Cranberry Crumble Bars

Sweet, tart, and buttery, these Cranberry Crumble Bars are the ultimate dessert for any season. A golden, crumbly crust doubles as the topping, sandwiching a tangy cranberry filling that bursts with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a potluck, or just because, these bars are a crowd-pleasing treat you’ll want to make again and again.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sweet & Tart Balance – The cranberries add a beautiful tang against the buttery crust.
Simple Pantry Ingredients – Uses everyday baking staples you probably already have.
Make-Ahead Friendly – These bars store well and taste even better the next day.
Perfect for Holidays – A festive favorite that adds a pop of color to any dessert spread.
Versatile – Swap in different fruits for variations all year long.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crust & Crumble:
1 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar, packed
1 tsp vanilla extract
2¾ cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt

For the Cranberry Filling:
2½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp orange juice (fresh is best)
1 tsp orange zest
½ tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Tools You’ll Need
9×13-inch baking pan
Parchment paper
Mixing bowls
Whisk and spatula
Zester or microplane

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting later.

Step 2: Make the Crust & Crumble
In a large bowl, combine melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla.
Whisk until smooth and creamy.
Add flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir until a soft dough forms.
Set aside 1½ cups of the dough for the crumble topping.
Press the remaining dough evenly into the prepared pan to form the crust.

Step 3: Prepare the Cranberry Filling
In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, orange juice, orange zest, vanilla, and a pinch of salt.
Cook over medium heat for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries begin to burst and the mixture thickens.
Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 4: Assemble the Bars
Pour the cranberry mixture evenly over the pressed crust.
Crumble the reserved dough over the top, leaving some gaps so the cranberry filling peeks through.

Step 5: Bake the Bars
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment overhang.

Step 6: Slice & Serve
Once cooled, cut into squares or rectangles and serve.
Optional: Dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful finishing touch.

Tips for Perfect Crumble Bars
Use Cold or Room Temp Butter – Melted butter should be slightly cooled so the dough doesn’t get greasy.
Line Your Pan – Makes cleanup easier and helps lift the bars out cleanly.
Don’t Overbake – Remove once the top is golden brown and the filling is set.
Let Cool Fully – This helps the bars firm up and makes slicing cleaner.
Double Up – Make a double batch and freeze one for later!

Serving Suggestions
Vanilla Ice Cream – Serve warm bars with a scoop of vanilla for an indulgent dessert.
Whipped Cream – A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a creamy contrast.
Coffee or Tea – These bars pair beautifully with your favorite warm beverage.
Holiday Spread – Add to your Thanksgiving or Christmas dessert table for a festive pop.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerate: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freeze: Wrap individual bars and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp before serving.

Reheating:
Microwave: Warm individual bars in 15-second intervals if you prefer them slightly warm.
Oven: Reheat at 300°F for 5–7 minutes to crisp up the crumble again.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen cranberries?
   Yes! No need to thaw, just cook a few minutes longer when making the filling.
2. Can I make these gluten-free?
   Yes, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
3. Can I use other fruits?
   Absolutely. Try blueberries, raspberries, or a mix of berries for variety.
4. How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?
   Make sure to cook the cranberry filling until thickened and cool it slightly before assembling.
5. Can I make these ahead of time?
   Yes! These bars are perfect for prepping 1–2 days in advance. The flavors even deepen overnight.

Final Thoughts
These Cranberry Crumble Bars are the perfect balance of buttery sweetness and vibrant tartness, with just the right amount of chew and crunch. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just want a cozy, fruity treat, this easy recipe delivers every time.

Try them out and share your thoughts in the comments below! And don’t forget to tag your cranberry creations on Instagram or Pinterest—I love seeing your kitchen magic!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 290 | Protein: 2g | Carbohydrates: 40g | Fat: 14g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 90mg

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