The Best Sweet and Tart Cranberry Crumble Bars

The perfect balance of sweet and tart, these cranberry crumble bars are a must-try dessert that combines a chewy, buttery topping with juicy cranberries. Ideal for any occasion, these bars are perfect for family gatherings, holiday parties, or just as a sweet treat to enjoy at home. You’ll love how easy they are to make and how delicious they taste!

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Servings: 9 bars
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 220
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 150mg

Why Make This The Best Sweet and Tart Cranberry Crumble Bars

These cranberry crumble bars are a delightful treat that perfectly combines sweet and tart flavors thanks to the fresh cranberries. The buttery crumb topping adds a lovely crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cranberry filling. Whether hot out of the oven or cooled to room temperature, these bars are excellent for snacking and serve as a wonderful dessert option. Plus, with simple ingredients and easy steps, they are a perfect baking project for both novice and experienced bakers.

How to Make The Best Sweet and Tart Cranberry Crumble Bars

With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, preparing these cranberry crumble bars is a breeze. Follow the process below for a delicious result every time.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions:

• Step 1: Preparation

  Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking dish to prevent the bars from sticking.

• Step 2: Mixing the Filling

  In a bowl, combine the cranberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix well until the cranberries are evenly coated. Set this mixture aside to let the flavors meld.

• Step 3: Making the Crumble

  In another bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Stir these dry ingredients together. Next, pour in the melted butter and mix until you achieve a crumbly texture.

• Step 4: Assembling and Baking

  Take half of the crumb mixture and press it firmly into the prepared baking dish to form a base. Spread the cranberry mixture evenly over the top. Then, sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the cranberries. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and fragrant. Once finished, let the bars cool in the dish before cutting into squares.

How to Serve The Best Sweet and Tart Cranberry Crumble Bars

These delightful bars are delicious served warm or at room temperature. For a comforting treat, serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon snack.

How to Store The Best Sweet and Tart Cranberry Crumble Bars

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze the bars for up to 3 months; just thaw them in the refrigerator when you’re ready to enjoy.

Expert Tips for Perfect The Best Sweet and Tart Cranberry Crumble Bars

1. Fresh vs. Frozen: You can use either fresh or frozen cranberries. If using frozen, there’s no need to thaw them; just add them directly to the mixture.
2. Customize Sweetness: Adjust the sugar based on your preference for sweetness and tartness.
3. Add Spice: Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for an extra layer of flavor.
4. Cutting Bars: For clean cuts, let the bars cool completely before slicing.
5. Presentation: Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a beautiful finish.

Delicious Variations

• Nutty Addition: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the crumble for extra crunch.
• Different Fruits: Substitute cranberries with blueberries or raspberries for a different taste.
• Spiced Up: Mix in 1/4 teaspoon of allspice or pumpkin spice for a seasonal twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use dried cranberries? Dried cranberries will result in a different texture and taste; if you do use them, reduce the sugar as they are usually sweetened.
• What is the best way to reheat the bars? To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.
• Can I make these bars ahead of time? Yes! You can bake the bars a day ahead, just store them properly until ready to serve.
• What else can I serve with cranberry crumble bars? Along with ice cream or whipped cream, you can enjoy them with yogurt or even a fruit sauce.
• Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe? Yes, you can reduce the sugar but the filling will be less sweet. Adjust according to your taste preference.

Conclusion

These Sweet and Tart Cranberry Crumble Bars are an irresistible treat that combines tart cranberries with a crumbly, buttery topping. They are simple to prepare and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Give this recipe a try, and indulge in a dessert that will surely impress everyone at your table! Happy baking!

Sweet and Tart Cranberry Crumble Bars

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• Author: lydia
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 9 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delightful cranberry crumble bars that perfectly balance sweet and tart flavors with a chewy, buttery topping.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking dish.
2. In a bowl, combine cranberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix well and set aside.
3. In another bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Add melted butter and mix until crumbly.
4. Press half of the crumb mixture into the baking dish for the base. Spread the cranberry mixture on top and sprinkle with remaining crumb mixture. Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown. Let cool before cutting.

Notes

Serve with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg