Why Make This Recipe
Cranberry Crumble Bars are a delightful treat that combines the tartness of cranberries with a sweet and crumbly topping. They are perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or simply as a snack to enjoy with coffee or tea. The balance of flavors makes them a favorite for many, ensuring that they won’t last long on your dessert table!
How to Make Cranberry Crumble Bars
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Mix in the flour and salt until just combined.
- Press half of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- In a separate bowl, mix cranberries, orange juice, and sugar for the filling. Spread this mixture over the crust.
- Crumble the remaining dough on top of the cranberry layer.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool, then mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make the glaze. Drizzle over the cooled bars before slicing.
How to Serve Cranberry Crumble Bars
Serve these bars at room temperature. You can cut them into squares or rectangles for easy serving. They pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee. For an extra touch, consider serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side.
How to Store Cranberry Crumble Bars
To keep your Cranberry Crumble Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week. You can also freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well before freezing.
Tips to Make Cranberry Crumble Bars
- Make sure your butter is softened, not melted. This helps create a nice crumbly texture.
- If you like it sweeter, you can add some extra sugar to the cranberry filling.
- Add some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the crumble for added texture and flavor.
- You can substitute the orange juice with lemon juice for a different zing.
Variation
You can try other fruits like blueberries or raspberries instead of cranberries. This recipe is quite versatile, allowing you to change the flavors based on your preference and what’s in season.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, frozen cranberries work well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before mixing with the other filling ingredients.
What if I don’t have orange juice?
You can use lemon juice, apple juice, or even water as a substitute for orange juice. Each will give the bars a slightly different flavor.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour, you can make these bars gluten-free. Just be sure to check that your other ingredients are also gluten-free.