Cranberry Crumble Bars

These Cranberry Crumble Bars are the perfect combination of sweet, tart, and buttery goodness! With a golden, crumbly topping and a juicy cranberry filling, they make a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you serve them as a holiday dessert or an afternoon snack with coffee, these bars are guaranteed to impress!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and no special equipment needed!
✔ Sweet & Tart Balance – The perfect blend of flavors in every bite.
✔ Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or meal prep.
✔ Make Ahead & Freezer-Friendly – A great treat to prepare in advance!

Ingredients for Cranberry Crumble Bars

For the Crust & Crumble:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup old-fashioned oats
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cranberry Filling:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• 8×8-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Whisk & spatula

How to Make Cranberry Crumble Bars

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare the Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Crust & Crumble

1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, oats, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add melted butter and vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture is crumbly.
3. Press two-thirds of the mixture into the prepared pan to form the crust.

Step 3: Prepare the Cranberry Filling

1. In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
2. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens.

Step 4: Assemble & Bake

1. Spread the cranberry filling evenly over the crust.
2. Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture on top.
3. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

Step 5: Cool & Serve

1. Let the bars cool completely before slicing.
2. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

With Coffee or Tea – The perfect sweet snack for your afternoon break.
With Ice Cream – Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Drizzle with Honey – For extra sweetness and flavor.

Tips for the Best Cranberry Crumble Bars

Use Fresh or Frozen Cranberries – No need to thaw frozen cranberries before cooking.
Let Them Cool Completely – This helps them set and makes slicing easier.
Swap the Oats – If you prefer a finer crumble, blend the oats before mixing.
Add Nuts – Chopped pecans or almonds add great crunch!

Storage & Freezing Instructions

Store – Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freeze – Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
A: Fresh or frozen cranberries work best, but if using dried, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before cooking.

Q2: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
A: Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Q3: Can I double the recipe?
A: Absolutely! Use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust the baking time to 45-50 minutes.

Conclusion: A Must-Try Treat!

These Cranberry Crumble Bars are the perfect mix of sweet, tart, and buttery flavors! They’re easy to make, great for any occasion, and totally irresistible. Try them out and let us know what you think!

Did you make this recipe? Share your photos and leave a review! We love seeing your delicious creations.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories: 220 | Protein: 3g | Carbohydrates: 32g | Fat: 10g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 75mg

Enjoy every bite of these sweet, crumbly treats!

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