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Cranberry Crumble Bars

A delightful treat with a buttery crust, packed with tart cranberries and topped with a sweet glaze, perfect for cozy gatherings and festive occasions.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 16 squares
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Crust and Crumble Topping
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature For easy creaming.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar For sweetness.
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour Use a high-quality brand for best results.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder Helps bars rise.
For the Cranberry Filling
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries Opt for plump, juicy cranberries.
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar Adds depth with caramel flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon orange juice Freshly squeezed, if possible.
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract A key ingredient for sweetness.
For the Glaze
  • 1 cup powdered sugar For sweet finishing touch.
  • 2 tablespoons milk Mix until smooth.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9 inch baking dish.
  2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually incorporate dry mixture into the creamed mixture, beating until fully combined.
  4. Press three-quarters of the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  5. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, brown sugar, orange juice, and vanilla extract. Stir until cranberries soften and pop, about 5-7 minutes. Pour filling evenly over prepared crust.
  6. Crumble the remaining dough over the cranberry filling and distribute evenly.
Baking
  1. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Finishing Touches
  1. Allow bars to cool completely in the pan. Whisk together powdered sugar and milk to form a smooth glaze and drizzle over the cooled bars.
  2. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

Keep bars in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or refrigerate for up to a week. They can be frozen for up to three months.