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Cranberry Crumble Bars

Cranberry Crumble Bars

These cranberry crumble bars are a perfect holiday treat, showcasing a balanced sweet and tart filling with a buttery, tender crust.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Cooling Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 18 squares
Calories 257 kcal

Equipment

  • food processor
  • Pastry blender
  • 9 by 13 inch baking pan
  • parchment paper

Ingredients
  

Cranberry filling

  • 4 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1 whole orange zest
  • ½ cups juice of an orange
  • ¾ cups granulated sugar plus more to taste
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Crust and topping

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour spooned and leveled
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter VERY cold, cut into cubes (2 standard sticks)
  • 1 large egg lightly beaten

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a 9 by 13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. Lightly grease the bottom of the pan first to help the parchment paper stay in place.
  • In a saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange zest, freshly squeezed orange juice, granulated sugar, and cornstarch. Mix to combine. Simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring, until the cranberries start breaking down. Remove from heat and transfer to a shallow bowl. Let it cool while you make the dough.
  • In a large bowl, whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Using a pastry blender or your fingers, cut in the cold butter into the dry ingredients until you get pea-sized crumbles. Then, stir in the beaten egg and mix until a very crumbly dough forms. It will seem dry.
  • Place half of the dough on the prepared baking pan. Press down to form a compact layer. Spread the cranberry filling evenly over. Top with the remaining crumbly dough evenly.
  • Bake for 40-50 minutes until golden brown. Let cool for 2 hours, and then cut into squares. Enjoy!

Notes

Ensure your butter is very cold for a perfectly crumbly crust. Parchment paper is highly recommended to prevent sticking. You can make the cranberry filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 257kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 3gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 36mgSodium: 142mgPotassium: 47mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 342IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 23mgIron: 1mg
Keyword baking recipes, Cranberry Crumble Bars, easy dessert, holiday dessert, sweet and tart
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