Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe

These easy one-pan Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe are a delightful treat, perfect for any occasion! With their buttery shortbread crust and tangy cranberry filling, they offer a unique twist on traditional dessert bars. Simple to make and absolutely delicious, these bars are sure to be a hit at gatherings, holidays, or even as a cozy snack at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With just one pan needed, cleanup is a breeze, making these bars perfect for busy bakers.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of tart cranberries and sweet vanilla glaze creates an irresistible flavor profile.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for holiday parties, family gatherings, or as a delightful everyday dessert.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These bars are loved by both kids and adults alike, ensuring everyone will enjoy them.
• Make Ahead: Prepare in advance and store for later enjoyment—perfect for meal prep!

Tools and Preparation

To make these delicious cranberry crumble bars, having the right tools is essential. Below are the must-have items that will help you create this delightful dessert with ease.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• 8 x 8 baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar effortless, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
• Baking pan: The right size is crucial for even baking; an 8 x 8 pan delivers perfectly sized bars.
• Parchment paper: Keeps your bars from sticking to the pan and helps with easy removal after baking.

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!

For the Crust

• 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

For the Cranberry Filling

• 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

For the Glaze

• 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, cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.

Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla

Add the egg and vanilla to the mixture, mixing to combine well. Scrape down the sides of the bowl again.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.

Step 4: Mix Dough

Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix just until dough starts to pull away from sides of the bowl. Do not over mix.

Step 5: Reserve Dough

Set aside roughly 2 cups of dough (loosely packed) to use on top of the crumble.

Step 6: Press Dough into Pan

Press shortbread dough into an 8 x 8 baking pan lined with parchment paper. Use your hands or flat side of a measuring cup to press it evenly into corners.

Step 7: Bake Crust

Bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until edges are slightly golden brown. The center should be just set. Do not over bake.

Step 8: Cool Slightly

Remove from oven; allow crust to cool slightly while preparing cranberry filling.

Step 9: Prepare Cranberry Filling

In a large bowl, mix cranberries with sugar, cornstarch, orange zest and juice, along with vanilla. Pour this mixture over pre-baked crust.

Step 10: Top with Remaining Dough

Use hands to break remaining dough into smaller pieces. Place randomly on top of cranberry filling so cranberries peek through.

Step 11: Bake Again

Bake for about 45 minutes. Cover top with aluminum foil during last 10-15 minutes to prevent over-browning.

Step 12: Cool Completely

Remove bars from oven; place pan on wire rack to cool completely before adding glaze.

How to Serve Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe

Serving cranberry crumble bars can elevate your dessert experience. These bars are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways that enhance their delightful flavors.

Pair with Ice Cream

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy texture complements the tartness of the cranberries.
• Orange sorbet: A refreshing option that highlights the citrus notes in the bars.

Add Fresh Fruits

• Sliced strawberries: Their sweetness balances the tart filling.
• Raspberries: A tangy addition that adds a pop of color and flavor.

Drizzle with Sauce

• Chocolate sauce: A rich contrast to the sweet and tart flavors.
• Caramel sauce: Adds a gooey sweetness that pairs well with the crumble.

Serve with Coffee

• Brewed coffee: A warm beverage that enhances the flavors of the bars.
• Espresso: For a bold pairing, enjoy a shot of espresso alongside your dessert.

How to Perfect Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe

Creating the perfect cranberry crumble bars involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out just right.

• Use fresh cranberries: Fresh cranberries provide a brighter flavor and better texture compared to frozen ones.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough bars; mix just until combined for a tender crust.
• Let cool completely: Allowing the bars to cool fully before slicing will help maintain their shape and texture.
• Store properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe

Pairing side dishes with cranberry crumble bars can enhance your dessert table. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Whipped Cream: Light and airy, it adds a creamy touch that complements the tartness of the bars.
2. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness and balances out the sweetness.
3. Cheese Platter: Soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese create a savory contrast.
4. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a healthy accompaniment.
5. Chai Tea: The spiced flavors pair beautifully with cranberry, adding warmth to your dessert experience.
6. Nut Brittle: Crunchy and sweet, nut brittle offers a delightful textural contrast to the soft bars.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding mistakes is key to making the perfect cranberry crumble bars. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.

• Bold measurement inaccuracies: Using incorrect measurements can lead to a poor texture. Always ensure you measure ingredients accurately using the right tools.
• Bold overmixing the dough: Overmixing can make the crust tough. Mix just until the dough starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
• Bold not cooling the crust: Skipping this step means your filling might mix with a hot crust. Allow it to cool slightly before adding the cranberry mixture.
• Bold ignoring baking times: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your bars, especially towards the end, to prevent burning or undercooking.
• Bold neglecting glaze consistency: A too-thick or too-thin glaze won’t adhere properly. Adjust milk or powdered sugar gradually for the perfect drizzle.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe

• Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 20-30 seconds per bar, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Place in a non-stick skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently while monitoring closely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the cranberry crumble bars recipe that may help you get started.

What is the best way to serve Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe?

Serve these bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzled with extra glaze for added sweetness.

Can I use frozen cranberries in this recipe?

Yes! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones. Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before using them.

How long do Cranberry Crumble Bars last?

When stored correctly in an airtight container, they last up to 5 days in the refrigerator and can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Can I customize this Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts or different spices like nutmeg for a twist on flavor. You could also experiment with other berries!

Final Thoughts

These cranberry crumble bars are a delightful treat that combines sweet and tart flavors perfectly. They are versatile and can be customized with various fruits or spices. Try making them for your next gathering or holiday event; they’re sure to impress!