Cranberry Crumble Bars That Bring a Sweet and Tart Explosion in Every Bite

If you're looking for a dessert that perfectly balances sweet, tart, and buttery flavors, these Cranberry Crumble Bars are exactly what you need! Featuring a tender sugar cookie crust, a juicy cranberry filling, and a crumbly, buttery topping, these bars are bursting with flavor. The combination of the chewy base and the tart cranberries makes these bars a wonderful treat for any occasion, especially around the holidays. Perfect for potlucks, dessert trays, or just enjoying with a cup of coffee, these bars will quickly become a family favorite.

Scroll down for the recipe!

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The Inspiration Behind Cranberry Crumble Bars

Cranberries are often seen as a holiday staple, but their bright, tart flavor is too good to save for just one season! These bars are inspired by the versatility of cranberries and the comforting texture of a good crumble topping. The sugar cookie base provides the perfect chewy foundation, while the cranberry filling adds a burst of fruity goodness. The crumble topping, made from a combination of cookie dough, oats, and cinnamon, ties everything together with a delightful buttery crunch.

Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Crumble Bars

Not only are these bars packed with flavor, but they’re also incredibly easy to make. The crust and crumble topping come together from the same dough, cutting down on prep time. The cranberries cook down to a perfect jam-like consistency, while the crumble topping adds texture and a bit of sweetness. The result is a dessert that’s bursting with vibrant flavor and comforting in every bite. Plus, they’re versatile—serve them warm for a gooey treat or at room temperature for a firmer, chewy bar.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 12 Bars):

• Calories: 290 kcal
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Protein: 2g
• Sodium: 160mg
• Fiber: 2g

These bars are a delicious treat that combines wholesome oats with a fresh burst of cranberries. They’re perfect as a standalone dessert or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These Cranberry Crumble Bars are fantastic on their own but can also be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. If you want to bring out the tartness even more, serve them with a side of citrus-infused whipped cream or a drizzle of lemon glaze. These bars pair beautifully with a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or even a glass of sparkling wine for a more festive presentation.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate the bars for up to a week, or freeze them for up to 2 months. When freezing, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes. You can also warm the bars in the oven for a few minutes at 325°F for a freshly-baked feel.

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Fun Fact: The History of Cranberries in Desserts

Cranberries have been a part of American cuisine for centuries, traditionally harvested by Native Americans and used in a variety of dishes. Their tartness makes them a perfect companion for sweet desserts, and they’ve become a staple ingredient in festive holiday treats, from pies to sauces. These Cranberry Crumble Bars are a delicious way to enjoy this classic fruit in a more casual and fun format!

Cooking Tips

• Frozen Cranberries Work Wonders: If you don’t have access to fresh cranberries, frozen ones will work perfectly! Just be sure to thaw them before using and drain any excess liquid.
• Oats for Extra Texture: The addition of quick oats in the crumble topping not only adds flavor but also gives the bars a delightful chewy texture.
• Crispier Topping: For an even crispier crumble topping, you can add a sprinkle of granulated sugar over the bars just before baking.

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Optional Variations

• Add Nuts: For extra crunch, toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumble topping.
• Citrus Zest: Enhance the tartness of the cranberries by adding a little orange or lemon zest to the filling.
• Spice It Up: A pinch of nutmeg or ginger in the crumble topping will add a warm, spicy note that complements the cranberries beautifully.

Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 package (17.5 ounces) sugar cookie mix
• ½ cup salted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ cup quick oats
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Cranberry Filling:

• 12 ounces cranberries, frozen (about 4 cups)
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar
• 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons cranberry juice

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a large bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix, melted butter, egg, flour, oats, and cinnamon. Mix until everything is well combined.
3. Take ¾ of the mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish to create the crust. Set the remaining mixture aside for the crumble topping.
4. In another bowl, mix together the cranberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, ground cinnamon, and cranberry juice until the cranberries are well-coated.
5. Spread the cranberry mixture evenly over the crust.
6. Sprinkle the remaining cookie mixture on top of the cranberries, spreading it out evenly to create the crumble topping.
7. Bake the bars for 35 to 40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
8. Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before cutting them into squares. You can serve them warm for a gooey texture or let them cool completely for a firmer bite.

These Cranberry Crumble Bars are the perfect mix of tart and sweet, with a crumbly, buttery topping that’s absolutely irresistible. They’re easy to make, delicious to eat, and will quickly become a go-to dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them warm out of the oven or chilled from the fridge, every bite is a burst of flavor. Give them a try and get ready to fall in love with cranberries all over again!