There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked Cranberry Crumble Bars wafting through your kitchen, tickling your senses and making your mouth water. festive cranberry poke cake These scrumptious bars are a delightful mix of tart cranberries and sweet crumbly goodness, creating a flavor explosion that dances on your tongue. cranberry mojito cocktail.
Imagine biting into a warm, buttery crumble topped with vibrant red cranberries, their tangy sweetness bursting forth. Perfect for any occasion, from cozy family gatherings to festive holiday parties, these bars promise to be the star of the dessert table and leave everyone wanting more. For more inspiration, check out this Cheesy Chicken Parm Soup recipe.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] The ease of preparation makes this recipe perfect for bakers at any level. Bursting with flavor, the tart cranberries contrast beautifully with the sweet crumble. Visually stunning with its golden top and ruby red filling, it’s a feast for the eyes. Versatile enough to swap in different fruits based on your mood or season. [/info_box]
I once brought these Cranberry Crumble Bars to a potluck, and let’s just say my friends were fighting over the last piece like it was the final slice of pizza at a party! apple cranberry stuffing.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Fresh Cranberries: Opt for bright red cranberries; they should be firm and plump for the best flavor.
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Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness to balance the tartness of cranberries; adjust according to taste.
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Brown Sugar: Use light brown sugar for added depth and moisture in the crumble topping.
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All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure; sift to ensure there are no lumps before measuring.
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Unsalted Butter: Choose high-quality butter; it enhances flavor and richness in your bars.
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Rolled Oats: Adds texture and chewiness; quick oats can work too if that’s what you have on hand.
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Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla elevates flavors; always go for pure rather than imitation.
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Baking Powder: This helps give your crumble some lift while baking; don’t skip it!
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Salt: Just a pinch enhances all other flavors without making it salty at all.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare the ingredients. Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish to prevent sticking later.
Prepare the Cranberry Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine fresh cranberries with granulated sugar and a splash of vanilla extract. Toss until well coated, ensuring those little gems are ready to burst with flavor.
Make the Crumble Topping
In another bowl, mix together flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold unsalted butter until you achieve a crumbly texture reminiscent of sandy beaches—just less fun to play in!
Assemble Your Bars
Spread half of the crumble mixture evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Press down gently—it needs some love! Layer on that vibrant cranberry mix evenly across. savory turkey and cranberry dish.
Top It Off
Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture generously over the cranberry layer. Try not to eat too much during this step; it’s hard but worth it!
Bake to Perfection
Place in your preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes or until golden brown on top. The aroma will drive you wild as it fills your kitchen—just try not to sneak peeks too often!
Let them cool completely before slicing into squares or rectangles. If you can resist munching right away—good luck with that!
Now take these delightful Cranberry Crumble Bars out for a spin at your next gathering or simply enjoy them alone while binge-watching your favorite series (no judgment here). You deserve this treat!
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] These Cranberry Crumble Bars are not just delicious; they can brighten any day with their tangy sweetness. The balance between the tart cranberries and buttery crumble is heavenly. Perfect for dessert or a snack, you might find them disappearing faster than you can bake them. [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare the crumble mixture first while allowing it to cool slightly before adding fresh cranberries. This helps maintain crunchy texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap cranberries for blueberries or raspberries if you’re feeling adventurous. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance those cozy flavors.
Storing & Reheating
Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them, and reheat briefly in the oven before serving.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] When preparing your Cranberry Crumble Bars, make sure the butter is cold for a perfect crumble texture. Always taste your cranberries; adjust sweetness if they’re tart! Let the bars cool completely before cutting for clean slices. [/info_box]
It was during a family gathering when I first made these bars. Everyone raved about them, and my cousin even asked for the recipe, claiming they were “life-changing.” Who knew cranberries could bring so much joy?
FAQ
Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
Yes, frozen cranberries work well; just thaw and drain excess moisture before use.
How do I know when my bars are done baking?
Look for a golden-brown crumble topping; the edges should be slightly firm but not overly hard.
What can I serve with Cranberry Crumble Bars?
Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Cranberry Crumble Bars
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Cranberry Crumble Bars are a deliciously sweet and tangy treat, perfect for any occasion. These easy-to-make bars combine tart cranberries with a buttery crumble topping, creating a delightful dessert that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Ideal for family gatherings or cozy nights at home, these bars are visually stunning and bursting with flavor. Whether enjoyed on their own or paired with ice cream, each bite is a delightful experience.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (light)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix cranberries with granulated sugar and vanilla extract until well coated.
- In another bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter until crumbly.
- Press half of the crumble mixture into the bottom of the prepared dish. Spread cranberry mixture evenly over it.
- Top with remaining crumble mixture. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool completely before slicing into squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (50g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
