Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Crumble Bars
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These bars taste even better the next day!
- Perfectly Balanced Flavor: The tart cranberries pair beautifully with the buttery, sweet crumble.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps with everyday ingredients.
- Great for Any Occasion: Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or an afternoon pick-me-up.
Tools You’ll Need
- Parchment paper
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
- Small saucepan
Cranberry Crumble Bars
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Description
There’s something so satisfying about these Cranberry Crumble Bars—a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and buttery goodness! Whether you’re looking for a festive treat, a grab-and-go snack, or a delightful dessert to share with family and friends, these bars are simple to make and bursting with flavor.
Subscribe to our newsletter to get this recipe delivered straight to your inbox and never miss out on delicious updates!
Ingredients
For the Crumble and Base:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups rolled oats
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cranberry Filling:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional, for added brightness)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Crumble Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, and salt.
- Stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract until the mixture is crumbly and holds together when pinched.
Step 3: Prepare the Cranberry Filling
- In a small saucepan, combine the cranberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and water. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens. Stir in the orange zest if using.
Step 4: Assemble the Bars
- Press two-thirds of the crumble mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the base.
- Spread the cranberry filling evenly over the base.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture on top of the cranberry layer.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the crumble is golden brown.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out and slicing into squares.
Notes
- Fresh or Frozen Cranberries: Both work perfectly! If using frozen cranberries, don’t thaw them first—just add a couple of minutes to the cooking time.
- Press the Base Firmly: This ensures a solid bottom layer that holds together when slicing.
- Add Nuts: For extra crunch, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the top crumble layer.
- Cranberry Alternative: Swap cranberries for raspberries, blueberries, or a mix for a fun variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Cuisine: American
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate: Keep in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Freeze: These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
A: Yes, but the texture will be slightly softer. Rolled oats are preferred for that classic crumble texture.
Q2: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use certified gluten-free oats.
Q3: How do I prevent the bars from falling apart?
A: Make sure the base layer is pressed firmly, and allow the bars to cool completely before slicing.
Conclusion: Your New Favorite Treat!
These Cranberry Crumble Bars are the perfect combination of tart, sweet, and buttery flavors. Whether you’re making them for the holidays, a bake sale, or just because, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.
Did you make this recipe? Share your photos and reviews on Pinterest or Instagram—we’d love to see your creations!
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
Enjoy every bite of these festive, crumbly bars and share the sweetness with those you love!
