Irresistible Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe for Holiday Magic

Warm, golden crumble bars with cranberry filling promise a delightful twist on classic desserts.

sweet and tart cranberry crumble bars dance with buttery, crumbly layers that melt in your mouth.

Seasonal cranberries burst with vibrant flavor, creating a perfect balance of texture and taste.

These irresistible bars offer a comforting treat that brings everyone together around the table.

Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of rich, shortbread-like crust and bright, tangy fruit filling.

The simple yet elegant dessert transforms ordinary ingredients into something truly spectacular.

Bake these bars and watch as they disappear within moments of hitting the serving plate.

Pro Tips for Sweet Holiday Treat Success

• Use room temperature butter for smoother, faster mixing and better incorporation of ingredients.
• Don't overmix the dough; stop mixing once dry ingredients are just combined to maintain tender bars.
• Grate orange zest lightly to avoid bitter white pith, adding bright flavor without harsh undertones.
• Line pan with parchment paper for easy removal and crisp crust, ensuring clean-cut bars.
• Wait until bars are completely cool before adding glaze to prevent runny, absorbed topping.

Sweet Holiday Treat Options and Ideas

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend. Ensure cornstarch is certified gluten-free.
• Vegan Adaptation: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax egg instead of regular egg. Select plant-based milk for moisture.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use fresh cranberries without added sugar for natural tartness.
• Nut-Enhanced Option: Add chopped pecans or sliced almonds to topping for extra crunch and nutty flavor profile.

Ways to Serve Sweet Holiday Treat

• Festive Dessert Plate Pairings: Serve these cranberry bars on a rustic wooden board with a dusting of powdered sugar for elegant presentation.
• Holiday Beverage Companions: Pair with warm mulled wine, spiced chai tea, or creamy eggnog to complement the rich cranberry flavors.
• Gifting Delights: Package individually wrapped bars in clear cellophane with a festive ribbon for charming homemade holiday gifts.
• Brunch Spectacular: Offer as a delectable morning treat alongside fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for extra indulgence.

Storing Sweet Holiday Treat for Later

• Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or place in a sealed container to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual bars or the entire batch in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Keep bars at room temperature for 1-2 days if serving soon. Place on a plate and cover loosely with foil to protect from dust and insects.
• Add glaze just before serving for the best texture and appearance. If storing with glaze, the topping might become slightly absorbed into the bars.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries directly without thawing. Just ensure they are whole and not crushed, which might change the filling’s texture.

• How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?

Look for golden edges and a slightly set center. The filling should be bubbling and the top crust should have a light golden-brown color.

• Is it necessary to use cornstarch in the cranberry filling?

Cornstarch helps thicken the filling and prevents it from being too runny. It creates a more stable, less watery consistency for the bars.

• Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars can be prepared a day in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. The flavors actually develop nicely overnight.

Sweet Holiday Treat Reasons to Enjoy

• Burst with Festive Flavor: Cranberry bars deliver a delightful holiday punch with zesty orange and sweet-tart berries that dance on your taste buds.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Whip up these bars with simple ingredients and basic mixing techniques, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Family Gathering Champion: Perfect for potlucks, cookie exchanges, and winter celebrations where everyone craves a special homemade dessert that looks impressive but isn't complicated to prepare.
• Versatile Seasonal Treat: Easily adaptable for different occasions, from Christmas parties to winter brunches, these bars bring warmth and joy to any gathering.

Sweet Holiday Treat Ingredient Lineup

• All-Purpose Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure for the sweet holiday treat.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender texture.
• Brown Sugar: Contributes depth of flavor and moisture to the dessert.
• Butter: Creates a rich, tender base with a smooth consistency.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients and adds richness to the dough.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet notes.

• Fresh Cranberries: Provide a tart and vibrant fruity component to the dessert.
• Orange Zest: Adds bright, citrusy aromatics to complement the cranberries.
• Orange Juice: Helps create a juicy and flavorful filling.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances the tartness of the cranberries.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the filling and helps it set properly.

• Powdered Sugar, Milk, Vanilla Extract: Combine to create a smooth, sweet glaze for topping the bars.

Steps to Make Sweet Holiday Treat

Step 1: Whip Up The Creamy Base

Grab your mixer and blend butter with sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, taking about 3 minutes.

Crack in the egg and splash of vanilla, mixing until everything looks smooth and combined.

Gently fold in the dry ingredients, stirring until just incorporated.

Step 2: Create The Sturdy Foundation

Set aside a portion of your dough for later.

Take the remaining dough and press it evenly into a lined baking pan.

Slide the pan into a preheated oven and bake until the edges turn golden and slightly firm.

Step 3: Craft The Vibrant Filling

• Fresh cranberries
• Sugar
• Cornstarch
• Orange zest
• Freshly squeezed orange juice
• Vanilla extract

Stir until the ingredients meld together beautifully.

Pour this colorful mixture over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly.

Step 4: Sprinkle The Crumbly Topping

Break the reserved dough into rustic chunks and scatter them across the filling.

Return the pan to the oven and bake until the filling bubbles and the topping turns a warm, inviting brown.

For the last portion of baking time, loosely cover with foil to prevent over-browning.

Step 5: Finish With A Sweet Drizzle

Allow the bars to cool completely.

Whisk together the glaze ingredients until silky smooth.

Drizzle the glaze artfully over the cooled bars, creating an enticing pattern.

Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Sweet and tangy cranberry crumble bars shine with a buttery crust and crumbly streusel topping, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoon treats. Homemade goodness calls you to savor each delightful, rustic bite of seasonal comfort.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3.25 cups all-purpose flour
• 2.5 cups cranberries
• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 large egg, room temperature

Sugars and Sweeteners:

• 1.5 cups granulated sugar
• 0.75 cup light brown sugar
• 0.75 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Flavor Enhancers and Liquids:

• 4 tablespoons milk or cream
• 2.5 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 tablespoon orange juice
• 0.75 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 0.25 teaspoon kosher salt

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Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes. Incorporate egg and vanilla extract, blending thoroughly.
2. Separate and set aside 2 cups of dough for topping. Gently press remaining dough into a parchment-lined 8×8 inch baking pan, creating an even base layer.
3. Bake the crust at 350°F for 15 minutes until lightly golden around edges.
4. While crust bakes, prepare filling by combining cranberries, sugar, cornstarch, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla in a separate bowl, stirring until ingredients are well integrated.
5. Pour cranberry mixture evenly over pre-baked crust, ensuring uniform coverage.
6. Crumble reserved dough into small, irregular pieces and distribute across the filling, creating a rustic, textured topping.
7. Return pan to oven, baking at 350°F for 45 minutes. Tent with aluminum foil during the final 15 minutes to prevent excessive browning.
8. Remove from oven and allow bars to cool completely at room temperature.
9. Prepare glaze by whisking ingredients until smooth. Drizzle glaze over cooled bars in an artistic pattern.

Notes

• Softening Butter Ensure butter is at room temperature for smooth, even creaming that creates a lighter texture.
• Zesting Technique Use a microplane or fine grater to capture only the bright orange outer layer, avoiding bitter white pith.
• Cornstarch Trick Toss cranberries with cornstarch before adding to filling to prevent excess liquid and create a perfectly thickened consistency.
• Make-Ahead Magic Prepare bars a day in advance; they often taste even better after flavors meld overnight in the refrigerator.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 168
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 78 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 24 mg