There’s something undeniably magical about the aroma of freshly baked cranberry crumble bars wafting through your home. Imagine buttery, crumbly goodness topped with tart, juicy cranberries that burst with flavor, creating an irresistible treat that’s perfect for any occasion. creamy no bake cheesecake Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a festive holiday party, these bars will have everyone clamoring for seconds—or thirds!
Ah, the nostalgia! As I was whisking together the ingredients for my cranberry crumble bars one rainy afternoon, I couldn’t help but recall those family bake-offs at my grandmother’s house. She was the queen of desserts and always had a trick up her sleeve. savory turkey tetrazzini Now, I’m not saying my baking skills rival hers (she could make a cake levitate), but my love for these cranberry crumble bars is almost as profound as my childhood memories spent in her warm kitchen.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These cranberry crumble bars are incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for any skill level.
- The balance of sweet and tart creates an explosion of flavors in every bite.
- Their stunning appearance adds a splash of color to your dessert table, captivating everyone who lays eyes on them.
- Perfect for sharing at parties or keeping all to yourself—no judgment here!
Ingredients for cranberry crumble bars
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Cranberries: Opt for bright red cranberries that are firm and plump; they provide the perfect tartness.
- Granulated Sugar: This sweetener balances the tartness of the cranberries and enhances flavor. sweet lemon sugar cookies.
- Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds depth and moisture to the crumble topping.
- All-Purpose Flour: A staple ingredient that binds everything together to create a delicious crust and crumble.
- Unsalted Butter: Use cold butter for the best texture; it helps create that delightful crumbly topping.
- Oats: Rolled oats add chewiness and nutty flavor to the topping.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla elevates the overall flavor profile.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make cranberry crumble bars
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grab an 8×8-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Step 2: Prepare the Cranberry Mixture
In a mixing bowl, toss fresh cranberries with granulated sugar and a teaspoon of vanilla extract until well coated. Let them sit while you prepare the crumble.
Step 3: Make the Crumble Topping
In another bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, oats, and cold butter cubes. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until crumbly—think sandy beaches but with less sunscreen!
Step 4: Assemble Your Bars
Spread half of the crumble mixture into your prepared baking dish evenly across the bottom. Pour the cranberry mixture over this layer and then sprinkle the remaining crumble on top like confetti at a party.
Step 5: Bake It Up
Pop those beauties into your preheated oven and bake for approximately 30-35 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Your kitchen will smell like heaven!
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Once baked, let them cool in the pan before slicing into squares. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy as is—either way is delicious!
Now that you know how to make these scrumptious cranberry crumble bars, get your apron on and let’s get baking! Trust me; every bite will transport you back to cherished memories while creating new ones at the same time. Enjoy!
You Must Know
- These cranberry crumble bars combine the tartness of cranberries with a buttery crumble, creating a delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
- Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying them solo, these bars are irresistibly delicious and easy to make.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing your baking pan. While the oven warms up, mix your crumble ingredients in one bowl and your cranberry filling in another. Layer the crumble, spread the filling, and top with more crumble before baking for about 30-35 minutes.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to switch it up with different fruits like blueberries or raspberries if cranberries aren’t on hand. You can also add nuts or chocolate chips for an extra crunch or sweetness. A sprinkle of cinnamon never hurts either!
Storing & Reheating
To keep your cranberry crumble bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. Reheat briefly in the microwave for that warm, gooey goodness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
The first time I made these cranberry crumble bars was during a family gathering, and they disappeared faster than my uncle could tell his dad jokes! Everyone raved about them and begged for the recipe—a true win in my kitchen! For more inspiration, check out this Easter shortbread cookies recipe recipe.
FAQs:
What are cranberry crumble bars?
Cranberry crumble bars are delicious dessert squares made with a buttery crust, a layer of tart cranberry filling, and a crumbly topping. They combine the sweetness of the crust and topping with the tangy flavor of cranberries, creating a perfect balance. These bars are ideal for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or as a sweet treat any time of the year. Their easy-to-make nature makes them a favorite among home bakers looking to impress guests with minimal effort.
How do I store cranberry crumble bars?
To keep your cranberry crumble bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to prolong their shelf life, refrigerate them for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the oven.
Can I substitute other fruits in cranberry crumble bars?
Absolutely! While cranberries give these bars their signature tartness, you can easily swap in other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even chopped apples for a different flavor profile. Just ensure that the fruit you choose has similar moisture content so that the texture remains balanced. Feel free to experiment with combinations for unique variations of these delightful dessert bars!
Are cranberry crumble bars vegan-friendly?
Traditional cranberry crumble bars contain butter and eggs, making them unsuitable for vegans. However, you can create a vegan-friendly version by using plant-based butter and flaxseed meal as an egg replacement. Additionally, ensure that any sweeteners or toppings used are also vegan-compatible. With these adjustments, you can enjoy delicious vegan cranberry crumble bars without sacrificing flavor!
Conclusion for cranberry crumble bars:
In summary, cranberry crumble bars are a delightful treat that balances sweet and tart flavors perfectly. With an easy recipe and simple ingredients, they make an excellent choice for various occasions. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or stored for later indulgence, these bars will surely please your taste buds. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different fruits or dietary adjustments to make this recipe your own! Enjoy creating and sharing these delectable treats with family and friends!
Cranberry Crumble Bars
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: About 12 servings 1x
Description
Freshly baked cranberry crumble bars are a delightful treat that combines a buttery crumble topping with tart, juicy cranberries. With their irresistible aroma and perfect balance of flavors, these bars are ideal for any occasion—from family gatherings to festive celebrations. Easy to make and utterly delicious, they will leave everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy them warm or chilled, and create sweet memories with each bite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix cranberries with 1/2 cup granulated sugar and vanilla extract; set aside.
- In another bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, oats, and cold butter; mix until crumbly.
- Press half of the crumble mixture into the prepared dish. Pour the cranberry mixture on top and sprinkle remaining crumble over it.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool before slicing into squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (50g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: - For added flavor, mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon or substitute cranberries with blueberries or raspberries. - To enhance texture, consider adding nuts or chocolate chips to the crumble mixture.
