Cranberry Crumble Bars

 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: The crust and crumble topping are made from the same dough, simplifying the preparation process.
• Versatile: Enjoy these bars as a dessert or a sweet snack; they’re suitable for holidays or everyday indulgence.
• Flavorful: The combination of tart cranberries and a hint of orange zest creates a balanced and refreshing taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Unsalted butter, room temperature
• Granulated sugar
• Light brown sugar, packed
• Large egg, room temperature
• Vanilla extract
• Baking powder
• Ground cinnamon
• Kosher salt
• Fresh or frozen cranberries
• Cornstarch
• Orange zest and juice
• Powdered sugar
• Whole milk or heavy cream

Directions

1. Prepare the Shortbread Crust: In a stand mixer, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Reserve about 2 cups of the dough for the crumble topping.
2. Bake the Crust: Press the remaining dough evenly into a parchment-lined 8×8-inch baking pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Cranberry Filling: In a bowl, combine the cranberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract. Mix well to coat the cranberries evenly.
4. Assemble the Bars: Pour the cranberry mixture over the pre-baked crust. Break the reserved dough into small pieces and scatter them over the cranberries, leaving some gaps for the filling to peek through.
5. Bake: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 45 minutes, covering with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes to prevent over-browning. The topping should be golden, and the cranberry filling should be bubbling.
6. Cool and Glaze: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the bars before slicing.

Servings and Timing

• Yield: 16 bars
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 75 minutes

Variations

• Fruit Substitutions: Replace cranberries with other berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a different flavor profile.
• Citrus Twist: Add lemon zest and juice instead of orange for a tangier taste.
• Nutty Addition: Incorporate chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts into the crumble topping for added crunch.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They can also be refrigerated for extended freshness.
• Freezing: To freeze, place the unglazed bars in a single layer in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and add the glaze before serving.
• Reheating: Enjoy the bars at room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes, both fresh and frozen cranberries work well in this recipe. No need to thaw frozen cranberries before using.

2. Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the bars gluten-free.

3. How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?

Pre-baking the crust helps prevent it from becoming soggy. Ensure it’s slightly golden before adding the filling.

4. Can I omit the glaze?

Yes, the glaze adds sweetness but is optional. The bars are delicious even without it.

5. What can I use instead of orange zest?

Lemon zest or a splash of vanilla extract can be used as alternatives to orange zest.

6. How should I cut the bars neatly?

Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts to achieve neat slices.

7. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch baking pan. Adjust baking times as

Cranberry Crumble Bars

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• Author: Isabella
• Total Time: 75 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Cranberry Crumble Bars are a perfect blend of tart cranberries and buttery shortbread, topped with a hint of citrus and a sweet vanilla glaze. Ideal for holidays or everyday indulgence, these easy-to-make dessert bars are bursting with festive flavor.

 

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Ingredients

Crust & Topping:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp kosher salt

Cranberry Filling:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• Zest and juice of 1 orange
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Vanilla Glaze (Optional):

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tbsp whole milk or heavy cream
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Shortbread Crust:
   • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
   • Cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients. Reserve 2 cups of dough for the topping.
2. Bake the Crust:
   • Press the remaining dough into the prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes until edges are slightly golden. Cool slightly.
3. Prepare Cranberry Filling:
   • In a bowl, mix cranberries, sugar, cornstarch, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract until well coated.
4. Assemble and Bake:
   • Spread cranberry filling over the baked crust. Crumble reserved dough on top.
   • Bake for 45 minutes, covering with foil for the last 10-15 minutes to prevent over-browning.
5. Cool and Glaze:
   • Let bars cool completely in the pan.
   • Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for the glaze. Drizzle over bars before slicing.

Notes

• Pre-baking the crust prevents sogginess.
• Ensure the bars are fully cooled before glazing for a clean drizzle.
• Use fresh or frozen cranberries interchangeably.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American