Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe

These easy one-pan Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe are a delightful treat that captures the essence of a pie without the fuss of baking in a dish! Perfect for holidays or any gathering, these bars feature a buttery shortbread crust layered with a zesty cranberry filling and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. They’re sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal effort, making it perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros.
• Flavorful Filling: The combination of fresh or frozen cranberries with orange zest creates a burst of flavor that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Dessert: These bars are great for any occasion—be it holiday parties, potlucks, or just an afternoon snack.
• One-Pan Wonder: No need for multiple dishes; everything is made in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
• Customizable Toppings: Feel free to add nuts or other spices to suit your taste!

Tools and Preparation

Before you get started on your Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe, gather the essential tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• 8 x 8 baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Helps achieve a light and fluffy texture for the crust by thoroughly creaming the butter and sugars.
• Baking pan: An 8 x 8 pan is perfect for even baking and cutting uniform squares.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes removing the bars from the pan easy.

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

How to Make Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe

Step 1: Cream 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: Incorporate Egg and Vanilla

Add the egg and vanilla, mixing to combine well. Scrape down the sides of the bowl again.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.

Step 4: Mix Dough Together

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix just until the dough starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl. Be careful not to over mix.

Step 5: Reserve Dough for Topping

Set aside roughly 2 cups of dough (loosely packed) to use on top of the crumble.

Step 6: Prepare Baking Pan

Press the shortbread dough into an 8 x 8 baking pan lined with parchment paper. Ensure it’s evenly pressed into all corners using your hands or a measuring cup.

Step 7: Bake Crust

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until edges are slightly golden brown and center is just set. Avoid overbaking.

Step 8: Cool Slightly

Remove from oven; allow crust to cool slightly while preparing cranberry filling.

Step 9: Make Cranberry Filling

In a large bowl, mix cranberries, sugar, cornstarch, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla. Pour this mixture over your pre-baked crust.

Step 10: Add Remaining Dough

Break up reserved dough into smaller pieces using your hands. Place them randomly on top of cranberry filling while leaving gaps between them for cranberries to peek through.

Step 11: Final Bake

Bake for about another 45 minutes. Cover with aluminum foil during last ten to fifteen minutes so topping does not darken too much.

Step 12: Cool Completely

Once baked, remove from oven. Place pan on wire rack; allow bars to cool completely before adding glaze.

How to Serve Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe

Serving cranberry crumble bars can elevate your dessert experience. These bars are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways to suit any occasion.

With a Scoop of Ice Cream

• Vanilla or cinnamon ice cream pairs wonderfully with the tartness of the cranberries, adding a creamy texture.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• A warm chocolate drizzle enhances the sweetness, making these bars even more decadent.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Light and airy whipped cream adds a delightful contrast to the dense crumble bars, perfect for special gatherings.

Accompanied by Fresh Berries

• Serve alongside fresh berries for a refreshing side that complements the flavors beautifully.

Paired with Hot Beverages

• Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee; the warmth of the drink enhances the cozy feel of these bars.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Slice into smaller squares and serve as part of a mixed dessert platter for parties, allowing guests to sample different treats.

How to Perfect Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe

To ensure your cranberry crumble bars turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps achieve an even texture in your dough and filling.
• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to keep your bars tender and crumbly rather than tough.
• Adjust sweetness: Depending on the tartness of your cranberries, you may want to adjust the sugar levels in both the crust and filling.
• Cool completely before serving: Letting the bars cool thoroughly ensures they set properly, making slicing easier.
• Store properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
• Experiment with flavors: Add different spices like nutmeg or switch up citrus with lemon instead of orange for a unique twist.

Best Side Dishes for Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe

Cranberry crumble bars are delicious on their own but pair well with certain dishes that enhance their flavor. Here are some great options:

1. Citrus Salad
   A fresh salad made with mixed greens and citrus segments provides a bright contrast.
2. Cheese Platter
   Include soft cheeses like brie or mascarpone; they complement the tartness while adding richness.
3. Baked Apples
   Warm baked apples spiced with cinnamon echo the flavors in the bars, creating a comforting dessert experience.
4. Yogurt Parfait
   Layer yogurt with granola and fruit; this creates a balanced dish that contrasts textures nicely.
5. Granola Bars
   Homemade granola bars offer a chewy alternative that works well when served alongside crumble bars for variety.
6. Fruit Sorbet
   A refreshing sorbet, especially raspberry or lemon, can cleanse the palate between bites of rich crumble bars.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making cranberry crumble bars can seem straightforward, but there are some common pitfalls that can affect your final product. Here are a few mistakes to keep in mind:

• Overmixing the dough: Mixing your dough too long can lead to tough bars. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a tender crust.
• Ignoring baking times: Each oven is different. Keep an eye on your bars and remove them when they’re lightly golden and just set in the center.
• Not cooling before cutting: Cutting the bars too soon can cause them to crumble. Allow them to cool completely for cleaner slices.
• Skipping the glaze: The vanilla glaze adds a delicious finishing touch. Don’t skip it; it balances the tartness of the cranberries beautifully.
• Using frozen cranberries straight from the freezer: If using frozen cranberries, thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture that can affect the filling.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover cranberry crumble bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking, to prevent sticking.

Freezing Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe

• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place bars in a baking dish and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual bars on medium power for 15-20 seconds until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Place bars in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid, for about 5 minutes or until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe that may help you as you prepare this delicious treat.

Can I use different fruits in this cranberry crumble bars recipe?

Yes! You can substitute cranberries with other berries like blueberries or raspberries for a different flavor.

How do I make my cranberry crumble bars recipe gluten-free?

To make these bars gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour.

Can I add nuts to my cranberry crumble bars recipe?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans make a great addition for added crunch and flavor.

What is the best way to serve cranberry crumble bars?

Serve them chilled or at room temperature, drizzled with vanilla glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.

Final Thoughts

These Cranberry Crumble Bars are not only easy to make but also versatile enough to fit various occasions. Their sweet and tart flavors paired with a buttery crust will surely delight everyone. Feel free to customize them with different fruits or nuts based on your preference!