Cranberry Crumb Bars – Baker by Nature

November 21, 2022

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These scrumptious cranberry crumb bars characteristic a golden brown shortbread crust, custard cranberry filling, and buttery crumb topping. Orange zest and orange juice add simply the correct amount of orange taste. And you should use recent cranberries or frozen cranberries for the cranberry combination.

Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars

I make no effort in hiding the truth that in relation to vacation flavors, I positively play favorites. Don’t get me mistaken… I really like all of them. I’ll take eggnog something, gingerbread all the things, and peppermint mocha flavored goodies all season lengthy.

But it surely’s ruby pink tart cranberries that actually personal my coronary heart this time of 12 months! I bake with them as usually as I can… and mainly hoard them whereas they’re in season so my freezer has them in inventory all-year-round.

In case you’re on the lookout for a simple last-minute vacation dessert, look no additional than these cranberry pie bars! They’re tremendous straightforward to throw collectively, don’t require hours of prep or cooling. And are particularly liked by those that favor desserts that aren’t “too” candy.

And you may at all times make them sweeter by including the optionally available glaze recipe… or topping them with an enormous scoop of vanilla ice cream. Or: BOTH! I gained’t decide you!

Elements for Cranberry Bars:

Butter: You should definitely use the quantity referred to as for and produce it to room temperature earlier than beating it. In case you don’t have an electrical hand mixer or stand mixer, you’ll be able to carry the dough collectively in a meals processor. Simply don’t over work it!
Sugar: Each granulated sugar and lightweight brown sugar are used; don’t sub all of 1 for an additional or your bars will lack correct taste and texture.
All-Function Flour: I don’t counsel utilizing another number of flour on this recipe.
Floor Cinnamon: Provides simply the correct amount of heat spice to this cranberry dessert!
Salt: Each enhances flavors and balances the general sweetness on this recipe.
Eggs: You should definitely use giant eggs, and produce them to room temperature earlier than including them to the batter.
Bitter Cream: Full-fat works finest right here! In case you can not discover bitter cream, a thick Greek-style full-fat yogurt will work.
Orange Juice: Ideally freshly-squeezed OJ! You should use the identical orange you zest, however be sure to seize an additional one or two, as you’ll be able to by no means predict how a lot (or little) juice an orange will yield.
Cornstarch: Our secret ingredient to a thick custard-like filling. Do NOT skip this!
Vanilla Extract: As at all times, I counsel utilizing high-quality vanilla, and never imitation or synthetic vanilla.
Orange Zest: You should definitely finely grate it, and solely get the orange peel, not the white pith, which will likely be bitter to the style.
Almond Extract: That is optionally available! I really like the delicate almond taste with the cranberries and orange, however for those who usually end up regretting the addition of almond or discover it overpowering, I counsel leaving it out.
Entire Cranberries: Contemporary or frozen work tremendous right here. In case you’re utilizing frozen cranberries, do NOT thaw them first. Additionally, dried cranberries and cranberry sauce won’t work on this recipe.

Let’s Make Cranberry Bars:

Preheat the and prep your pan: you’ll want a 9×13-inch baking pan and also you’ll wish to line it with parchment paper in order that the paper overhangs on two of the ends. It will make it easier to take away the bars in a single stable slab as soon as they’re baked and cooled. You should definitely additionally spray with non-stick baking spray. A metallic or aluminized metal pan works finest right here, however glass and ceramic will work. You may want to extend the bake time a couple of minutes for those who use a type of pans as a result of they take longer to conduct warmth.
Beat collectively the butter and each sugars till mild and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Take your time right here and actually let it fluff up! In case you discover it’s clumping across the fringe of the bowl, cease the mixer, scrape it down with a spatula, then carry on mixing.
Add within the dry components (flour combination) and blend JUST till mixed. The dough will likely be fairly crumbly and that is completely regular.
Use a measuring cup to take away 2 cups of the crumbs. Put them in a bowl and set them apart for a later use (your crumb topping!).
Press the remaining crumbs evenly into the underside of the ready baking pan and bake for quarter-hour. Take away from the oven and set on a cooling rack to chill. Maintain oven temperature at 350.
In a big bowl, whisk collectively the eggs, bitter cream, each sugars, orange juice, flour, cornstarch, vanilla, orange zest, almond extract, and cinnamon. Fold in 2 and ½ cups of the cranberries. Don’t fear if it seems skinny! That is regular. It should thicken up because it bakes.
Pour the filling combination over the par-baked crust, then sprinkle on the remainder of the cranberries.
Crumble the reserved crust evenly on high of the batter. Use your fingers to type of pinch it into giant clumps.
Bake, then take away from the oven and funky fully, at the least 1 hour! Then slice and serve!

If you wish to make a easy orange glaze to make these bars sweeter, can also whisk collectively some powdered sugar and orange juice. Drizzle on high of cake and let set earlier than slicing, about 5 minutes. Or you’ll be able to skip the glaze and simply high with ice cream! Or… do each. Completely your name!

Soar to the recipe under for the complete recipe listing and directions!

Extra Cranberry Recipes: