Name: Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, room temperature; 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar; 1/2 cup (100 g) light brown sugar, packed; 1 large egg, room temperature; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 3 1/4 cups (405 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled; 3/4 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 2 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries; 2/3 cup (133 g) granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon orange zest; 1 tablespoon orange juice; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted; 4 tablespoons whole milk or heavy cream; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a perfect blend of tart cranberries and buttery crumble. This Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe delivers that classic cozy flavor with a buttery shortbread base and a luscious cranberry topping that's just the right balance of sweet and tangy. Trust me, it’s worth every minute in the kitchen.

The image shows several square pieces of crumbly dessert bars arranged closely together on a white marbled surface. Each bar has two main layers: a bottom layer of bright red fruit filling that looks juicy and slightly chunky, and a thick top layer of light golden crumbly dough. The dough is uneven and textured, with some cracks revealing the red filling underneath. White icing is drizzled on top of each square in thin, smooth lines, adding a glossy contrast. The bars look fresh with a rough but soft texture, inviting to bite. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love making cranberry crumble bars for gatherings or cozy weekends. The texture contrast between the crumbly shortbread and the juicy cranberry filling feels just right every time. Plus, it’s a dessert that’s impressive without being complicated—perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers.

Perfect Texture: The shortbread crust is buttery and crisp, while the cranberry filling offers a lively tartness that keeps you coming back for more.
Seasonal Flair: The zing of fresh cranberries balanced with orange zest brightens up the flavors beautifully.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep these bars ahead, making them ideal for busy days or holiday baking marathons.
Versatile Snack: Whether for dessert, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a holiday treat, these bars fit any occasion.

The image shows a single square piece of a fruit dessert bar on a white marbled surface. The dessert has two main visible layers: the bottom and top layers are light golden brown with a crumbly, soft texture, and in between there is a thick, bright red fruit filling with whole and mashed pieces. The top layer is uneven with small chunks and cracks, and white icing is drizzled over the top in thin streaks. The lighting is soft, highlighting the texture and colors of the dessert. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe combines simple pantry staples with fresh cranberries and a hint of citrus to create that irresistible flavor combo. Each ingredient plays a vital role in texture and taste, so choosing quality basics makes a difference.

Flat lay of a few large cubes of unsalted butter, two small piles of granulated sugar and light brown sugar, one whole uncracked large egg with a clean shell, a small white bowl of clear vanilla extract, a mound of all-purpose flour, a small heap of baking powder, a small pile of ground cinnamon, a pinch of kosher salt, a cluster of fresh cranberries, a small white bowl with granulated sugar, a small white bowl with cornstarch, a small pile of bright orange zest, a small white bowl holding fresh orange juice, a small white bowl of vanilla extract, a white ceramic bowl with sifted powdered sugar, a small white bowl filled with whole milk, all ingredients arranged in perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Unsalted Butter: Using room temperature butter helps you achieve a perfectly creamy dough, and unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness in the crust.
Granulated & Brown Sugar: The mix adds sweetness with a caramel-like depth from the brown sugar.
Egg: Binds the dough and adds richness, making the crust tender yet sturdy.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor, adding warmth to both crust and filling.
All-Purpose Flour: The main structure provider for the crumbly shortbread.
Baking Powder: Gives a slight lift, preventing the crust from being too dense.
Cinnamon: Adds cozy spice that complements the cranberries beautifully.
Kosher Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
Fresh or Frozen Cranberries: The star ingredient brings that tangy brightness; frozen works great if fresh aren’t available.
Sugar for Filling: Sweetens the tart cranberries so they’re perfectly balanced.
Cornstarch: Thickens the filling so it sets nicely without being runny.
Orange Zest & Juice: Adds a fresh citrus punch that pairs naturally with cranberries.
Powdered Sugar and Milk for Glaze: The sweet finishing touch that drizzles over the bars for added sweetness and a pretty presentation.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe is how adaptable it is! I often switch up the fruit or spices based on the season or what’s in my fridge, and you can easily customize it too.

Variation: I sometimes swap cranberries for a mix of raspberries and blueberries for a different berry blend. It’s delicious and gives a nice color contrast.
Dietary Mod: Using a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose creates a great gluten-free version that still holds together nicely.
Sweetness Level: If you like your bars less sweet, reduce the sugar in the cranberry filling by a couple tablespoons—makes the tartness pop even more.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe

Step 1: Creaming the Butter and Sugars to Perfection

Start by creaming the softened unsalted butter with granulated and brown sugars in your mixer until it’s light and fluffy—about 3 minutes. I find this step crucial because it gives the crust that delicate crumb and tender texture. Don’t rush it! Scrape down the bowl sides to make sure everything’s incorporated evenly.

Step 2: Mix in Egg and Vanilla Smoothly

Next, add in the room temperature egg and vanilla extract, mixing just until combined. The key here is not to overmix once the egg goes in—you want the dough tender, not tough.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Form Dough

Whisk the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt separately, then add them into the wet mixture. Mix just until the dough starts holding together and pulls away from the bowl sides. Pause here—overmixing will create a dense crust instead of the crumble you’re after.

Step 4: Prepare the Shortbread Base and Pre-Bake

Reserve about 2 cups of that dough, loosely packed, for the crumble topping. Press the rest firmly into an 8 x 8 lined pan. I like to use the bottom of a measuring cup to press the dough evenly into the corners. Bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes until golden at the edges and just set in the center. This pre-baking prevents a soggy bottom when we add the cranberry filling.

Step 5: Prepare and Add the Zesty Cranberry Filling

While the crust cools slightly, mix fresh or frozen cranberries with sugar, cornstarch, orange zest and juice, plus vanilla. Pour this tangy, fragrant filling gently over the warm crust. The cornstarch is your secret weapon here—it thickens the juicy filling as it bakes.

Step 6: Add the Crumble and Bake Until Perfect

Use your hands to break the reserved dough into small chunks. Scatter them loosely across the cranberry filling so the berries peek through. Bake for 45 minutes, covering the top with foil during the last 10-15 minutes so the crumble topping doesn’t get too dark. This step ensures a golden, tender topping without burning.

Step 7: Cool, Glaze, and Slice

Let the bars cool completely on a wire rack. The filling needs time to set—if you cut too soon, you risk a runny mess. Whisk up the vanilla glaze with powdered sugar and milk, adjusting thickness until it drizzles beautifully but isn’t transparent. Drizzle generously over the bars right before serving. Slice into squares and enjoy!

Top Tip

Through countless batches, I’ve nailed down tips that make these cranberry bars turn out perfectly every time. Following these little tricks can save you baking headaches and elevate your bars from good to unforgettable.

Room Temperature Ingredients: Always soften your butter and bring eggs to room temp before starting; it helps blend everything smoothly and gives you a tender crust.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you add the flour, mix just until the dough comes together. Overmixing activates gluten and leads to a tough crust.
Pre-bake the Crust: Skipping this will often cause a soggy bottom. A slightly baked crust holds up well to the juicy cranberry filling.
Cover with Foil for the Final Bake: This prevents the crumble topping from burning while the filling finishes baking—a little foil tent goes a long way.

How to Serve Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe

cranberry crumble bars - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually just keep it simple with a drizzle of vanilla glaze that adds a touch of sweetness and shine, but fresh mint leaves sprinkled on top look stunning for holiday occasions. Sometimes whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side takes these bars to the next level.

Side Dishes

These bars go wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack. For brunch spreads, pair them with fresh fruit salad or yogurt parfaits for a balanced, colorful table.

Creative Ways to Present

I love using decorative holiday tins when I gift these bars—lining the tins with parchment paper so everyone can grab squares easily. For parties, cutting the bars into bite-sized squares and displaying on a pretty platter with fresh cranberries and orange slices adds a festive vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They stay deliciously fresh, but if your kitchen is warm, a cool spot or fridge can help extend their life without drying out.

Freezing

These bars freeze really well! Just freeze them plain without the vanilla glaze, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature then drizzle the glaze fresh. This keeps the glaze looking and tasting perfect.

Reheating

If you want warm bars, pop a slice or two in a 300°F oven for 8-10 minutes until just warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust a bit soggy. Give the glaze a fresh drizzle after warming for that lovely, glossy finish.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well—no need to thaw before mixing with sugar and other filling ingredients. Just add them straight from the freezer into your filling mix.

How can I make these bars gluten-free?

You can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that's suitable for baking. Make sure it includes xanthan gum or add a teaspoon if it doesn’t, to help the dough hold together well.

Why do I need to pre-bake the crust?

Pre-baking the crust sets it so it doesn't get soggy once you add the juicy cranberry filling. It also helps the crust develop that satisfying buttery crunch you expect from crumble bars.

Can I make these bars ahead for a party?

Definitely! These bars can be baked a day or two ahead. Just cool completely before storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. Add the vanilla glaze just before serving for the freshest look and taste.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe is one of those comforting, soul-warming treats I keep coming back to. It strikes the perfect balance between flaky, buttery crust and that bright, tangy cranberry filling. I really encourage you to try it out—you’ll have a beautiful dessert that’s just as tasty as it is charming. Plus, it’s a great one to share with friends over coffee or as a special holiday gift. Happy baking!