The aroma of fresh cranberries mingling with a buttery crumble is enough to make anyone weak in the knees, and trust me, Cranberry Crumble Bars are no exception. Imagine sinking your teeth into a slice that balances sweet and tart flavors, all while being perfectly chewy and crumbly. Cranberry muffins with orange zest It’s a delightful experience that can transform an ordinary day into something special.
These bars are perfect for everything from cozy family gatherings to festive holiday celebrations. I remember making them for a potluck once, and the moment they hit the table, they vanished faster than socks in a dryer. Chocolate chip cheesecake cookies The combination of textures and flavors creates an irresistible treat that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also brings back warm memories of home. Thick NYC Christmas cookies.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Cranberry Crumble Bars are easy to whip up, making them perfect for novice bakers
- The flavor profile is a delightful balance of sweet and tart
- Their vibrant colors make them visually appealing on any dessert table
- These bars are versatile enough to be enjoyed at any occasion or simply as an everyday treat
I once brought these bars to a holiday party, and my friends demanded the recipe before they’d even finished their first bite!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Fresh Cranberries: Opt for bright red, firm cranberries as they provide the best flavor and texture.
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Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the cranberries beautifully; adjust according to your taste. For more inspiration, check out this sweet potato au gratin recipe.
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All-Purpose Flour: Use standard flour for the base; it provides great structure to your bars.
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Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: Adds texture and chewiness; don’t substitute with quick oats as they will change the consistency.
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Unsalted Butter: Choose quality butter for rich flavor; ensure it’s softened for easy mixing.
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Ground Cinnamon: A sprinkle enhances warmth and depth; feel free to add more if you’re feeling spicy!
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Baking Powder: Helps give rise to those lovely bars; ensure it’s fresh for best results.
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Salt: Just a pinch balances sweetness; don’t skip it!
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Eggs: Provides binding; using room temperature eggs helps achieve better emulsification.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, combine fresh cranberries with sugar and ground cinnamon. Mini cinnamon sugar pumpkin muffins Stir well until all cranberries are coated. Set aside while you work on the crust.
Make the crust: In another bowl, mix together flour, oats, baking powder, salt, and melted butter until crumbly. Reserve about one cup of this mixture for topping later.
Press into pan: Take the remaining mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. It should be nice and compact so it holds together well when baked.
Add cranberry filling: Spread that beautiful cranberry mixture evenly over your crust layer. Don’t be shy—get generous with it! For more inspiration, check out this Thanksgiving cranberry turkey stuffing recipe.
Top with crumble: Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the cranberry filling evenly. It will create that deliciously crunchy topping we all love.
Bake to perfection: Place in your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown on top. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Cool down: Once baked, allow it to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This helps set everything nicely!
Serve & enjoy: Finally, cut into squares and serve at room temperature. Watch them disappear as quickly as they came together!
And there you have it! Your very own batch of Cranberry Crumble Bars ready to impress friends or satisfy late-night cravings. Enjoy!
You Must Know
- These cranberry crumble bars are not just delicious; they’re a delightful way to enjoy seasonal fruits
- Their vibrant colors and inviting aroma will brighten any gathering
- Plus, they’re easy to whip up, making them perfect for both novice and seasoned bakers
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the crumble mixture while preheating your oven. This ensures the bars bake evenly and develop that golden crust everyone loves.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap cranberries with blueberries or apples for a fruity twist. Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to elevate the flavor profile even further.
Storing & Reheating
Store your cranberry crumble bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them, then reheat gently in the oven.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the perfect crumbly texture, use cold butter when making the topping
- Press down firmly but don’t overmix, as it should remain slightly chunky
- Always taste your filling; you might need a touch more sugar if the cranberries are particularly tart
Creating these cranberry crumble bars always reminds me of my Aunt Betty’s kitchen filled with laughter and delicious aromas. Her secret? A pinch of love and a hearty helping of her famous stories!
FAQ
Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
Yes, frozen cranberries work well, but thaw them first for even baking.
How do I make the bars gluten-free?
Substitute regular flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend.
What can I serve with these cranberry crumble bars?
Pair them with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat!
Cranberry Crumble Bars
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 12 bars 1x
Description
Indulge in the irresistible combination of sweet and tart flavors with these delightful Cranberry Crumble Bars. Each slice features a buttery crumble topping that perfectly complements the juicy fresh cranberries, making it an ideal treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or looking for a sweet snack, these bars are sure to bring joy and nostalgia to your taste buds.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine cranberries, sugar, and cinnamon. Stir until cranberries are coated; set aside.
- In another bowl, mix flour, oats, baking powder, salt, and melted butter until crumbly. Reserve 1 cup of this mixture for topping.
- Firmly press the remaining mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Evenly spread the cranberry mixture over the crust.
- Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture on top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool completely before cutting into squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (61g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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