Cranberry crumb bars are a delightful treat that perfectly balance sweetness and tartness. With a golden crumb topping and a juicy cranberry filling, these bars are ideal for any season. They are especially wonderful during the fall and winter months, making them a perfect addition to holiday gatherings or cozy family desserts. Whether you’re serving them at a potluck, enjoying them with a cup of tea, or need a tasty snack for kids after school, cranberry crumb bars are sure to impress.
Why Make This Cranberry Crumb Bars
Making cranberry crumb bars is not only easy but also rewarding. The bright, tangy flavor of cranberries adds a unique twist to the typical dessert, providing a refreshing burst of fruitiness. The rich, buttery crumb topping creates a delightful contrast in texture, offering both crunch and melt-in-your-mouth goodness. This recipe comes together quickly and is perfect for both seasoned bakers and novices alike. Plus, they make for an excellent make-ahead dessert, perfect for when you’re hosting or wanting to indulge yourself later in the week.
How to Make Cranberry Crumb Bars
Creating these scrumptious cranberry crumb bars requires minimal effort but yields impressive results. Start by gathering your ingredients and preheating the oven. The method allows you to focus on enjoying the process rather than stressing over complicated steps. Just mix your ingredients, layer them in the pan, and pop them in the oven. In no time, your kitchen will be filled with the delightful aroma of baked goods, beckoning friends and family to gather round.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan to ensure the bars don’t stick.
- In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the flour and salt until well combined, reserving half of the mixture for the topping.
- Press the remaining half of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a sturdy, buttery crust.
- In a separate bowl, combine the cranberries, brown sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon. Mix well and spread this fruity filling evenly over the crust.
- To the reserved crumb mixture, add the rolled oats and chopped nuts (if using). Sprinkle this mixture generously over the cranberry layer, creating a beautiful crumb topping.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cranberry filling is bubbling slightly.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares to serve.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (1 bar, based on 12 servings):
- Calories: 210
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 70mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 31g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 14g
- Protein: 2g
How to Serve Cranberry Crumb Bars
Cranberry crumb bars can stand alone as a delicious snack or be served in a variety of ways. Pair them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. Alternatively, serve them warm with a dusting of powdered sugar for a classic touch. They also make a great accompaniment to coffee or tea at brunch or as a sweet treat in lunchboxes.
How to Store Cranberry Crumb Bars
To keep your cranberry crumb bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can place them in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze them for up to three months. To freeze, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Expert Tips for Perfect Cranberry Crumb Bars
- For a more intense flavor, consider adding the zest of an orange or lemon to the cranberry filling.
- If you prefer a crunchier topping, toast the rolled oats and nuts lightly before adding them to the mixture.
- Ensure even baking by not overmixing the batter; just combine until you see no dry flour clumps.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar based on your tartness preference.
Delicious Variations
- Blueberry Crumb Bars: Replace cranberries with blueberries for a sweeter version.
- Nut-Free Option: Omit nuts or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for texture without allergens.
- Spiced Variation: Add 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg or ginger to the cranberry mixture for a cozy, spiced flavor profile.
- Coconut Crumb Bars: Include shredded coconut in the topping for a tropical twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh or frozen?
Yes, you can use dried cranberries, but they will be sweeter. Consider reducing the amount of brown sugar if using dried cranberries.
What if I don’t have cornstarch?
You can substitute cornstarch with an equal amount of all-purpose flour or use arrowroot powder if available.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour, and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The topping should be golden brown, and the cranberry filling should be bubbling gently when they are done. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake it in a larger pan, but you may need to adjust the baking time.
What kitchen tools do I need to make this recipe?
You will need a mixing bowl, a whisk or an electric mixer, a baking pan, a spatula, and measuring cups and spoons.
How thick should the crust be?
The crust should be about 1/4 inch thick. Pressing it into the pan helps create a sturdy base for the cranberry filling.
How can I tell if the bars are cool enough to cut?
Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for at least an hour. They will firm up as they cool, making them easier to cut cleanly.
What type of nuts work best here?
Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds complement the flavor nicely, but feel free to use your favorite nuts.
Can I add a glaze on top?
A simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk can be drizzled over the bars for extra sweetness.
Conclusion
Cranberry crumb bars are a scrumptious addition to your dessert repertoire, offering the perfect blend of wholesome ingredients and delightful flavors. They are easy to prepare, delightful to eat, and versatile enough for different occasions, from casual snacks to festive gatherings. We encourage you to give this recipe a try—it’s a wonderful way to enjoy the tangy goodness of cranberries while impressing your family and friends. Don’t forget to share your creations and thoughts! Happy baking!