Description
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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Ingredients
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
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.
Notes
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!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Cuisine: American