Cranberry Crumble Bars
Cranberry Crumble Bars blend tart cranberries with a sweet, buttery crumble. Ideal for any occasion. Easy to make and delightful to eat.
Servings: 9
Calories: 608kcal
Ingredients
Ingredients for the Crust:
- 2 cup flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup butter chilled
- 4-5 Tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla
Ingredients for Cranberry Layer:
- 2 ½ cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 4 Tbsp water
- 1 ½ tsp cornstarch
- ¼ cup sugar
- 4 oz cream cheese
Ingredients for Crumb Topping
- 1 ¾ cup flour
- ⅔ cup brown sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup butter chilled
- ½ cup oats
- 1 egg
- 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- Grease a 13” x 9” x 2” pan.
- In a bowl, mix the flour, sugar and salt. Using a pastry cutter or two knives, cut in the butter until you get a small crumbs. Add in the milk and vanilla and mix until the dough starts to come together. Press firmly into the bottom of the pan until you have an even layer. Place in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until it’s lightly golden.
- While the crust is baking, place the cranberries in a saucepan and add the sugar. Mix the cornstarch with water and add it to the pan. Cook the cranberries over medium heat until the berries start to burst and the mixture starts to thicken. Remove from heat and spread over the cooked crust. Add small spoonfuls of cream cheese and swirl with the cranberries.
- In a medium sized bowl, mix flour, sugar, oats, salt and cinnamon. Add in the butter, using a pastry cutter until you get a small crumbs. In a small bowl, whisk the egg until smooth and add the lemon juice. Pour into the crumb mixture and stir until well mixed. Spread over the top of the cranberry layer and place in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until brown and bubbly.
Notes
Storage and Reheating Instructions:
How to Store Cranberry Crumble Bars:
To ensure your Cranberry Crumble Bars remain as delicious as the day you made them, proper storage is key. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to a week.How to Reheat Cranberry Crumble Bars:
Reheating isn't necessary but a quick warm-up in the microwave for a few seconds will bring back that freshly-baked warmth and texture. If you prefer a crispier top, a few minutes in the oven at 350°F should do the trick.Helpful Tips & Substitutions
Can This Be Frozen?
Absolutely! These Cranberry Crumble Bars freeze beautifully. Once they have cooled completely, cut them into bars and wrap each one individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, defrost at room temperature or in the refrigerator overnight.Can This Be Made Ahead of Time?
Yes, making these bars ahead of time is a great way to manage your baking schedule, especially during busy times. You can prepare and bake the bars a day or two in advance, store them properly, and they'll still taste fresh. This make-ahead aspect makes them perfect for events, parties, or as a ready-to-go dessert during the holiday season.Substitutions & Variations
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- Need a gluten-free version? - use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour.
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- Not a fan of cranberries? - try using blueberries, raspberries, or even a mix of berries.
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- Want a nuttier flavor? - add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping.
Helpful Cooking Notes
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- When pressing the crust into the pan, ensure it's evenly spread for consistent baking.
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- If using frozen cranberries, there’s no need to thaw them first.
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- For a smoother cream cheese layer, let the cream cheese soften at room temperature before adding.
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- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting, as this helps them set and makes for cleaner slices.