Description
Experience pure delight with these Cranberry Crumble Bars, featuring a golden, buttery crust, a vibrant, tart cranberry filling, and a perfectly sweet crumb topping. They are surprisingly easy to make and perfect for any occasion, from festive gatherings to cozy afternoon treats.
Ingredients
Scale
For the crust and crumble:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) salt
- 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
For the cranberry filling:
- 3 cups (340g) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon (5g) cornstarch
- 1/4 cup (60ml) water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch (20x20cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides for easy removal.
- Make the crust and crumble: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Reserve 1 cup (120g) of the crumble mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form an even crust.
- Bake the crust for 15 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool slightly while preparing the filling.
- Make the cranberry filling: In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until cranberries burst and mixture thickens, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Spread the cranberry filling evenly over the baked crust. Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture over the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set before cutting into 16 bars.
Notes
- Cold Butter is Key: Ensure butter is very cold and cubed for the flakiest crumble.
- Cooling Time: Allow bars to cool completely and chill for at least 2 hours for best results and clean cuts.
- Versatility: Use fresh or frozen cranberries; no need to thaw frozen ones.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: cranberry crumble bars, cranberry bars, crumble bars recipe, cranberry dessert, easy baking, fruit bars, holiday dessert, sweet and tart
