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- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries - 1 cup granulated sugar (divided) - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup rolled oats - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - ½ teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 cup chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) The ingredients for Cranberry Crumble Bars are simple and easy to find. Fresh or frozen cranberries give a tart flavor and bright color. Granulated sugar sweetens the filling and the topping. Cornstarch helps thicken the cranberry filling, making it perfect. Vanilla extract adds a warm note to the mix. Next, we have all-purpose flour and rolled oats. They create the base for the crust and crumble topping. Unsalted butter gives a rich flavor and binds everything together. Baking powder helps the crust rise slightly, while salt balances the sweetness. Ground cinnamon adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile. Finally, chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts add crunch and texture. You can easily swap ingredients based on what you have. Want a nut-free version? Just leave them out! Use this list to gather your items, and you’ll be ready to create a delicious dessert. {{ingredient_image_1}} To make the filling, I start by gathering my ingredients. In a medium saucepan, I add 2 cups of cranberries, ¾ cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. I cook this mix over medium heat. I stir it occasionally for about 10 to 15 minutes. The cranberries will burst and thicken. Once done, I set it aside to cool. Next, I make the crust and topping. In a large mixing bowl, I combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of rolled oats, ¼ cup of sugar, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1 cup of chopped nuts. I then pour in ½ cup of melted butter. I mix it until it forms a crumbly texture. This will give my bars a nice crunch. Now, I prepare to assemble the bars. I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C). I line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang. This helps with easy removal later. I press half of the crumble mixture into the bottom of the pan to form the crust. Next, I spread the cooled cranberry filling evenly over the crust. Finally, I sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture on top. I bake it in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes. The topping should be golden brown and bubbly. - Ensuring even cooking: To get the best flavor and texture, make sure your oven is fully preheated. This helps the bars cook evenly. If your oven has hot spots, rotate the pan halfway through baking. This ensures all sides get the same heat. - Achieving the right crumble texture: When mixing the crumble, don’t overwork the butter. You want it to be crumbly, not a dough. Mix until just combined. If you find it too wet, add a bit more flour to reach the right texture. - Dusting with powdered sugar: After the bars cool, lightly dust the top with powdered sugar. This adds a sweet touch and makes the bars look fancy. Use a fine sieve for an even layer. - Garnishing ideas for serving: Serve the bars on a pretty platter. Add fresh cranberries and mint leaves for a pop of color. This makes your dessert look inviting and festive. Pro Tips Choose the Right Cranberries: For the best flavor, use fresh, ripe cranberries when they are in season. If using frozen, make sure they are unsweetened to control the sugar content in your filling. Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to mix and match nuts according to your preference. Pecans add a buttery flavor while walnuts provide a more robust crunch. Enhance the Flavor: Add a splash of orange juice or zest to the cranberry filling for a delightful citrus note that complements the tartness of the cranberries. Storing Tips: These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. They also freeze well, making them great for meal prep or future gatherings. {{image_2}} You can switch up the flavors in these bars easily. For a different taste, try using alternative berries or fruits. Blueberries, raspberries, or even chopped apples work well. Each fruit brings its own unique flavor to the mix. You can also play with different nuts or spices. Instead of pecans or walnuts, you might use almonds or hazelnuts. For spices, consider adding ginger or nutmeg. These small changes can create a fun twist on the classic recipe. If you need a gluten-free version, you have great options. Start by replacing all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour. These options work well in baking. For oats, you can use gluten-free oats. Make sure they are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination. These simple swaps keep your bars delicious and safe for gluten-free diets. To keep your cranberry crumble bars fresh, use an airtight container. Line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal. Place the bars in a single layer to avoid sticking. You can store them at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them. They can stay fresh for up to a week in the fridge. To freeze the bars, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat them, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. For a quick thaw, leave them out at room temperature for a couple of hours. Enjoy them chilled, or warm them slightly in the oven for a fresh-baked taste. Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Just do not thaw them before cooking. Cook them straight from the freezer. This way, they keep their shape and flavor. The cooking time may be a bit longer. Watch the cranberries until they burst and thicken. To make these bars vegan, swap the butter for coconut oil or a plant-based butter. Use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a deeper flavor. You can also replace the cornstarch with arrowroot powder. These swaps make your bars tasty and plant-based. These bars pair well with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. A scoop of ice cream adds creaminess. You can also serve them with a dollop of yogurt for a tangy twist. Fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top makes them look great! In this post, I covered how to make delicious cranberry crumble bars. You learned about the ingredients needed, from fresh cranberries to nuts. I gave step-by-step instructions on preparing the filling, crust, and topping. You also found cooking tips, variations, and storage methods. Cranberry crumble bars are easy to make and fun to enjoy. Now, you can impress others with this tasty treat. Experiment with flavors and toppings to make it your own. Enjoy your baking adventure!

Cranberry Crumble Bars

Delicious bars with a sweet and tart cranberry filling topped with a crumbly oat mixture.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (divided)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Cranberry Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, ¾ cup of sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and thicken (about 10-15 minutes). Set aside to cool.
  • Make the Crust and Topping: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, remaining ¼ cup of sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nuts. Add the melted butter and mix until it forms a crumbly texture.
  • Assemble the Bars: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Press half of the crumble mixture into the bottom of the pan to form the crust.
  • Add the Filling: Spread the cranberry filling over the crust evenly, then sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture on top to cover the filling.
  • Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
  • Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment overhang. Slice into squares and serve.

Notes

Dust the cooled bars with powdered sugar for an elegant touch, and serve them on a decorative platter, garnished with fresh cranberries and mint leaves for color.
Keyword bars, cranberry, crumbles, dessert