Cranberry Crumble Bars
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Cranberry Crumble Bars are the perfect balance of tart and sweet, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. I first stumbled upon this gem of a recipe during the holidays, and ever since, it’s become a staple in my kitchen. The bright, bold flavor of fresh cranberries paired with a buttery crumble topping hits all the right notes, whether you’re looking to impress guests at a brunch or enjoy a cozy night in.
What Makes This Recipe Special
There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with these Cranberry Crumble Bars. First and foremost, they are incredibly easy to make. If you’re looking for a quick dessert that doesn’t skimp on flavor, this is it. The dish is also budget-friendly, requiring everyday ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Best of all, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for the holiday season or any family gathering. Imagine serving these bars at your next potluck — they’ll surely disappear faster than you can say “second helping!”
"These bars were an absolute hit at our Thanksgiving dinner! The combination of the tart cranberries with the sweet crumb topping was just delightful!"
Preparing Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe
Let’s break down the process of making these delicious bars into manageable steps so you know exactly what to expect. First, you’ll start by preparing the crumb crust, then you’ll whip up the cranberry filling, and finally, combine it all before baking. It’s as simple as that.
What You’ll Need
Here’s a list of ingredients to gather before you start cooking. You’ll be pleased to know that these are common items that you might already have on hand:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar (plus an extra 1 cup for the cranberries)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 3 cups fresh cranberries
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
If you’re running low on fresh cranberries, frozen ones can easily substitute, or you could experiment with other fruits, like blueberries or raspberries, for a twist!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple directions to create your own batch of cranberry goodness:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine the flour, 1 cup of sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press half of this mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking pan to form your crust.
- In a saucepan, combine the cranberries, an additional cup of sugar, cornstarch, water, and vanilla.
- Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens and cranberries soften.
- Spread the cranberry mixture evenly over the crust in the baking pan.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the top of the cranberries.
- Bake for 40 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Once out of the oven, let it cool completely before cutting into bars.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
These Cranberry Crumble Bars can be enjoyed in several ways. Opt for a simple crumble on its own, or jazz it up by serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of whipped cream. For a breakfast treat, consider pairing it with your morning coffee or tea. They also make for a beautiful addition to a dessert table at gatherings.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
To store your Cranberry Crumble Bars, place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to preserve them for longer, consider refrigerating them, where they can last up to a week. For freezing, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then foil — they can be stored this way for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Butter Temperature: Make sure that your butter is cold and cubed; this will help create a nice crumbly texture.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your crust ingredients, avoid overmixing. You want the mixture to remain crumbly.
- Taste the Filling: Adjust the level of sugar in the cranberry mixture based on your personal taste and the tartness of your cranberries.
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? Try these variations to elevate your bars:
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to the crumble.
- Spiced Up: Sprinkle in cinnamon or nutmeg for an autumn twist.
- Citrus Zing: Add the zest of an orange or lemon to the cranberry filling for a bright flavor boost.
Your Questions Answered
How long does it take to prepare?
The prep time for these bars is about 15-20 minutes, and the baking time is approximately 40 minutes. So, you can have them ready in under an hour!
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, frozen cranberries work well in this recipe. Just toss them in a bit of sugar to help draw out their juices before cooking.
How should I cut the bars for serving?
For clean cuts, let the bars cool completely before slicing. Use a sharp knife and cut into even squares for easy serving.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, and you’re good to go. Just be sure to double-check that your other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Now that you’re equipped with the knowledge to create these fabulous Cranberry Crumble Bars, gather your ingredients and get baking! Your taste buds will thank you.
Cranberry Crumble Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine the flour, 1 cup of sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press half of the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking pan to form the crust.
- In a saucepan, combine the cranberries, an additional cup of sugar, cornstarch, water, and vanilla.
- Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens and cranberries soften.
- Spread the cranberry mixture evenly over the crust in the baking pan.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the top of the cranberries.
- Bake for 40 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Once out of the oven, let it cool completely before cutting into bars.
