Why Make This Recipe
Cranberry Crumble Bars are a delightful treat that balance sweet and tart flavors perfectly. These bars are simple to make and use ingredients you might already have in your kitchen. They are great for dessert, snack time, or even a cozy afternoon tea. Whether for a gathering or just to satisfy a craving, these bars are sure to please everyone.
How to Make Cranberry Crumble Bars
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add in the flour and salt, mixing until the dough forms.
- Press 2/3 of the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create the crust.
- In another bowl, combine cranberries, brown sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract for the filling. Spread this mixture over the crust.
- Crumble the remaining dough over the cranberry layer.
- Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Allow to cool completely before frosting with a glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.
- Cut into bars and serve.
How to Serve Cranberry Crumble Bars
Serve Cranberry Crumble Bars at room temperature. They can be enjoyed plain or drizzled with the glaze for extra sweetness. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a special treat. They are perfect for gatherings, picnics, or as an everyday snack.
How to Store Cranberry Crumble Bars
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for about a week or freeze them for up to three months. If freezing, wrap them well in plastic wrap then foil to prevent freezer burn.
Tips to Make Cranberry Crumble Bars
- Use fresh cranberries if possible for the best flavor. If you are using frozen cranberries, don’t thaw them before mixing.
- For a sweeter bar, add more brown sugar to the filling.
- Be sure to let the bars cool completely before cutting for clean edges.
- Experiment with different nuts or oats in the crumble for added texture.
Variation
You can switch up the filling by using other berries like blueberries or raspberries instead of cranberries. Additionally, adding a hint of orange zest can give the bars an extra layer of flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries without thawing them first. Just fold them into the mixture directly.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. It should work well!
How can I make the bars a bit healthier?
Consider reducing the sugar slightly and using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber.
Cranberry Crumble Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries Use fresh for the best flavor.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar Add more for a sweeter bar.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add in the flour and salt, mixing until the dough forms.
- Press 2/3 of the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create the crust.
- In another bowl, combine cranberries, brown sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract for the filling. Spread this mixture over the crust.
- Crumble the remaining dough over the cranberry layer.
- Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Allow to cool completely before frosting with a glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.
- Cut into bars and serve.
