Cranberry Crumble Bars [60 Minutes]: A Quick, Delicious Treat!

Introduction to Cranberry Crumble Bars [60 Minutes]

Hey there, fellow food lovers! If you’re anything like me, you know that life can get pretty hectic. Between juggling work, family, and everything in between, finding time to whip up a delicious dessert can feel like a daunting task. That’s where these Cranberry Crumble Bars come in! They’re a quick solution for a busy day, combining the tartness of cranberries with a buttery crumble topping that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re looking to impress your loved ones or just treat yourself, these bars are the perfect sweet escape. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Crumble Bars [60 Minutes]

These Cranberry Crumble Bars are a dream come true for busy moms and professionals alike. They come together in just 60 minutes, making them a perfect last-minute dessert. The balance of tart cranberries and sweet crumble creates a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, they’re versatile enough to enjoy at any time—whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a quick snack during your hectic day!

Ingredients for Cranberry Crumble Bars [60 Minutes]

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful Cranberry Crumble Bars. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Cranberries: Fresh or frozen, these little gems provide a tart burst of flavor that balances the sweetness of the crumble.
• Granulated Sugar: This sweetener is essential for enhancing the natural sweetness of the cranberries and creating that lovely crumble texture.
• All-Purpose Flour: A key player in the crumble, it helps bind everything together while giving it a nice structure.
• Rolled Oats: These add a hearty texture and a nutty flavor, making the crumble topping even more satisfying.
• Unsalted Butter: Melted butter brings richness and moisture to the crumble, ensuring it’s perfectly buttery and delicious.
• Baking Powder: This leavening agent helps the bars rise slightly, giving them a light and airy texture.
• Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness and tartness beautifully.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla adds warmth and depth, making every bite feel like a hug.

For those who like to experiment, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon for warmth or swapping out cranberries for blueberries or raspberries for a different twist. You can find the exact measurements for these ingredients at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!

How to Make Cranberry Crumble Bars [60 Minutes]

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making these Cranberry Crumble Bars! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious treat in no time.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures even baking. If you skip this step, your bars might not cook properly, leading to a soggy bottom. Trust me, no one wants that!

Step 2: Prepare the Cranberries

In a bowl, mix your cranberries with half a cup of sugar. This step is essential for flavor. The sugar helps to draw out the natural juices from the cranberries, creating a sweet-tart filling that’s simply divine. Set this mixture aside while you work on the crumble.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, the remaining sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix them well. This combination creates a crumbly texture that will be the base and topping of your bars. The oats add a lovely heartiness, making each bite satisfying.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Now, pour in the melted butter and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture becomes crumbly. The melted butter is key here; it binds the dry ingredients together while adding richness. The vanilla? It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds!

Step 5: Assemble the Bars

Take half of the crumble mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of a greased baking dish. This will be your crust. Next, spread the cranberry mixture evenly over the crust. Finally, sprinkle the remaining crumble on top. This layering creates a beautiful contrast of textures.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pop your baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and the cranberries are bubbling. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean, signaling that your bars are ready.

Step 7: Cool and Cut

Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool completely. This step is crucial for achieving the best texture. If you cut them too soon, they might crumble apart. Patience is key here, but I promise it’s worth the wait!

Tips for Success

• Use fresh cranberries for a vibrant flavor, but frozen works just as well!
• Don’t skip the cooling step; it helps the bars set properly.
• For a sweeter treat, adjust the sugar to your taste.
• Try adding nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Equipment Needed

• Baking Dish: A 9×9 inch square dish works perfectly, but any similar size will do.
• Mixing Bowls: Use two medium bowls for mixing ingredients; one for dry and one for wet.
• Measuring Cups: Essential for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Spatula: A rubber spatula is great for mixing and spreading.
• Cooling Rack: Helps cool the bars evenly, but a plate works too!

Variations of Cranberry Crumble Bars [60 Minutes]

• Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
• Chocolate Lovers: Mix in chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate on top for a decadent twist.
• Spiced Up: Incorporate a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg into the crumble for a warm, cozy flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure oats are certified gluten-free.
• Berry Medley: Swap cranberries for a mix of berries like blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries for a fruity explosion.

Serving Suggestions for Cranberry Crumble Bars [60 Minutes]

• Pair with Ice Cream: Serve warm bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
• Drizzle with Honey: A light drizzle of honey adds a touch of sweetness.
• Garnish with Mint: Fresh mint leaves make for a beautiful presentation.
• Enjoy with Tea: These bars pair wonderfully with a cup of herbal tea.

FAQs about Cranberry Crumble Bars [60 Minutes]

As a passionate home cook, I often get questions about my favorite recipes. Here are some common queries about these Cranberry Crumble Bars that might help you out!

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones. Just remember to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before mixing with sugar.

How do I store leftover bars?

Store your Cranberry Crumble Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the bars a day in advance. Just bake, cool, and store them in the fridge. They’ll be ready to serve when you are!

What can I substitute for butter?

If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute works well. Just melt it like you would with regular butter.

Can I add other fruits?

Definitely! Feel free to mix in other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for a delightful twist. Just keep the proportions similar to maintain the texture.

Final Thoughts

Making these Cranberry Crumble Bars is more than just baking; it’s about creating sweet memories in the kitchen. The joy of mixing, layering, and finally tasting that perfect balance of tart and sweet is truly rewarding. Whether you’re sharing them with family or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea, these bars bring a little happiness to your day. Plus, they’re so easy to whip up, you’ll find yourself making them again and again. So, roll up your sleeves and let the delightful aroma fill your home—your taste buds will thank you!

Cranberry Crumble Bars [60 Minutes]: A Quick, Delicious Treat!

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• Author: dishrcp_admin
• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Cranberry Crumble Bars are a quick and delicious treat that combines the tartness of cranberries with a buttery crumble topping.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix cranberries with 1/2 cup of sugar and set aside.
3. In another bowl, combine flour, oats, remaining sugar, baking powder, and salt.
4. Add melted butter and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and mix until crumbly.
5. Press half of the crumble mixture into the bottom of a greased baking dish.
6. Spread the cranberry mixture over the crust.
7. Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture on top of the cranberries.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
9. Allow to cool before cutting into bars.

Notes

• For a sweeter taste, adjust the sugar according to your preference.
• These bars can be served warm or cold.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 15mg