Cranberry Crumble Bars

$- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 1/2 cups rolled oats - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon fine salt - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1/4 cup honey or pure maple syrup To make the best cranberry crumble bars, gather these ingredients. Fresh or frozen cranberries give a fruity base. Adjust the granulated sugar to your taste. Sweeten the filling with honey or maple syrup. Add vanilla and orange zest for bright flavors. The rolled oats and flour create a crunchy crust. Brown sugar adds depth to the crust. Use fine salt and baking powder for balance and rise. Finally, unsalted butter helps bind everything together. These ingredients blend well to create a sweet and tart treat. Enjoy the process of mixing and baking! {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Preheat the oven and prepare the baking dish: Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab an 8x8 inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper. Make sure the paper hangs over the sides. This helps you lift out the bars later. 2. Combine cranberry filling ingredients: In a medium saucepan, mix together 2 cups of cranberries, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of freshly grated orange zest, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Heat this over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes. Stir it often. You want the cranberries to burst and thicken a bit. Once done, take it off the heat and let it cool. 3. Prepare the oat crust mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of rolled oats, 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of fine salt. Mix until it’s all combined. 4. Assemble the layers: Pour in 3/4 cup of melted unsalted butter and 1/4 cup of honey (or maple syrup) into the dry mix. Stir this well until it forms a crumbly texture. Set aside about 1 cup of this mixture for later. Press the rest firmly into the bottom of your baking dish to create the crust. Spread the cranberry mixture evenly on top, then sprinkle the reserved oat mixture over it. - Baking time and temperature: Place the dish in your oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown, and the edges are a bit crisp. - Tips for checking doneness: To check if the bars are done, look for a golden color on top. You can also gently press the edges to see if they feel firm. If they do, it’s a good sign they are ready! To ensure a crisp bottom crust, press the oat mixture firmly into the pan. This helps it hold together. Bake it longer if you want it extra crispy. Adjusting sweetness is key. If your cranberries are very tart, add more sugar. Taste the cranberry mix before spreading it on the crust. You want a nice balance between tart and sweet. Cranberry crumble bars pair well with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. The creaminess complements the tartness of the cranberries. For presentation, dust the top with powdered sugar. This adds a nice touch. Cut the bars neatly and serve them on a pretty plate for a delightful look. Pro Tips Adjust Sweetness: Depending on the tartness of your cranberries, feel free to adjust the granulated sugar to suit your taste preferences. Cooling Time: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts and maintain their shape. Extra Flavor: For an added depth of flavor, consider adding chopped nuts or seeds to the oat mixture. Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness. {{image_4}} You can switch up the filling in these bars easily. For a twist, try using different fruits. Apples, blueberries, or peaches work great. Each fruit will change the flavor and add its own charm. You can also swap out the sweeteners. If you prefer, use agave syrup instead of honey or maple syrup. You can also reduce the sugar if you want a less sweet treat. Just taste as you go to find the right balance. Adding nuts or seeds gives a nice crunch. Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a rich flavor. You can also sprinkle sunflower seeds on top for an extra boost. Using different spices can really enhance the taste. Try adding nutmeg or ginger for a warm touch. A dash of cardamom can also bring a unique flavor to your bars. Experiment with your favorite spices to find the perfect mix! To keep your cranberry crumble bars fresh, use an airtight container. This method prevents air and moisture from spoiling them. You can store them at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, place them in the fridge. They will stay fresh in the fridge for about a week. Just make sure to cover them well to avoid drying out. If you want to freeze your cranberry crumble bars, first cut them into squares. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can freeze for up to three months. When you're ready to eat them, take out a bar and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. You can also warm them in the oven for a few minutes for a fresh taste. This way, you can enjoy this treat anytime! Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. There is no need to thaw them first. They will cook down nicely while baking. Just keep in mind that frozen cranberries may release more juice, making the filling a bit wetter. The bars are done when the top is golden brown. You can also check the edges. They should look slightly crisp. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Let the bars cool completely in the dish. Use the parchment paper to lift them out. Then, use a sharp knife to cut them into squares or bars. Wipe the knife with a cloth between cuts for neat edges. To make gluten-free cranberry crumble bars, use gluten-free oats and flour. Many brands offer good gluten-free options. Always check labels to ensure they are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination. This blog post covered how to make delicious cranberry crumble bars. You learned about essential ingredients and clear steps for baking. Tips on achieving a perfect crust and serving suggestions were shared. Variations and storage tips will help keep your bars fresh. Enjoy making these bars your own, and share them with friends. They are sure to impress!$

Delicious bars made with a cranberry filling and a crumbly oat topping.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 50

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 16

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
0.5 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest
0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1.5 cups rolled oats
1.5 cups all-purpose flour
0.5 cup packed brown sugar
0.5 teaspoon baking powder
0.5 teaspoon fine salt
0.75 cup unsalted butter, melted
0.25 cup honey or pure maple syrup

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring that there’s an overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the cranberries, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, orange zest, and cinnamon. Cook over medium heat for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cranberries should burst and the mixture will thicken slightly. Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt until fully combined.
Add the melted butter and honey (or maple syrup) to the dry ingredients. Stir everything together until the mixture forms a crumbly texture.
Set aside about 1 cup of the oat mixture to use as the topping. Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create a solid crust layer.
Evenly spread the cranberry mixture over this oat crust, ensuring it covers the entire surface. Then, sprinkle the reserved oat mixture on top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and the edges are slightly crisp.
Once baked, allow the cranberry crumble bars to cool completely in the dish. Carefully lift them out using the parchment paper and slice into squares or bars for serving.

Notes

For an elegant touch, dust the top with powdered sugar before serving. Pair with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.

Keyword bars, cranberry, crumbles, dessert, oat