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Cranberry Crumble Bars

Cranberry Crumble Bars That Make Holiday Baking a Breeze

These Cranberry Crumble Bars feature a buttery shortbread crust with tart cranberry filling, making them perfect for holiday gatherings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Cooling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Crust
  • 1 cup Butter unsalted, softened
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
  • 1 large Egg
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract pure
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 1/4 cup Cornstarch
For the Filling
  • 2 cups Fresh Cranberries
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon Orange Zest
  • 1/2 cup Orange Juice
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
For the Glaze
  • 1 cup Powdered Sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Milk or heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Equipment

  • 8x8-inch baking pan
  • mixing bowl
  • electric mixer
  • whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. Cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
  4. Incorporate flour and cornstarch until dough begins to pull away from the sides.
  5. Press remaining dough into the prepared pan, reserving 2 cups for the topping.
  6. Bake the crust for 15 minutes until edges are golden.
  7. Mix cranberries, sugar, cornstarch, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla.
  8. Pour the cranberry mixture over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
  9. Crumble the reserved dough over the cranberry layer.
  10. Bake for approximately 45 minutes, covering with foil to prevent over-browning if necessary.
  11. Cool completely in the pan before glazing.
  12. Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make the glaze.
  13. Drizzle the glaze over cooled bars and slice into squares.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 80mgPotassium: 50mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 4mg

Notes

Let bars cool completely before slicing for cleaner cuts. Adjust glaze thickness as desired.

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