CRANBERRY CRUMBLE BARS

Cranberry Crumble Bars: The Perfect Treat for the Holiday Season

As the holiday season approaches, many of us start to think about baking up a storm to fill our homes with the sweet aromas of fresh-baked goods. Among the many delicious treats that crop up during this time of year, one classic recipe that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser is the humble cranberry crumble bar.

These tender, chewy bars are infused with the tart flavor of fresh cranberries, then topped with a crunchy crumble mixture that’s sure to satisfy even the sweetest of tooth. And the best part? They’re incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and a few minutes of prep time.

The Magic of Cranberries

At the heart of these bars are the humble cranberries, a fruit that’s often overlooked in favor of more exotic ingredients. But in our opinion, there’s no substitute for the sweet-tart flavor of fresh cranberries when it comes to baking. Their tangy flavor adds a welcome brightness to the richness of the buttery crust and sweetness of the sugar, creating a balance that’s simply sublime.

The Crumble Topping: The Perfect Finishing Touch

Of course, the cranberries aren’t the only star of the show – the crumble topping is the true MVP of these bars. Made with a mix of rolled oats, brown sugar, and butter, the crumble topping adds a satisfying crunch and a touch of sweetness to every bite. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to customize – feel free to add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to give the crumble an extra boost of flavor.

The Recipe: A Simple and Delicious Classic

Ready to give these bars a try? Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 sticks of unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1/4 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined.
3. Stir in the cranberries until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
4. Press the dough into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to the edges.
5. In a separate bowl, combine the oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Mix until well combined. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the cranberry mixture.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crumble is golden brown and the bars are set.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan. Cut into bars and serve.

Tips and Variations

• To make these bars gluten-free, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Want to add a little extra flavor to your crumble? Try mixing in some chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work beautifully) or a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg.
• For an extra-fancy touch, try using a flavored extract (like vanilla or orange) in the crumble topping.
• These bars are perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or even just a sweet treat for the family.

In short, these cranberry crumble bars are a holiday classic that’s sure to become a new favorite. With their sweet and tangy flavor combination, crunchy crumble topping, and easy prep, it’s no wonder they’re a staple of the season. So go ahead – give them a try, and taste the magic for yourself!

CRANBERRY CRUMBLE BARS