Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe

These easy one-pan Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe are a delightful twist on traditional pie, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve them at holiday gatherings or enjoy them as a sweet treat any day of the week, these bars provide the same delicious flavor without the fuss of a pie crust. With a buttery shortbread base, a zesty cranberry filling, and a luscious vanilla glaze, they’re bound to impress anyone who takes a bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: These bars can be prepared in just over an hour, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of tart cranberries and sweet vanilla glaze creates a mouthwatering taste that everyone will love.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy these bars as a dessert, snack, or even breakfast treat with your morning coffee.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup is needed since everything is made in one baking dish!
• Perfect for Sharing: Cut into squares, these bars are easy to share with friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin making your cranberry crumble bars, gather the necessary tools and equipment. Having everything on hand will make your baking process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Baking pan (8 x 8 inches)
• Parchment paper
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugars effortless, resulting in a light and fluffy texture.
• Baking pan: A quality pan ensures even baking and easy removal of your bars once cooled.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking to the pan and makes cleanup a breeze.

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!

For the Shortbread Crust

• 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

For the Cranberry Filling

• 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

For the Vanilla Glaze

• 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 the Butter and Sugars

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment:
1. Cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
2. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.

Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla

Add the large egg and two teaspoons of vanilla:
1. Mix until fully combined.
2. Scrape down the sides again to ensure even mixing.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl:
1. Whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and kosher salt.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients with Wet Ingredients

Add dry ingredients to the butter mixture:
1. Mix just until dough starts pulling away from sides of bowl—do not overmix.

Step 5: Prepare Dough for Topping

Set aside roughly 2 cups of dough loosely packed to use later as topping.

Step 6: Press Dough into Pan

Press remaining dough into an 8 x 8 baking pan lined with parchment paper:
1. Use hands or flat side of measuring cup to press evenly into corners.

Step 7: Pre-Bake Crust

Bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes:
1. Remove from oven when edges are slightly golden brown.

Step 8: Make Cranberry Filling

While crust cools slightly:
1. In a large bowl, mix cranberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla.
2. Pour mixture over pre-baked crust.

Step 9: Add Topping

Use hands to break up reserved shortbread dough into smaller pieces:
1. Randomly place pieces on top of cranberry filling.

Step 10: Bake Again

Return to oven for about 45 minutes:
1. Cover with aluminum foil during last 10-15 minutes to prevent over-browning.

Step 11: Cool Bars

Remove from oven:
1. Place on wire rack to cool completely before glazing.

Enjoy your homemade cranberry crumble bars!

How to Serve Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe

Enjoying your cranberry crumble bars is all about the presentation and pairing. These bars can be served in a variety of delicious ways to enhance their flavor and appeal.

With Whipped Cream

• Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the tart cranberries.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serve alongside fresh orange slices or berries for a refreshing burst of flavor that complements the bars.

With Ice Cream

• A scoop of vanilla or dairy-free ice cream on the side creates a delightful warm-and-cold dessert experience.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Include these bars on a platter with other treats, such as cookies or brownies, for a festive dessert spread.

Drizzled with Glaze

• Enhance each bar with an extra drizzle of vanilla glaze for added sweetness and visual appeal.

With Coffee or Tea

• Pair the bars with a cup of coffee or tea to balance out the sweetness and create a cozy snack time.

How to Perfect Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe

Perfecting your cranberry crumble bars requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out beautifully every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring your butter and egg are at room temperature helps create a smoother batter for even baking.
• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients to keep the texture light and crumbly.
• Cool before cutting: Allowing the bars to cool completely ensures cleaner cuts and prevents them from falling apart.
• Adjust sweetness: Feel free to reduce sugar in the cranberry filling if you prefer a more tart flavor profile.
• Experiment with spices: Add nutmeg or ginger for an extra layer of warmth and flavor in your bars.
• Try different fruits: Substitute cranberries with raspberries or blueberries for a different twist on this classic recipe.

Best Side Dishes for Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe

Cranberry crumble bars are delightful on their own, but pairing them with complementary side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that provides a creamy contrast to the tartness of the bars.
2. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the richness of the crumble.
3. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle melted chocolate over the bars for those who love chocolatey flavors.
4. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt, granola, and fruit for a tasty breakfast option featuring leftovers.
5. Cheese Platter: Pair with mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese for an unexpected savory contrast.
6. Chai Latte: The warming spices in chai complement the cinnamon in your cranberry crumble bars beautifully.
7. Nut Mix: A bowl of spiced nuts offers crunch and protein, making it perfect as a snack alongside dessert.
8. Herbal Tea: A calming herbal tea can cleanse the palate after enjoying these sweet treats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the cranberry crumble bars, avoiding common pitfalls can enhance your results.

• Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough bars. Mix just until combined for a tender texture.
• Ignoring Cooling Time: Letting the crust cool slightly before adding the filling is crucial. Skipping this step can make the filling too runny.
• Not Using Parchment Paper: Failing to line the pan can result in sticking. Always use parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
• Underestimating Baking Time: Each oven is different; be sure to watch for golden edges and set centers. Adjust baking times as needed.
• Skipping the Glaze: The glaze adds sweetness and flavor contrast. Don’t skip it—it’s what makes these bars special!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Ensure they are completely cooled before sealing to avoid moisture buildup.

Freezing Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe

• Freeze in an airtight container or wrap individually for up to 3 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.

Reheating Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes for best taste and texture.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30-45 seconds until warm, but check frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for a few minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe.

Can I use frozen cranberries in the Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe?

Yes, frozen cranberries work well! Just make sure not to thaw them before mixing into the filling.

How do I make my own vanilla glaze?

Mix powdered sugar with milk and vanilla until smooth. Adjust milk for desired consistency.

What other fruits can I use instead of cranberries?

You can substitute with blueberries, raspberries, or cherries for a different flavor profile.

Can I customize the sweetness of the bars?

Absolutely! Adjust sugar levels according to your taste preferences, especially if using sweeter fruits.

Final Thoughts

These cranberry crumble bars are not only delicious but also versatile for any occasion. You can customize them with different fruits or nuts as desired. Be sure to give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for sharing!