Luscious, buttery, sweet and tart glossy cranberry sauce crumble bars are made with a sweet crumble dough that doubles as a topping. A classic and super easy gorgeous and delicious holiday dessert. Save your leftover Christmas cranberry sauce for this recipe. You won’t be able to eat just one!

Luscious, buttery, sweet and tart glossy cranberry sauce crumble bars are made with a sweet crumble dough that doubles as a topping. A classic and super easy gorgeous and delicious holiday dessert. You won't be able to eat just one!

Don’t forget to save/pin this recipe and let me know if you try it. I’d love to know!

If you love this recipe, you may also be interested in this easy cranberry cream cheese bread pudding/french toast. You can also use your leftover cranberry sauce for this recipe too. It’s SOOOO delicious. Seriously!

Luscious, buttery, sweet and tart glossy cranberry sauce crumble bars are made with a sweet crumble dough that doubles as a topping. A classic and super easy gorgeous and delicious holiday dessert. You won't be able to eat just one!

Cranberry Bars

April Boller Wright
Tart and sweet cranberries are made into a sauce then sandwiched between sweet crumble dough and baked until pale golden.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup plus 2 tbsp unsalted very cold butter cut into cubes
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 egg lightly beaten

Cranberry filling

  • 3/4 cups cranberry sauce
  • 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 F. Lightly grease an 8x8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang for easy lifting.
  • In a medium bowl add all of the dough ingredients except for the egg. Whisk the ingredients well.
  • With a pastry cutter or fork cut the butter into the flour until pea-sized crumbs form.  Add the egg and combine it into the dough using your hands. Alternatively, you could use your food processor.
  • Pour half the crumble dough into the pan. With your hands flatten it evenly all over. Set the remaining dough to the side.

Cranberry sauce

  • In a small saucepan, combine all cranberry sauce ingredients except the vanilla extract, Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, stirring frequently, and cook for 6–7 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and darkens.ly.
  • Remove the saucepan from heat, transfer the sauce to a bowl, and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow it to cool completely.
  • Pour the cooled cranberry mixture or your leftover cranberry sauce evenly over the bottom crust and spread it evenly. Crumble remaining dough over the cranberry sauce.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until top is a golden pale color. Cool completely before cutting into squares.

Notes

Pro Tips: Storing, Freezing, and Prepping in Advance

  • To easily remove the cranberry bars from the pan, line it with two pieces of parchment paper placed in a crisscross pattern. Make sure the parchment overhangs on all sides to create handy "handles" for lifting the bars out after baking.
  • For clean, even slices, chill the bars before cutting. I recommend letting them cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then refrigerating them for 2-4 hours. If you’re short on time, allow the bars to cool completely for 30-60 minutes before slicing.
  • Store the bars tightly covered at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness. For long-term storage, these bars freeze well for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Planning ahead? These cranberry bars can be made up to 4 days in advance. Simply cover tightly and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
  • Want to customize the recipe? Check out the blog post for tips on how to make these bars with your favorite fresh berries!
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Luscious, buttery, sweet and tart glossy cranberry sauce crumble bars are made with a sweet crumble dough that doubles as a topping. A classic and super easy gorgeous and delicious holiday dessert. You won't be able to eat just one!