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Cranberry Crumble Bars

Buttery crumble bars with tart cranberry filling — a festive holiday dessert perfect for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or cookie exchanges.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Dessert, Holiday
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened, divided
  • 1 cup granulated sugar divided
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2 cups cranberries fresh or frozen
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1-2 tbsp water if needed for cranberry filling
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Saucepan
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13-inch pan with parchment paper.
  2. Mix ½ cup sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt for the base. Cut in ½ cup butter until coarse crumbs form. Press into pan.
  3. Bake base 12–15 minutes until lightly golden.
  4. Cook cranberries, brown sugar, orange zest, vanilla, and water in a saucepan until thickened.
  5. Spread cranberry filling over baked base. Crumble remaining butter and flour mixture on top.
  6. Bake 20–25 minutes until topping is golden and filling bubbles.
  7. Cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.

Notes

Decorate with powdered sugar or festive toppings. Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze uncut for up to 2 months.