Cranberry Crumble Bars

There’s something magical about the combination of tart cranberries, buttery shortbread, and a touch of citrus. These cranberry crumble bars bring all those flavors together in one perfect bite. If you love fruit pies but don’t want to go through the hassle of rolling out dough and making a lattice top, this recipe is for you. It delivers the same deliciousness with half the effort.

Cranberries are often associated with holiday meals, but these bars deserve a place on your table year-round. The crisp shortbread crust melts in your mouth, while the sweet and tangy cranberry filling provides a bright, refreshing contrast. The crumble topping adds a golden crunch, making every bite a delightful mix of textures. And let’s not forget the vanilla glaze—it’s the finishing touch that brings everything together.

These bars are perfect for a variety of occasions. They make a fantastic addition to a dessert table during holiday gatherings, but they’re also great for everyday treats. Whether you’re enjoying them with your morning coffee, serving them at a family brunch, or packing them for a picnic, they always hit the spot.

One of the best things about this recipe is how simple it is to make. It’s a one-pan dessert that doesn’t require fancy techniques. The shortbread crust doubles as the crumble topping, which means fewer ingredients and less prep time. Plus, the cranberry filling comes together in minutes with just a few basic ingredients.

If you’ve never baked with cranberries before, this recipe is the perfect introduction. Their natural tartness balances the sweetness of the shortbread and glaze, creating a dessert that’s never too heavy or overly sweet. Once you try these cranberry crumble bars, you’ll find yourself making them again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Crumble Bars

There are so many reasons to love these cranberry crumble bars, whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started in the kitchen.

Easy to Make

This recipe requires only one pan and a handful of ingredients. The shortbread crust and topping are made from the same dough, so you won’t need to prepare multiple layers separately. You also don’t need a mixer—just a bowl, a spoon, and a little bit of mixing.

Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tart

The natural tartness of cranberries is balanced by the sweetness of the shortbread crust and vanilla glaze. This contrast makes each bite satisfying and keeps the bars from being overly sugary.

Great for Any Occasion

These bars are versatile and travel-friendly, making them a great choice for potlucks, picnics, and holiday gatherings. They also store well, so you can bake them ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week.

Customizable

If you like to get creative in the kitchen, there are plenty of ways to switch up this recipe. You can add nuts for extra crunch, swap the cranberries for another fruit, or experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom.

Delicious Warm or Cold

These bars taste amazing both fresh out of the oven and chilled from the fridge. If you prefer a warm dessert, you can even heat them up for a few seconds in the microwave and serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Kid-Friendly and Family-Approved

The combination of buttery shortbread, fruity filling, and sweet glaze makes these bars a hit with both kids and adults. They’re fun to eat, easy to hold, and perfect for sharing.

Health Benefits Cranberry Crumble Bars

While these cranberry crumble bars are definitely a treat, they do offer some surprising health benefits, thanks to their key ingredients.

Cranberries Are Packed with Antioxidants

Cranberries are rich in antioxidants, which help protect your body from oxidative stress and inflammation. They’re also high in vitamin C, which supports your immune system and promotes healthy skin.

Oats Provide Fiber and Nutrients

If you choose to add oats to the crumble topping, you’ll be getting an extra boost of fiber. Oats help with digestion, keep you feeling full longer, and provide important nutrients like magnesium and iron.

Orange Zest Adds Vitamin C

The citrus zest and juice in the filling not only enhance the flavor but also add a dose of vitamin C, which supports overall health and boosts immunity.

Homemade Desserts Reduce Processed Ingredients

By making these bars at home, you can control the ingredients and avoid preservatives, artificial flavors, and excessive sugar found in store-bought desserts. You can also make simple swaps, like using whole wheat flour for extra fiber or reducing the sugar to make them less sweet.

Butter in Moderation Can Be Beneficial

While butter is often considered indulgent, it does contain healthy fats and fat-soluble vitamins that support brain function and overall health. As with any dessert, moderation is key, but enjoying a homemade treat made with real ingredients is always better than consuming highly processed sweets.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information Cranberry Crumble Bars

Before diving into the step-by-step process, let’s go over the estimated time commitment and nutritional details of these cranberry crumble bars.

• Total Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Baking Time: 45 minutes
• Cooling Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Servings: 12 bars

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 250
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 18g

The exact nutritional values may vary based on ingredient choices and portion sizes, but these bars provide a good mix of energy-boosting carbs, healthy fats, and fiber from the cranberries and optional oats.

Ingredients List Cranberry Crumble Bars

 Shortbread Crust and Crumble Topping:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for extra warmth)
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

 Cranberry Filling:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• ½ cup granulated sugar (adjust based on sweetness preference)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

 Vanilla Glaze:

• ¾ cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk (or heavy cream for a richer texture)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions: Cranberry Crumble Bars

These cranberry crumble bars are the perfect mix of tart, sweet, and buttery goodness—and the best part? They’re ridiculously easy to make. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a potluck, or just because (honestly, do we ever need an excuse for dessert?), these bars deliver on flavor without the fuss of making a pie.

Here’s exactly how to make them, step by step!

 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Before you start, make sure you have everything ready to go. You’ll need:

 Shortbread Crust & Crumble Topping:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt

 Cranberry Filling:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

 Vanilla Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Pro Tip: If using frozen cranberries, don’t thaw them—just toss them right into the mixture frozen to prevent them from getting mushy.

 2: Make the Shortbread Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. Cream the butter and sugars. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
3. Add the wet ingredients. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
4. Mix in the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. The dough should be soft and slightly crumbly.
5. Set aside about 1 cup of the dough for the crumble topping. Cover and refrigerate it while you move on to the crust.

 3: Pre-Bake the Shortbread Crust

1. Press the remaining dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Use your fingers or the bottom of a measuring cup to press it firmly into place.
2. Bake the crust for 15 minutes. This helps it hold up under the cranberry filling. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the cranberry layer.

 4: Prepare the Cranberry Filling

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, sugar, cornstarch, orange zest, and orange juice.
2. Stir frequently and bring the mixture to a simmer. The cranberries will start to burst, and the mixture will thicken in about 5-7 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let it cool for a few minutes before spreading over the crust.

Pro Tip: If you prefer a smoother filling, mash the cranberries slightly with a fork or blend them briefly in a food processor.

 5: Assemble & Bake the Bars

1. Spread the cranberry filling evenly over the baked shortbread crust.
2. Take the reserved crumble dough from the fridge and sprinkle it over the cranberry layer. The chunks don’t have to be uniform—rustic crumbles make for the best texture!
3. Bake for 40-45 minutes until the topping is lightly golden brown and the cranberry filling is bubbly.
4. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before adding the glaze.

Pro Tip: If you want extra-crispy crumbles, broil the bars for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking.

 6: Drizzle the Vanilla Glaze

1. Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk. If too thin, add a touch more powdered sugar.
2. Drizzle over the cooled bars using a spoon or piping bag.
3. Let the glaze set for about 10 minutes before slicing.

How to Serve Cranberry Crumble Bars

These bars are delicious straight from the pan, but here are some fun ways to serve them:

• Classic Style: Just slice and serve at room temperature. The buttery crust, tart cranberry filling, and sweet glaze are the perfect balance.
• With Ice Cream: Warm up a bar for 10 seconds in the microwave and serve with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
• With Whipped Cream: A dollop of homemade whipped cream adds a light, creamy contrast.
• Dusting of Powdered Sugar: Skip the glaze and dust with powdered sugar for a more subtle sweetness.
• Holiday Dessert Board: Serve alongside shortbread cookies, chocolate truffles, and spiced nuts for a festive treat platter.

Pro Tip: If serving for a party, cut them into bite-sized squares for easy grab-and-go portions.

Pairing Suggestions

These bars are a dream with hot drinks, cold treats, and even a few savory options to balance the sweetness.

Drinks That Pair Well:

• Coffee: A hot cup of dark roast or espresso balances the sweetness of the bars.
• Tea: A mug of chai or Earl Grey enhances the warm cinnamon and orange flavors.
• Hot Chocolate: Rich and creamy hot cocoa takes these bars to dessert heaven.

Other Desserts That Go Well:

• Cheesecake: The tart cranberries complement the rich, creamy texture of classic cheesecake.
• Chocolate Bark: Dark chocolate bark with almonds or sea salt makes a perfect contrast.
• Sugar Cookies: Simple, buttery cookies are a great sidekick to these fruity bars.

Savory Pairings for a Balanced Spread:

• Cheese Board: Pair with brie, sharp cheddar, or gouda for a mix of creamy, sharp, and buttery flavors.
• Roasted Nuts: Candied pecans or salted almonds add a delicious crunch.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

Storage:

• Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• If storing longer, keep them in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Freezing:

1. Freeze the bars without the glaze. This prevents the glaze from getting sticky upon thawing.
2. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container.
3. Freeze for up to 3 months.
4. To thaw: Leave at room temperature for 1-2 hours, then drizzle with fresh glaze before serving.

Reheating:

• Microwave: Warm a bar for 10-15 seconds to soften the texture.
• Oven: Reheat in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes for a fresh-baked feel.

Pro Tip: If reheating, add extra glaze after warming for the best taste!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though these cranberry crumble bars are pretty simple to make, there are a few common mistakes that can trip you up. Avoid these, and you’ll end up with perfectly buttery, fruit-filled bars every time!

1. Not Pre-Baking the Crust

Skipping the pre-bake on the shortbread crust is one of the biggest mistakes. If you pour the cranberry filling onto raw dough, the bottom layer won’t set properly, leading to a soggy, underbaked texture. That quick 15-minute pre-bake at 350°F ensures a sturdy, melt-in-your-mouth base.

2. Using Too Much Liquid in the Filling

While cranberries naturally release juice as they cook, adding too much orange juice (or skipping the cornstarch) can lead to a runny filling that doesn’t set up properly. Stick to the recipe measurements to get that perfectly thick, jammy consistency.

3. Overmixing the Shortbread Dough

Shortbread crust is supposed to be tender and crumbly, not tough. Overmixing the dough activates the gluten in the flour, leading to a denser, chewier crust rather than a light, buttery one. Mix just until the ingredients come together.

4. Cutting the Bars Too Soon

It’s tempting to dig in right away, but cutting into warm bars will leave you with a gooey mess. Let them cool completely so the filling sets and holds its shape when sliced. For best results, chill them for an hour before cutting.

5. Overbaking the Bars

Cranberry crumble bars should have a golden-brown top and set filling, but baking too long can dry them out. Keep an eye on them around the 40-minute mark and take them out when the crumble topping is lightly golden.

6. Skipping the Glaze or Adding It Too Soon

That vanilla glaze takes these bars to the next level, but if you drizzle it while the bars are still warm, it will melt into the topping instead of creating that pretty drizzle effect. Wait until they’re completely cool before adding it.

Pro Tips for the Best Cranberry Crumble Bars

Want to take your cranberry crumble bars from good to absolutely incredible? These pro tips will help you get the perfect balance of crispy, buttery crust and sweet-tart filling every time.

1. Use Cold Butter for the Crust

Cold butter is key to achieving a flaky, tender shortbread crust. Softened butter will blend too much with the flour, making the crust denser. Cut your butter into small cubes and mix it in while it’s still cold for the best results.

2. Add Almond Extract for a Flavor Boost

A little almond extract (just ½ teaspoon) in the shortbread dough or glaze gives these bars a rich, bakery-style flavor that pairs beautifully with the tart cranberries.

3. Toast the Crumble Topping for Extra Crunch

If you love a crispier topping, bake the crumble separately on a sheet pan for 5-7 minutes before adding it to the bars. This gives it a toasty, golden crunch that’s irresistible.

4. Make the Bars a Day Ahead for the Best Texture

Cranberry crumble bars actually taste better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. Store them in the fridge overnight and bring them to room temperature before serving.

5. Swap the Cranberries for Other Fruits

While cranberries are the star, this recipe works beautifully with blueberries, raspberries, or cherries. Just adjust the sugar slightly depending on how tart the fruit is.

6. Freeze Before Cutting for Clean Slices

For picture-perfect bars, pop them in the freezer for about 30 minutes before slicing. This helps firm up the filling and prevents messy, uneven cuts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well. No need to thaw them—just add them straight to the filling. You may need to bake the bars for a few extra minutes to account for the extra moisture.

2. What can I use instead of orange juice?

If you’re out of orange juice, you can use lemon juice or even apple juice. Lemon juice will make the filling a bit more tart, while apple juice will add a touch of extra sweetness.

3. How do I store these bars?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them without the glaze and add it after thawing.

4. Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious.

5. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You sure can! Use vegan butter or coconut oil for the crust and dairy-free milk (like almond or oat milk) in the glaze.

6. How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The topping should be lightly golden, and the cranberry filling should be bubbling slightly around the edges. If you insert a toothpick into the crumble, it should come out with only a few moist crumbs.

7. Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. You may need to extend the baking time by about 5-10 minutes.

8. What if my glaze is too thick or too thin?

If your glaze is too thick, add a tiny splash of milk. If it’s too thin, mix in a little more powdered sugar until you get the perfect drizzling consistency.

9. Do I have to use cinnamon in the crust?

Nope! The cinnamon adds a warm, cozy flavor, but if you prefer a classic shortbread taste, you can leave it out.

10. Can I use a food processor to make the shortbread dough?

Yes! A food processor makes it super easy to mix the crust ingredients quickly. Just pulse until the dough starts to come together in small clumps.

Conclusion & Call to Action

These Cranberry Crumble Bars are everything you love about a good fruit dessert—sweet, tart, buttery, and just the right amount of crumbly. The combination of the buttery shortbread crust, vibrant cranberry filling, and sweet vanilla glaze makes them a total crowd-pleaser, perfect for the holidays or any time you need a quick and easy dessert.

What I love most about these bars is their versatility. You can switch up the fruit, add nuts for extra crunch, or even swap the glaze for a dusting of powdered sugar. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, holiday party, or just to treat yourself, they’re always a hit!

Now it’s your turn! Try these bars out, and let me know how they turn out in the comments. Did you make any fun variations? I’d love to hear!

📸 If you make this recipe, don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram! Seeing your delicious creations makes my day.

Happy baking! 😊🍪

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