Easy Cranberry Crumble Bars – Sweet & Tart Delight
Looking for a dessert that perfectly balances sweetness and tartness? These Cranberry Crumble Bars are the answer! With a buttery, crumbly oat topping and a tangy cranberry filling, these bars are the ultimate treat for any occasion. They’re the perfect combination of comfort and indulgence, making them a great choice for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or a delightful afternoon snack.
Made with fresh or dried cranberries, these bars are easy to prepare and require simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. The chewy, golden crust is paired with a burst of cranberry flavor that offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the crumbly topping. These cranberry crumble bars have the perfect amount of sweetness, with the natural tartness of the cranberries shining through in every bite.
What makes these bars even more special is their versatility. You can make them ahead of time, store them in the fridge, and serve them chilled or at room temperature. They also make a great gift for friends and loved ones, thanks to their beautiful, rustic presentation. Whether you're an experienced baker or a beginner, these cranberry crumble bars are a simple yet delicious dessert that will impress everyone. Let’s dive into the recipe and get baking!
Equipment
- 8x8-inch Baking Pan: A square pan is ideal for this recipe, ensuring the bars are evenly baked. You can line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mixing Bowls: Use a large mixing bowl for combining the dry ingredients and another bowl for the cranberry filling.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the perfect balance of ingredients in the crust and filling.
- Pastry Cutter or Fork: For cutting the butter into the dry ingredients, creating the crumbly texture for the topping.
- Spatula or Spoon: To stir the cranberry filling and spread it evenly over the crust.
- Cooling Rack: Helps cool the bars after baking, allowing them to set and making them easier to cut into squares.
- Knife: To cut the bars into perfect squares after they’ve cooled down
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars after baking.
- Make the Crust and Topping: In a large bowl, combine the oats, flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to mix until the dough becomes crumbly but holds together when pressed. Reserve 1 cup of the mixture for the topping.
- Prepare the Cranberry Filling: In a separate bowl, combine the cranberries and honey or maple syrup. Stir gently to coat the cranberries evenly with the sweetener.
- Assemble the Bars: Press the remaining oat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. Spread the cranberry mixture over the crust, distributing the cranberries evenly.
- Add the Topping: Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture over the cranberry filling to cover the top. The topping doesn’t need to be even—some crumbles can remain larger for texture.
- Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. This helps the bars set and ensures clean cuts.
Notes
To make these Cranberry Crumble Bars even more delicious, try adding a bit of orange zest to the cranberry filling for a citrusy twist. You can also mix in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the crumble topping for extra crunch. For a touch of sweetness, drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled bars or sprinkle a little cinnamon into the oat mixture.