Name: Cranberry Crumb Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk; 1/4 cup lemon juice; 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest; 1 (12-ounce) bag fresh or frozen cranberries; 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Why You’ll Love Cranberry Crumb Bars Recipe

These cranberry bars are:
• Festive and vibrant with a sweet‑tart cranberry filling and citrus brightness.
• Buttery and tender thanks to the shortbread‑style crust and crumb topping.
• Easy to slice neatly once cooled, making them great for gifting or serving at gatherings.
• Flexible — add white chocolate, nuts, or swap citrus for fun variations.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the crust and topping:
2 ½ cups all‑purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the cranberry filling:
3 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
½ cup orange juice
1 teaspoon orange zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×9‑inch baking dish with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until coarse crumbs form. Add the egg and vanilla and stir until crumbly.
Press two‑thirds of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
In a saucepan over medium heat, cook the cranberries, sugar, cornstarch, orange juice, and orange zest, stirring often, until the mixture thickens and the berries burst (about 8–10 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.
Spread the cranberry filling evenly over the crust.
Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the top.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
Let cool completely (at least 2 hours) before lifting out using the parchment overhang and slicing.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 16 bars.
• Prep time: ~20 minutes
• Cook time: ~45 minutes
• Cooling time: ~2 hours (important for clean slices)

Variations

• White Chocolate Cranberry Bars – Stir ½–1 cup white chocolate chips into the reserved crumbs before topping the filling.
• Cranberry Lemon Bars – Use lemon juice and zest instead of orange and omit the vanilla in the filling. Increase sugar slightly if preferred.
• Nutty Twist – Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping.
• Extra Citrus – Double the orange zest for a brighter flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Room temperature: Store bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
• Reheating: Warm individual bars in a low oven (about 300°F) for a few minutes if you prefer served warm.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes — frozen cranberries work great and don’t need to be thawed before cooking.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely — these bars hold up well and often taste even better the next day once the flavors meld.

What size pan should I use?

A 9×9‑inch square pan is recommended for this recipe.

Do I have to cook the cranberry filling first?

Cooking the filling helps thicken it so the bars aren’t soggy.

Can I substitute dried cranberries?

Dried cranberries won’t provide the same juicy texture as fresh or frozen.

How do I get clean edges when slicing?

Chill the bars thoroughly before cutting. Using a sharp knife helps as well.

Can I add spices to the filling?

Yes — a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg adds a cozy warmth.

Are these bars sweet or tart?

They strike a balance of sweet crust and topping with a slightly tart cranberry filling.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes — double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan, adjusting baking time as needed.

Can I dust with powdered sugar?

Yes — a light dusting adds a festive finish once cooled.

Conclusion

These cranberry crumb bars are a delightful dessert that brings festive color and flavor to any occasion. With a buttery crust, tangy cranberry filling, and satisfying crumb topping, they’re versatile, easy to make ahead, and great for sharing. With simple swaps and add‑ins, you can customize them to suit your tastes and occasions.