Irresistible Cranberry Crumb Bars – Easy Recipe Delight

There’s nothing quite like the sweet, tart explosion of flavor you get from cranberry crumb bars. Picture this: a buttery, crumbly crust cradling a vibrant layer of tart cranberries and topped off with a delightful crumbly topping that just begs to be devoured. The aroma wafting through your kitchen as they bake is enough to make even the most patient of dessert lovers start pacing around in anticipation.

I have fond memories of baking cranberry crumb bars during chilly autumn afternoons, my family gathered around the table, eagerly waiting for the first slice. Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or just an excuse to indulge on a lazy afternoon, these bars never fail to impress. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked!

I still remember the look on my friend’s face when I brought these cranberry crumb bars to our potluck—pure joy mixed with food envy!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Fresh Cranberries: Look for bright red cranberries; they should be firm and plump for the best flavor.

• Granulated Sugar: This sweetener balances the tartness of cranberries; adjust depending on your sweetness preference.

• All-Purpose Flour: For a sturdy base and crispy topping; using unbleached flour can enhance flavor.

• Unsalted Butter: Use cold butter for that perfect flaky texture; cut it into cubes before mixing.

• Brown Sugar: Adds depth and richness; dark brown sugar will give a more robust flavor.

• Oats: Quick oats work best here; they provide texture without being overly chewy.

• Baking Powder: Essential for lightening up the crumb topping; check the expiration date!

• Salt: A pinch enhances all flavors—don’t skip it!

• Lemon Zest: Adds brightness and complements the cranberries perfectly—fresh is best!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Cranberry Crumb Bars

Prepare Your Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Make the Cranberry Filling: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine fresh cranberries, granulated sugar, and lemon zest. Cook until the berries burst and release their juices, about 10 minutes.

Create the Crust Mixture: In a large bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Assemble Your Bars: Press half of the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Spread the warm cranberry filling evenly over this layer.

Add Topping and Bake: Crumble the remaining crust mixture over the top of the cranberry filling. Bake in your preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.

Cool and Slice Up!: Once baked, remove from oven and let cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy every delicious bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preparing the crumb mixture, then layer half in the pan before adding the cranberry filling. Finish with the remaining crumbs and bake until golden brown.

Add Your Touch

Consider adding nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor, or experiment with different fruits like blueberries or raspberries for a unique twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes to revive their crumbly goodness.

Sharing these cranberry crumb bars at my family gathering brought everyone together, proving that food truly creates unforgettable memories and connections among loved ones.

FAQ

What type of cranberries should I use for cranberry crumb bars?

Fresh cranberries are ideal; they provide vibrant flavor and texture compared to dried ones.

Can I make cranberry crumb bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them a day in advance and store them covered in the fridge.

How do I know when my cranberry crumb bars are done baking?

The top should be golden brown and firm to touch; a toothpick inserted should come out clean.

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Cranberry Crumb Bars

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Cranberry crumb bars are a delightful fusion of sweet and tart flavors, featuring a buttery crust, vibrant cranberry filling, and a crumbly topping. These bars are perfect for any occasion, from cozy family gatherings to indulgent afternoon treats. With their beautiful layers and enticing aroma, they’re bound to impress anyone who takes a bite. Enjoy them warm with ice cream or chilled for a refreshing dessert!

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
• ¾ cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1 cup quick oats
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8 inch baking pan.
2. In a saucepan, cook cranberries, sugar, and lemon zest over medium heat until the berries burst (about 10 minutes).
3. In a bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter until crumbly.
4. Press half of the crumb mixture into the pan. Layer with warm cranberry filling.
5. Top with remaining crumb mixture and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
6. Let cool before slicing into squares.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar (50g)
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 65mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: For added texture, consider mixing in nuts or chocolate chips. Experiment with other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for unique variations. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.