Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe

These easy one-pan Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe are just as delicious as pie, but without the hassle of serving from a dish! Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or a cozy night in, these bars combine a buttery shortbread crust with a citrusy cranberry filling and a sweet vanilla glaze. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or keeping them all to yourself, their delightful flavors will surely make them a crowd favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: This recipe requires minimal effort and can be made in one pan.
• Deliciously Sweet and Tart: The combination of cranberries and orange zest gives these bars a unique flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for holiday parties or casual get-togethers; they’re versatile and loved by many.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: These bars can be prepared in advance and stored, making them convenient for busy schedules.
• Great Presentation: With their beautiful layers and glaze, they look as good as they taste—perfect for impressing guests.

Tools and Preparation

To create your perfect cranberry crumble bars, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool saves time and energy when creaming butter and sugars together to achieve a fluffy texture.
• Baking pan: A well-sized pan ensures even baking; this recipe calls for an 8 x 8-inch pan which is perfect for these bars.

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 the Butter and Sugars

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment:
1. Cream together the 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:
1. The egg
2. The vanilla

Mix until combined well, scraping down the sides of the bowl again.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Step 4: Mix Dough

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

Step 5: Prepare Shortbread Base

Set aside roughly:
1. 2 cups of dough (loosely packed) for topping later.

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

Step 6: Bake Base

Bake at:
1. 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, until edges are slightly golden brown and center is set.

Allow cooling slightly before making filling.

Step 7: Prepare Cranberry Filling

In a large bowl:
1. Mix together cranberries, sugar, cornstarch, orange zest, orange juice, and additional vanilla.

Pour this mixture over pre-baked crust.

Step 8: Add Topping

Using your hands:
1. Break up reserved dough into smaller flat pieces.

Place randomly on top of cranberry filling.

Step 9: Bake Again

Bake for about:
1. 45 minutes, covering with aluminum foil during last 10 to 15 minutes so topping doesn’t darken too much.

Step 10: Cool Before Glazing

Once baked:
1. Remove from oven; place on wire rack to cool completely before adding glaze.

Enjoy your delicious cranberry crumble bars!

How to Serve Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe

Cranberry crumble bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet night in, these bars offer versatility in how you serve them.

With Fresh Whipped Cream

• Top each bar with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an extra layer of richness.

A Side of Ice Cream

• Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert pairing that balances the tartness of the cranberries.

Drizzle with Extra Glaze

• Add a drizzle of the vanilla glaze over each serving to enhance sweetness and presentation.

Garnish with Orange Zest

• Sprinkle some fresh orange zest on top for added color and a burst of citrus flavor that complements the cranberries.

Pair with Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy these bars with your favorite cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack.

How to Perfect Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe

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

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, egg, and any other dairy are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.

• Do Not Overmix the Dough: Mix until just combined to maintain a tender crust. Overmixing can lead to tough bars.

• Adjust Baking Time: Keep an eye on your bars while baking; ovens vary. Look for golden edges and a slight jiggle in the center.

• Cool Completely Before Cutting: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This helps them set properly and hold their shape.

• Store Properly: Keep leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe

Pairing side dishes with cranberry crumble bars can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A creamy scoop enhances the tartness of the cranberries and brings a cooling contrast.
2. Fresh Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad with seasonal fruits adds freshness and balance to your meal.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese pairs beautifully with sweet desserts.
4. Coffee Cake: Serving coffee cake alongside offers complementary flavors, making it perfect for brunch occasions.
5. Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a healthy option that contrasts nicely with the sweet bars.
6. Chai Tea: The spices in chai tea harmonize well with the cinnamon in the crumble, creating a warm beverage pairing.
7. Lemon Sorbet: A refreshing lemon sorbet cleanses the palate between bites of rich dessert.
8. Nut Mix: A simple nut mix provides crunch and saltiness, balancing out the sweetness of the bars perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe can be a delightful experience, but it’s important to avoid some common pitfalls.

• Ignoring the Cooling Time: Allow the crust to cool slightly before adding the filling. This prevents the filling from making the crust soggy.
• Overmixing the Dough: Mix only until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough bars instead of a tender crumble.
• Skipping the Parchment Paper: Always line your baking pan with parchment paper. This makes it easier to lift out the bars and cut them evenly.
• Not Adjusting for Frozen Cranberries: If using frozen cranberries, thaw and drain them beforehand. This helps prevent excess moisture in your filling.
• Underbaking or Overbaking: Keep a close eye on the baking time. Underbaking can result in gooey bars, while overbaking may dry them out.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to avoid sticking.

Freezing Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Warm bars for about 10-15 minutes for a fresh taste.
• Microwave: Heat individual squares for 20-30 seconds on medium power until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet on low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use other fruits instead of cranberries?

Yes! You can substitute cranberries with blueberries, raspberries, or cherries for different flavors.

How do I make a gluten-free version of Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe?

Use gluten-free all-purpose flour in place of regular flour. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Is there a vegan option for this recipe?

You can replace butter with coconut oil and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg for a vegan alternative.

How long does it take to prepare the Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe?

The total preparation time is about 15 minutes, with an additional cooking time of around 1 hour.

Final Thoughts

These Cranberry Crumble Bars are not only easy to make but also perfect for any occasion. Their sweet and tart flavor combination along with a buttery crumble makes them irresistible. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding nuts or spices like ginger or nutmeg!