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Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe

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3.9 from 59 reviews

These Cranberry Crumble Bars feature a delightful combination of tart cranberries with fresh orange zest nestled between a buttery oatmeal crust and a crunchy crumble topping. Perfect for the holidays or any time you want a sweet and tangy treat, these bars are easy to make and bursting with bright flavors.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 24 bars

Ingredients

Crust and Topping

  • 2 cups (250 g) all purpose flour
  • 1 ¼ cups (125 g) old fashioned rolled oats
  • ½ cup (55 g) finely chopped almonds, optional
  • ½ cup (100 g) light brown sugar
  • ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened, but still cool, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Filling

  • 4 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
  • ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
  • 2 teaspoons orange zest
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350° F (175° C). Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper and set aside to prepare the crust.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients for Crust and Topping: In the bowl of a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, combine flour, rolled oats, chopped almonds (if using), light brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix for about 30 seconds until well combined.
  3. Add Butter, Egg, and Vanilla: With the mixer on low speed, add the softened butter pieces and mix until the mixture resembles coarse sand, about 2 minutes. Next, add the beaten egg and vanilla extract and mix until just combined.
  4. Form the Crust: Transfer half of the crumble mixture to the prepared baking pan. Using your hands or the back of a measuring cup, press the mixture evenly into the bottom to form the crust layer. Refrigerate the remaining mixture to use later as the topping.
  5. Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until it turns golden brown. Keep the oven on for the next steps.
  6. Prepare the Cranberry Filling: In a medium bowl, toss together the cranberries, granulated sugar, fresh orange juice, orange zest, cornstarch, and vanilla extract until the cranberries are evenly coated.
  7. Assemble the Bars: Spread the cranberry filling evenly over the warm baked crust. Then, sprinkle the remaining oat crumble mixture evenly over the cranberry layer.
  8. Bake the Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cranberry filling is bubbly.
  9. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Cut into 24 squares and serve.

Notes

  • Chopped almonds in the crust and topping are optional but add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor.
  • You can use fresh or frozen cranberries; just be sure to thaw if frozen before mixing with other filling ingredients.
  • Pressing the crust firmly into the pan helps to ensure it holds together when cutting into bars.
  • Allowing the bars to cool completely before cutting will help them set and reduce crumbling.
  • Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://dishiary.com/cranberry-crumble-bars-recipe/