not lining your baking pan can create a sticky situation. Always use parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
- Not cooling the crust: If you pour the cranberry filling onto a hot crust, it may become soggy. Allow the crust to cool slightly before adding the filling.
- Neglecting to cover during baking: Uncovered bars can brown too quickly. Cover with foil towards the end of baking to prevent over-browning.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Keep layers separated with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Freezing Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe
- Wrap the cooled bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat individual squares on high for about 20-30 seconds.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for about 5 minutes, checking frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cranberries in this Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe?
Yes, frozen cranberries work well! Just mix them in directly without thawing.
How do I make my cranberry filling less tart?
You can add more sugar or mix in some sweetened dried cranberries for a sweeter filling balance.
Can I substitute other fruits in this recipe?
Absolutely! Apples, blueberries, or raspberries can be used instead of cranberries for different flavor profiles.
How do I store leftover Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze as described above.
Final Thoughts
These cranberry crumble bars are a delightful treat that captures the essence of holiday flavors. Their versatility allows you to customize them with different fruits and toppings. Give this Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe a try and enjoy a simple yet satisfying dessert perfect for any occasion!
Cranberry Crumble Bars
Indulge in the delightful world of Cranberry Crumble Bars, a scrumptious treat perfect for any occasion. These bars combine a buttery shortbread crust with a zesty cranberry filling that bursts with flavor. Finished off with a sweet vanilla glaze, they offer all the comfort of pie without the hassle of slicing. Ideal for holiday gatherings or as an everyday snack, these bars are sure to impress family and friends alike. With just 15 minutes of prep time and minimal cleanup, you can enjoy this delicious dessert in no time.
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8 x 8 baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugars until fluffy. Mix in the egg and vanilla until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt before adding to the wet mixture. Mix until combined but do not over-mix.
- Reserve about 2 cups of dough for topping. Press the remaining dough into the prepared pan and bake for about 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, mix cranberries with sugar, cornstarch, orange zest, juice, and vanilla for the filling.
- Pour the cranberry mixture over the pre-baked crust and crumble reserved dough on top.
- Bake for an additional 45 minutes, covering with foil if necessary to prevent over-browning.
- Allow cooling completely on a wire rack before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (60g)
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: For variations, consider adding nuts or spices like nutmeg to elevate flavors further. To serve, pair your bars with ice cream or drizzled glaze for an extra touch.