Introduction to Cranberry Crumb Bars
Do you ever crave a sweet treat that’s both simple and delightful? Let me introduce you to my beloved Cranberry Crumb Bars. These bars are like a hug on a plate, combining a sweet and tangy cranberry filling with a buttery oat crumble on top. As a busy mom myself, I totally understand the need for quick solutions. This recipe is perfect for impressing loved ones or whipping up a snack that fits into your bustling day. Trust me, these bars will soon become a staple in your home, just as they are in mine.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Crumb Bars
Cranberry Crumb Bars are the ultimate answer to busy days and dessert cravings. They come together quickly and bake to perfection in an hour! The sweet-tart cranberry filling balances beautifully with the buttery crumble, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite. Plus, they can be made ahead and served at gatherings, making them a simple yet impressive treat for family and friends. You’ll adore how easy and satisfying this recipe is!
Ingredients for Cranberry Crumb Bars
Gathering the right ingredients for my Cranberry Crumb Bars is like collecting colorful treasures for a delightful project. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour: This forms the base of our crumb mixture, giving it structure and texture.
- Rolled oats: These add a chewy, nutty flavor, enhancing the crumble and providing a wholesome touch.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetness is essential, balancing the tartness of the cranberries beautifully.
- Brown sugar: This brings moisture and depth, with its warm caramel notes enriching the flavor.
- Baking powder: A little magic that helps our bars rise perfectly while baking.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors and keeps things from being overly sweet.
- Cinnamon: This spice adds warmth and a hint of cozy familiarity in every bite.
- Unsalted butter: Melted for the crumble, it creates that irresistible buttery richness we all love.
- Cranberries: Fresh or frozen, these are the stars of the show, providing that sweet-tart zing.
- Granulated sugar for filling: A touch more sweetness for the tart cranberries makes all the difference.
- Cornstarch: This helps thicken the filling, creating a luscious consistency that complements the bars.
- Orange zest: A bright note that lifts the flavors, giving a refreshing twist to the filling.
- Orange juice: This adds moisture and a citrusy zing, enhancing the overall taste of the bars.
For the best results, keep an eye on the quantities as listed at the bottom of the article for reference or printing. Happy baking!
How to Make Cranberry Crumb Bars
Making my Cranberry Crumb Bars is as enjoyable as savoring them! It’s a simple process that you can easily manage—even on those busy weeknights. Follow along with these easy steps, and you’ll have a delicious treat ready in no time!
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, let’s get that oven warmed up! Preheat it to 350ºF. Meanwhile, grab a 9×13-inch pan and line it with parchment paper. I like to leave some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. It makes life so much easier!
Step 2: Make the Crust Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, rolled oats, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Give it a good stir, so everything is well mixed. Once it looks like a sandy blend, pour in the melted butter. Use your hands to combine it until it’s crumbly but holds together like a big clump. This is your magical crumble base!
Step 3: Press the Base Firmly
Now, it’s time to create the foundation for your bars. Press about two-thirds of the crumble mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Make sure it’s even and packed well. A sturdy base means a lovely, sliceable bar later!
Step 4: Prepare the Cranberry Filling
Time to make the fruity filling! In a separate bowl, toss together the cranberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, orange zest, and orange juice. Make sure every cranberry gets a nice coating. This filling has a sweet-tart flavor that truly shines in your Cranberry Crumb Bars.
Step 5: Top with Crumble
Next, sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the cranberry layer. I find it fun to squeeze the mixture into balls and break them apart as I sprinkle. This technique gives you that delightful texture and bites of crumbly goodness!
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Now, it’s time to let your oven work its magic! Bake the bars for about 50-60 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the filling bubbles around the edges. The aroma will fill your kitchen—trust me, you’ll want to sneak a taste!
Step 7: Cooling and Slicing
Patience is key here! Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan for several hours. If you cut them while warm, they’ll be soft and might not hold their shape. Waiting is tough, but believe me, your presentation will be worth it!
Tips for Success
- Use fresh cranberries when possible for better flavor; frozen work too!
- Don’t skip the cooling time; it helps the bars set properly.
- Feel free to add nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
- Try drizzling icing on top for an extra sweet touch.
- Store the bars in an airtight container for up to a week.
Equipment Needed
- 9×13-inch pan: A baking dish is essential; you can also use a similar-sized casserole dish.
- Parchment paper: This helps with easy removal. If unavailable, grease the pan well.
- Mixing bowls: Two will do; any large bowls will work.
- Spatula: A great tool for mixing and spreading; a wooden spoon is a good alternative.
Variations of Cranberry Crumb Bars
- Nutty Delight: Add a cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble for a delightful crunch.
- Chocolate Twist: Fold in some chocolate chips with the cranberry filling for a sweet surprise.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs.
- Citrus Burst: Experiment with different citrus zest, like lemon or lime, to create a unique twist in the filling.
- Spiced Flavor: Try adding nutmeg or ginger along with the cinnamon for a warming spiced flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
- Warm Delight: Serve your Cranberry Crumb Bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an indulgent treat.
- Tea Time: Pair these bars with a cup of herbal tea or coffee for a perfect afternoon snack.
- Fruit Platter: Accompany with a fresh fruit platter to balance the sweetness.
- Presentation: Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a beautiful finish.
FAQs about Cranberry Crumb Bars
If you have questions about making these marvelous Cranberry Crumb Bars, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries that might help you on your baking journey.
Can I use frozen cranberries for the filling?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well. Just toss them into the filling without thawing for the best texture and taste.
How should I store the leftover bars?
Store your Cranberry Crumb Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, consider refrigerating them.
Can I freeze Cranberry Crumb Bars?
Yes, you can freeze these bars! Just allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. They should stay fresh for up to three months.
What can I serve with these bars?
These bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a hot cup of tea. They make a delightful afternoon snack or dessert!
Can I make these bars vegan?
Definitely! You can replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and use aquafaba or a flaxseed meal mixture as an egg substitute. You’ll still enjoy that lovely crumb texture!
Final Thoughts
Making my Cranberry Crumb Bars isn’t just about having a delicious treat; it’s about creating precious moments with family and friends. Each bite you take is a blend of tangy cranberries and buttery crumble, bringing warmth to your day. As the aroma fills your kitchen, laughter and stories unfold. These bars have a way of transforming everyday moments into something memorable. So whether you enjoy them at home or share them at gatherings, know that you’re serving joy. I hope this recipe brings as much happiness to your life as it has to mine!
Print
Cranberry Crumb Bars
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious cranberry crumb bars with a sweet and tangy cranberry filling, topped with a buttery oat crumble.
Ingredients
- 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ cups (224g) rolled oats
- 1 cup (198g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (213g) brown sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 ½ cup (339g) unsalted butter, melted
- 5 cups (about 500g) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 ¼ cup (248g) granulated sugar for filling
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch
- 1 Tbsp orange zest
- 3 Tbsp orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Stir to combine. Pour in the melted butter and mix until the mixture looks evenly moistened and crumbly. Use your hands to combine the mixture into a big clump.
- Press about two-thirds of the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the base.
- In another bowl, make the filling: combine the cranberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, orange zest, and orange juice. Stir until the cranberries are evenly coated. Spread the filling over the crust.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture evenly over the top of the cranberry layer. I like to squeeze the crumb mixture into a ball and then break pieces off to cover the cranberries.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbly around the edges.
- Allow the bars to cool completely for several hours before slicing. If you cut them while warm, they’ll be soft and won’t hold their shape as well.
Notes
- Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor, but if using frozen ones, do not thaw them.
- For added richness, consider adding chopped nuts to the crumble topping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
