Description

Cranberry Crumb Bars are a delightful dessert featuring a buttery shortbread crust, tart cranberry filling, and a crisp crumb topping. Infused with hints of orange zest and cinnamon, these bars are a festive treat perfect for the holidays or any time of the year. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, they’re ideal for serving at parties, gatherings, or as a sweet snack with coffee.

Ingredients

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For the Crust and Crumb Topping:

1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, room temperature
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Cranberry Filling:

1 1/4 cups sour cream, room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup orange juice
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 teaspoons orange zest
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
4 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries

For the Optional Orange Glaze:

1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted
1 tablespoon orange juice

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal. Spray with non-stick baking spray.
Make the Crust and Crumb Topping:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
- Add flour, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until crumbly. Reserve 2 cups of this mixture for the topping.
- Press the remaining mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes and set aside to cool.
Prepare the Cranberry Filling:
- In a large bowl, whisk together sour cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, orange juice, eggs, flour, cornstarch, vanilla, orange zest, cinnamon, and almond extract until smooth.
- Fold in 2½ cups of cranberries.
Assemble the Bars:
- Pour the cranberry filling over the partially baked crust, spreading evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining cranberries over the filling.
- Scatter the reserved crumb mixture over the top, pinching it into clumps.
Bake the Bars:
- Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is set. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, at least 1 hour.
Optional Glaze:
- Whisk confectioners’ sugar and orange juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bars before slicing.

Category: Desserts