Cranberry Orange Crumble Bars – A Sweet and Tangy Delight

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Have you ever found yourself craving something that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tart? Something that’s both refreshing and comforting, with a texture that hits all the right notes? If so, these Cranberry Orange Crumble Bars are exactly what you need. These delightful bars bring together the vibrant tang of fresh cranberries with the bright, zesty notes of orange, all topped off with a buttery, oat-filled crumble. The result? A dessert that’s guaranteed to steal the show at any gathering and become your new go-to treat.

Whether you’re looking for a sweet addition to your holiday spread or a cozy dessert to enjoy with a warm cup of tea, these cranberry orange crumble bars are perfect for any occasion. With a few simple ingredients and a bit of your time, you can create a dessert that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Let’s dive into the recipe and learn why these bars are an irresistible choice for your next baking adventure.

Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Orange Crumble Bars

These bars are more than just another dessert—they’re a burst of flavor and texture that will leave you coming back for more. Here’s why they should be on your baking radar:

• Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The tartness of the cranberries combined with the citrusy brightness of orange creates a harmonious contrast that tantalizes your taste buds.
• Versatile and Festive: These bars are ideal for holiday celebrations, brunches, or as a quick afternoon snack. Their vibrant color and unique flavor profile will make them a crowd favorite.
• Simple to Make: Don’t be fooled by their gourmet appearance—these bars are surprisingly easy to make with basic ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen.

Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Crumble Bars

Before you get started, it’s important to have all your ingredients ready. Below, you’ll find everything you need to make the crust, filling, and crumble topping that will bring these cranberry orange crumble bars to life.

Crust & Topping Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount
Brown Sugar	1/2 cup + 3 tablespoons
Cane Sugar (or Granulated)	1/2 cup
All-Purpose Flour (or GF Flour)	2 3/4 cups
Rolled Oats	1/4 cup
Ground Flax	1 tablespoon
Kosher Salt	Pinch
Large Egg	1
Vanilla Extract	1 teaspoon
Salted Butter (room temp)	1 cup

Cranberry Filling Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount
Cornstarch	1 tablespoon
Cane Sugar	1/2 cup
Orange Zest	2-3 teaspoons
Orange Juice	1 tablespoon
Vanilla Extract	1/2 teaspoon
Fresh Cranberries	4 cups
Ground Nutmeg	1/8 teaspoon

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cranberry Orange Crumble Bars

Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and start baking. This section will guide you through every step of the process to ensure your cranberry orange crumble bars turn out perfect every time.

Preparing the Crust and Topping

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing the sides to fold over for easy removal later. Lightly grease the bottom of the pan with a bit of olive oil or your preferred non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, cane sugar, all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour), rolled oats, ground flax, and kosher salt. This will form the base of both the crust and topping. Set this mixture aside.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the large egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth. Add this wet mixture to your dry ingredients, stirring until well combined.
4. Incorporate Butter: Cube your room-temperature butter and add it to the flour mixture. Use a fork or pastry cutter to blend the butter into the dry ingredients. You want the mixture to resemble coarse crumbs, with the butter fully incorporated.
5. Form the Crust: Take just over half of the crumbly mixture and pour it into your prepared baking pan. Use your hands or fingertips to press the mixture down firmly and evenly to create the crust layer. Set this aside while you prepare the filling.

Preparing the Cranberry Filling

1. Mix Dry Ingredients for Filling: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cornstarch and cane sugar. Stir in the fresh orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract until smooth. This mixture will act as the binding agent for the cranberries.
2. Fold in Cranberries: Gently add the fresh cranberries into the mixture. Carefully fold them until they are evenly coated in the sugar mixture.
3. Layer the Cranberry Filling: Pour the cranberry mixture evenly over the prepared crust in your baking pan. Spread it out with a spatula to make sure the cranberries are distributed evenly.

Topping the Bars and Baking

1. Prepare the Crumble Topping: With the remaining flour mixture, add 3 tablespoons of brown sugar and mix well. Then, use a fork to crumble this mixture evenly over the cranberry filling.
2. Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown, and the cranberry filling is bubbling. This will ensure that the bars are cooked through, with a crisp topping and tender filling.
3. Cool and Slice: After baking, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely. This is crucial, as it allows the filling to set and makes it easier to cut the bars into neat squares. Once cooled, slice them into 16 bars and serve.

Tips for Making the Best Cranberry Orange Crumble Bars

While the recipe is simple and straightforward, there are a few tips and tricks that can help you make these bars even better.

Use Fresh Cranberries

Fresh cranberries are key to the tart, vibrant flavor of these bars. Frozen cranberries can be used in a pinch, but make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from affecting the texture of the filling.

Customize the Crust

Feel free to experiment with the crust. If you need a gluten-free option, swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Adding oats and ground flax to the crust not only enhances the flavor but also adds a bit of healthy fiber.

Add a Dash of Spice

If you enjoy warming spices, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or ginger to the filling or crust. This will add an extra layer of depth to the flavor, especially in the colder months.

Why This Recipe is a Winner for Any Occasion

These Cranberry Orange Crumble Bars are incredibly versatile and perfect for a variety of occasions:

• Holiday Gatherings: Their festive colors and unique flavor combination make them an excellent choice for holiday parties, Thanksgiving, or Christmas dessert tables.
• Brunch or Afternoon Tea: Serve them alongside your favorite hot beverages for a sweet treat that complements your morning or afternoon routine.
• Gift Giving: If you’re looking for a homemade gift that’s as thoughtful as it is delicious, these bars are a perfect choice. Wrap them up in parchment paper and a ribbon for a charming gift.

No matter when or where you serve them, these cranberry orange crumble bars are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving (1 bar):

• Calories: 250
• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Servings: 16 bars
• Dietary Information: Can be made gluten-free (using GF flour) and vegan (with egg and butter substitutes). Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Filet Mignon with Shrimp and Lobster Cream Sauce recipe

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cranberry Orange Crumble Bars

Can I make these Cranberry Orange Crumble Bars ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! These bars actually taste even better after sitting for a day or two. Simply store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them.

Can I freeze the bars?

Yes! After baking and cooling, you can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. To freeze, slice them first and store them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container.

Can I substitute dried cranberries for fresh cranberries?

While fresh cranberries provide the perfect tartness and texture, you can use dried cranberries if you prefer. Just keep in mind that dried cranberries are typically sweeter than fresh cranberries, so you may want to adjust the sugar levels in the recipe accordingly.

Conclusion: A Tangy, Buttery Treat You’ll Make Again and Again

There’s something truly special about these Cranberry Orange Crumble Bars—they’re the perfect blend of tangy cranberries, bright orange zest, and a buttery, oat-filled crumble topping. Whether you’re making them for a festive occasion or just as a treat for yourself, they’re sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire.

Ready to bake? Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and treat yourself to the sweet and tangy delight of cranberry orange crumble bars. And once you’ve made them, don’t forget to share them with friends and family—because the joy of these bars is meant to be shared.

Happy baking!

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