The air is crisp, carolers are singing, and the scent of cinnamon and spice drifts through homes everywhere. It can only mean one thing: the holiday season is upon us! And what better way to celebrate than with a batch of irresistible Cranberry Crumble Bars? These delightful festive holiday cookie bars are a tantalizing blend of sweet and tart, featuring a buttery shortbread crust, a vibrant, jewel-toned cranberry filling, and a delectable, crumbly oat topping.
They’re the perfect treat to share at your next holiday gathering, bring to a potluck, or simply enjoy with a warm cup of cocoa by the fire. Get ready to bake up some serious cheer!
Key Ingredients for Cranberry Crumble Bars
To create these festive and flavorful Cranberry Crumble Bars, you’ll need the following ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and buttery goodness.
For the Shortbread Crust & Crumble Topping:
- 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour: The base for a tender crust and crumbly topping.
- ½ cup (60g) old-fashioned rolled oats: Adds texture and a slightly nutty flavor to the crumble.
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar: Sweetens both the crust and topping.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
- 1 cup (2 sticks or 226g) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes: Essential for a rich, tender, and flaky texture.
For the Cranberry Filling:
- 12 ounces (about 3 cups) fresh or frozen cranberries: The star of the show, providing that signature tartness. If using frozen, no need to thaw.
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar: Sweetens the cranberries, balancing their natural tartness.
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) orange juice: Adds a bright, citrusy note that complements the cranberries beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Further enhances the tartness and brightness of the filling.
- 1 teaspoon orange zest: Intensifies the orange flavor.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps to thicken the cranberry filling, preventing it from being too runny.
How to Make Cranberry Crumble Bars
These Cranberry Crumble Bars are incredibly easy to make, delivering a delicious and satisfying treat with minimal fuss. The simple steps result in a perfect combination of a rich, buttery base, a vibrant, tart cranberry filling, and a delightful oat crumble topping. With a prep time of just 20 minutes and a baking time of 40-45 minutes, you’ll have these festive beauties ready in under an hour and a half!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later. This will prevent sticking and make slicing a breeze.
Make the Shortbread Crust & Crumble: In a large bowl, whisk together the 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ cup rolled oats, ½ cup granulated sugar, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Add the 1 cup of cold, cubed unsalted butter. Using a pastry blender, your fingertips, or a food processor, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. This texture is key for a tender crust and crumbly topping.
Form the Base: Reserve about 1 cup of the crumble mixture for the topping. Press the remaining crumble mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to create a compact base. Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
Prepare the Cranberry Filling: While the crust is baking, combine the 12 ounces of fresh or frozen cranberries, ¾ cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons orange juice, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon orange zest, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and the cranberries begin to burst, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat.
Assemble the Bars: Once the crust is lightly golden, carefully remove it from the oven. Pour the cranberry filling evenly over the warm crust, spreading it to the edges. Crumble the reserved raw crumble topping over the cranberry filling.
Bake to Perfection: Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 25-30 minutes, or until the crumble topping is golden brown and the cranberry filling is bubbly.
Cool Completely: This is crucial! Let the Cranberry Crumble Bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least 2-3 hours, or even better, chill them in the refrigerator for an hour or two. This allows the filling to set properly, making them much easier to cut into neat bars.
Slice and Serve: Once fully cooled and set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Slice into 16 squares and enjoy your homemade holiday treat!
Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Crumble Bars
You’re going to fall head over heels for these Cranberry Crumble Bars because they are truly the star of any holiday dessert spread! The main highlight is undoubtedly the incredible balance of flavors: the sweet, buttery shortbread crust perfectly complements the bright, tart cranberry filling, while the oat crumble topping adds a delightful textural contrast.
Making these at home also offers fantastic cost-saving benefits compared to store-bought options or bakery treats, allowing you to enjoy a homemade delicacy without breaking the bank. The fresh cranberries, infused with zesty orange and lemon, create a vibrant, irresistible flavor that’s leagues beyond your average jam. Much like our popular spiced apple bars, these cranberry bars harness the power of seasonal fruit to deliver a truly memorable dessert. Don’t just take our word for it – whip up a batch this holiday season and taste the festive magic yourself!
What to Serve Cranberry Crumble Bars With
These Cranberry Crumble Bars are fantastic on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a few complementary treats to elevate the experience, especially during the holidays!
- A Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream: The cold, creamy ice cream is a perfect contrast to the warm, tart cranberries.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a touch of elegance and lightness.
- Warm Holiday Beverages: Pair them with a steaming mug of hot cocoa, a spiced chai latte, or a classic cup of coffee.
- Sparkling Wine or Prosecco: For an adult pairing, the bubbles and dryness of sparkling wine beautifully cut through the richness of the bars.
- A Cheese Board: For a sophisticated twist, include creamy brie or sharp cheddar on a cheese board; the sweet and tart bars make a surprisingly delightful addition.
Top Tips for Perfecting Cranberry Crumble Bars
Achieving bakery-quality Cranberry Crumble Bars at home is easier than you think with these expert tips:
- Keep Your Butter Cold: This is paramount for a tender, flaky crust and a crumbly topping. If your butter gets too warm while mixing, pop the bowl in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before continuing. This prevents the gluten from overdeveloping and keeps the texture light.
- Don’t Overmix the Crumble: Mix until just combined and crumbly. Overmixing develops the gluten too much, leading to a tough crust and topping rather than a delicate one.
- Choose Your Cranberries Wisely: Fresh cranberries offer the best tartness and texture, but frozen work perfectly well without needing to thaw them first. Just expect a slightly juicier filling if using frozen, which will still set up nicely.
- Prevent a Soggy Bottom: Baking the crust partially before adding the filling (a process called blind baking) helps to create a barrier and prevents the cranberry juices from making the bottom soggy. Don’t skip this step!
- Thicken the Filling Precisely: The cornstarch in the filling is crucial for a well-set bar. Ensure you cook the cranberry mixture until it visibly thickens and coats the back of a spoon. If it seems too thin after cooking, you can dissolve another half teaspoon of cornstarch in a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the simmering filling for another minute or two.
- Cool Completely (Seriously!): This is the most important tip for clean slices. The filling needs ample time to set. If you try to cut them warm, they will fall apart. Chilling them in the refrigerator speeds up this process and makes for perfectly firm bars.
- Flavor Boosters: Don’t be shy with the orange zest! It really brightens up the cranberry flavor. A pinch of cinnamon or a tiny dash of nutmeg can also be added to the crumble topping for an extra layer of holiday spice.
- Ingredient Substitutions:
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum) for equally delicious results.
- Vegan: Use a high-quality plant-based butter substitute in place of dairy butter. The remaining ingredients are naturally vegan.
- Sweetener Alternatives: While granulated sugar provides the best texture, you can experiment with coconut sugar or slightly less maple syrup (reduce other liquids if using syrup) in the filling for a different flavor profile.
- Added Nuts: For extra crunch and flavor, finely chop a ¼ cup of pecans or walnuts and add them to the crumble mixture.
Storing and Reheating Tips
To keep your Cranberry Crumble Bars tasting fresh and delicious, proper storage is key.
- Room Temperature: If you plan to eat them within 1-2 days, these bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Ensure they are completely cooled before storing to prevent condensation, which can make them soggy.
- Refrigeration: For longer freshness, store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. The cooler temperature helps maintain their texture and prevents spoilage.
- Freezing for Future Enjoyment: Cranberry Crumble Bars freeze beautifully!
- Preparation: Once completely cooled, cut the bars into individual portions.
- Layering: Place them in an airtight freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Storage Time: They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
- Thawing: To thaw, simply remove the desired number of bars from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for an hour, or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheating (Optional): While delicious at room temperature or chilled, you can gently reheat the bars for a warm, comforting treat. Place individual bars on a plate and microwave for 15-30 seconds, or warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes until just warmed through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can dry them out.
Final Thoughts
These Cranberry Crumble Bars are more than just a dessert; they’re a celebration of holiday flavors, comforting textures, and the joy of sharing homemade treats. With their vibrant cranberry filling, buttery crumble, and irresistible aroma, they are sure to become a cherished part of your holiday baking tradition. They’re simple enough for a beginner yet impressive enough for any festive gathering. So gather your ingredients, turn on some holiday tunes, and get ready to bake some delightful memories! Happy baking, and happy holidays!
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest
Cranberry Crumble Bars FAQs:
Q1: Can I use frozen cranberries?
A1: Yes! Frozen cranberries work perfectly without needing to thaw them. Just keep in mind the filling might be slightly juicier, which is completely fine.
Q2: How do I prevent the bars from being soggy?
A2: The key is to partially bake the crust first (blind baking) and ensure the cranberry filling is properly thickened with cornstarch. Also, it’s crucial to let the bars cool completely before cutting.
Q3: Can I make these ahead of time?
A3: Absolutely! These bars are excellent for making ahead. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They also freeze well for longer storage.
Q4: Can I add nuts to the crumble topping?
A4: Yes, definitely! For extra crunch and flavor, finely chop about ¼ cup of pecans, walnuts, or almonds and mix them into the crumble topping mixture before sprinkling over the cranberries.
Q5: What if I don’t have orange zest or juice?
A5: While orange zest and juice add a lovely brightness, you can substitute the orange juice with more lemon juice (use 1 tablespoon more) and omit the zest if needed. The flavor will still be delicious, just less citrusy.