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

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 8 reviews

When it comes to cozy desserts that just hit the sweet spot with a little tartness, this Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe is one of my absolute favorites to whip up. With a buttery shortbread crust, zesty cranberry filling, and a drizzle of vanilla glaze, these bars feel like a warm hug on a chilly day — and I can’t wait for you to try them! Stick around, because I’m sharing every detail to make sure your batch comes out perfectly crumbly and bursting with flavor.

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Balance of Textures: The shortbread crust is buttery and crisp while the cranberry filling is juicy and slightly tart, making every bite irresistible.
Bright Flavor Kick: The orange zest and juice in the filling brighten up the cranberries, adding a refreshing citrus twist you won’t forget.
Easy To Assemble: This recipe breaks down into simple steps—you’ll have time to chat (or sip coffee) while it bakes!
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare these bars in advance—they hold up beautifully and freeze well.

Cranberry Crumble Bars, cranberry dessert bars, tart and sweet bars, easy cranberry crumble, holiday cranberry treats - The image shows a close-up view of a dessert made of three main layers: the base layer is bright red berry filling with whole and broken pieces of berries, giving it a juicy and shiny texture; scattered on top are thick, rough chunks of golden-brown baked dough creating a lattice effect with uneven edges and crumbly surface; white icing is drizzled across the top in thin, smooth lines that contrast with the rough dough and glossy berries. The whole scene is on a white marbled texture background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe come together like a dream, balancing buttery richness, tart berries, and bright citrus. When you shop, fresh or frozen cranberries will work—just thaw them before mixing if frozen. And don’t skip the vanilla in the glaze; it adds that extra touch of warmth.

Cranberry Crumble Bars, cranberry dessert bars, tart and sweet bars, easy cranberry crumble, holiday cranberry treats - Flat lay of fresh unsalted butter in a small white ceramic bowl, two brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl filled with granulated sugar, a small white bowl of light brown packed sugar, a small white bowl of sifted powdered sugar, a small white bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of baking powder, a small white bowl of ground cinnamon, a small white bowl of kosher salt, a small white bowl of cornstarch, a handful of fresh bright red cranberries, a few strands of orange zest next to a small white bowl of fresh orange juice, a small white bowl of vanilla extract, and a small white bowl of whole milk, all evenly spaced and arranged symmetrically 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: Room temperature butter creamed with sugars creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread crust.
Granulated and Light Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and depth, while granulated sugar keeps the crisp texture you want.
Egg: Binds the dough just perfectly without making the crust tough.
Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle warmth in both dough and filling—never skip this!
All-Purpose Flour: The base for that classic shortbread texture.
Baking Powder and Spices: Baking powder gives a slight lift; cinnamon adds gentle warmth that pairs beautifully with cranberries.
Cranberries: Tart and vibrant, they’re the star of the filling, and you can use fresh or frozen.
Cornstarch: Thickens the filling so it’s luscious but not runny.
Orange Zest and Juice: Brightens the filling and complements the tart berries with a fresh citrus punch.
Powdered Sugar and Milk (Glaze): The glaze adds a sweet finishing touch that melts in your mouth.

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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.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love making these bars my own by tweaking the topping or swapping the citrus. Feel free to adjust things the way that suits your kitchen and cravings—this recipe is super flexible.

Variation: Adding chopped toasted pecans to the crumble topping gives an amazing nutty crunch. I’ve done this for holiday parties and it’s a big hit!
Dietary Swap: If you want gluten-free bars, substitute the flour with your favorite gluten-free blend; just note the texture changes slightly but still delicious.
Seasonal Change: Swap cranberries for mixed berries or even apples with cinnamon during off-season for a fresh twist.

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

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugars Until Fluffy

Start by creaming the butter with both the granulated and brown sugars in your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. This takes about 3 minutes and you want it light and fluffy, which is key for that tender crust. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides halfway through so everything mixes evenly.

Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla

Next, add one room temperature egg and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Mix on medium speed until well combined. This step binds the crust without making it tough—the balance is subtle but important.

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients Gently

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a separate bowl. Then add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture gradually, mixing just until the dough starts to pull away from the sides. Overmixing here will make the crust dense instead of crumbly, so keep it light!

Step 4: Reserve Dough for Topping and Press Crust

Pull out about 2 cups of dough and set it aside for the crumb topping later. Press the remaining dough evenly into an 8×8 inch pan lined with parchment paper. Use your hands or the flat bottom of a measuring cup to get it smooth and even. This crust bakes up golden and provides that delicious base.

Step 5: Bake the Crust Just Right

Bake the crust at 350°F for about 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it—the edges should turn a light golden color, and the center will look just set. It’s tempting to leave it longer, but overbaking will dry it out. Pull it out and let it cool slightly as you prepare the filling.

Step 6: Mix the Zesty Cranberry Filling

In a large bowl, toss together the cranberries, sugar, cornstarch, fresh orange zest and juice, plus vanilla. This combo gives the filling a beautiful balance of tart and sweet with a citrusy brightness that makes the bars memorable.

Step 7: Assemble the Bars

Pour the cranberry filling over the pre-baked crust and spread it evenly. Then take the reserved dough, break it apart into rough pebble-sized pieces with your hands, and scatter it over the berries, leaving little gaps for the filling to peek through. This creates that signature crumble look and texture.

Step 8: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling

Bake for about 45 minutes at 350°F. To avoid the topping from getting too dark, tent the pan with foil during the last 10–15 minutes. You want the filling bubbling and the crumble topping golden without burning. Once done, cool completely on a rack before glazing.

Step 9: Drizzle with Vanilla Glaze

Mix powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla for the glaze to a smooth, thin consistency that drips off a fork but isn’t runny. Drizzle the glaze over cooled bars for a sweet finish that balances the tart cranberries beautifully. Then slice into squares and enjoy!

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Pro Tips for Making Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe

Don’t Overmix Dry Ingredients: Mix the flour into the wet ingredients just until combined to keep the crust tender, not tough.
Handle the Topping Gently: Break the reserved dough into chunks by hand instead of rolling—it gives that perfect crumbly texture.
Watch the Bake Time: Tent with foil toward the end so the topping doesn’t get too dark while the filling finishes cooking.
Cool Completely Before Glazing: If the bars are warm, the glaze will melt and run off; patience here pays off for prettier results.

How to Serve Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe

Cranberry Crumble Bars, cranberry dessert bars, tart and sweet bars, easy cranberry crumble, holiday cranberry treats - The image shows a close-up of nine square-shaped dessert bars arranged in a grid on a white marbled surface. Each bar has two main layers: a golden-brown crumbly top with a rough texture, and a bright red fruit filling underneath that appears juicy and slightly glossy with visible whole berries. There are white icing drizzle lines scattered unevenly on top of the crumbly layer, adding contrast to the warm golden and red colors. The edges of the bars show the rich fruit filling oozing out just a little, and the bars look soft and thick, with clear separations between each square. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little extra orange zest or finely chopped fresh rosemary on top of the glaze—not only does it add a lovely pop of color, but it also enhances the citrusy aroma. A dusting of powdered sugar just before serving never hurts either!

Side Dishes

These bars are perfect on their own or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. I’ve also served them with a hot cup of chai tea or coffee when I wanted a comforting afternoon treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I’ve placed the bars on a rustic wooden board garnished with fresh cranberries and sprigs of pine or rosemary. Cutting the bars into festive shapes with cookie cutters before glazing adds a whimsical touch kids adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover bars tightly covered at room temperature for up to 4 days. I find that keeping them on the counter maintains the shortbread’s crispness better than refrigeration, which can sometimes make things a bit soggy.

Freezing

If I’m making these in advance, I bake and cool the bars, then freeze them before adding the glaze. Wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil, they keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, just thaw them at room temperature before drizzling glaze on top.

Reheating

To refresh the bars, I pop them in a preheated 325°F oven for about 5 to 7 minutes—just enough to warm through without drying them out. If you prefer warm bars with gooey filling, this is your ticket.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries for this Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid from the frozen cranberries before mixing with the sugar and other ingredients. This prevents the filling from becoming too watery during baking.
How do I know when the cranberry filling is done baking?

The filling should be bubbly and thickened, and the topping golden brown. Bubbling around the edges is a good visual clue that the cornstarch has activated and the filling is set.
Can I make the shortbread crust without a stand mixer?

Yes! You can cream the butter and sugars by hand using a sturdy whisk or wooden spoon, though it will take a bit more elbow grease. The key is to make sure it’s light and fluffy before adding the egg and flour.
What can I substitute if I don’t have orange zest or juice?

Lemon zest and juice work as great substitutes and add their own bright twist. You can also leave out the citrus completely, but the bars won’t have quite the same zing.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe is one of those feels-like-home treats I always turn to when I want a dessert that’s simple but special. The combination of buttery crust, tangy cranberries, and smooth vanilla glaze makes these bars stand out in any spread. Honestly, once you try them, I think you’ll keep this recipe in your back pocket for holiday baking, gifts, or whenever you need to impress without fuss. Give it a go—I’m confident you’ll love making and sharing these as much as I do!