Name: Cranberry Crumble Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 75 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature.; ½ cup granulated sugar.; ½ cup light brown sugar.; 1 large egg, room temperature.; 2 teaspoons vanilla.; 3¼ cups all-purpose flour.; ¾ teaspoon baking powder.; 1 teaspoon cinnamon.; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt.; 2½ cups cranberries.; ⅔ cup granulated sugar.; 1 tablespoon cornstarch.; 1 tablespoon orange zest.; 1 tablespoon orange juice.; 1 teaspoon vanilla.; ¾ cup powdered sugar.; 4 tablespoons milk or cream.; ½ teaspoon vanilla.

A close-up view of a baked dessert bar with a crumbly topping and berry filling, placed on parchment paper. | recipesbyclare.com

I've been baking these Cranberry Crumble Bars for years and they never fail to make everyone smile. The combination of buttery shortbread sweet cranberries and that dreamy vanilla glaze brings pure joy to my kitchen. These bars have become my signature holiday treat and once you try them you'll understand why.

Why These Bars Are My Go To

You won't believe how simple these are to make. I love that I can skip all the fussy pie crust rolling but still get those amazing holiday flavors. Whether I'm hosting book club or heading to a family gathering these bars are always a hit.

Everything You Need

Flour: 2 cups all purpose makes the most tender crust.
Butter: A full cup at room temp trust me on this one.
My Sweet Mix: ½ cup each of regular and brown sugar for perfect sweetness.
Egg: Just one large egg holds everything together.
Fresh Cranberries: 3 cups for that gorgeous ruby filling.
Orange Zest: From one fresh orange it makes everything pop.
Pure Vanilla: 2 teaspoons split between layers.
Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon keeps the filling just right.
For the Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar and cream to taste.

Let's Start Baking

The Perfect Base: First grab your mixer cream those butter and sugars until fluffy. Mix in the egg and vanilla then add flour until it comes together. Save 2 cups for our topping.
Get That Crust Ready: Press the rest into your lined pan I use an 8x8. Pop it in at 350°F for 15 minutes until golden. Let it cool a bit.
Making Magic with Cranberries: Mix up those bright cranberries sugar cornstarch orange zest and juice plus vanilla. Pour this gorgeous mixture over your crust.
Time for Crumbles: Break up that saved dough into little pieces sprinkle them all over. Bake 45 minutes cover with foil near the end they brown fast.
The Final Touch: Once it's cooled whisk up that dreamy glaze and drizzle away. Let it set before cutting into squares.

My Kitchen Secrets

Always taste your cranberries first some need more sugar than others. I learned this from years of holiday baking. The measuring cup trick for pressing the crust gives you that perfect even layer every time. Patience is key let everything cool completely before glazing.

A close-up of a perfectly baked tray of cranberry dessert bars topped with a creamy icing and fresh cranberry filling. | recipesbyclare.com

Storing Your Sweet Treats

These bars stay fresh for 4 days in an airtight container on my counter. When I'm planning ahead I freeze them without the glaze. Just thaw and add that pretty drizzle right before serving. They taste just like fresh baked.

Making Them Your Own

My sister loves adding chopped pecans to her crumble topping. Sometimes I swap the orange zest for lemon when I want something different. A pinch of cinnamon in the crust adds such a cozy warmth to these bars.

Perfect for the Holidays

These bars have saved my holiday baking schedule so many times. They look absolutely stunning on a Christmas cookie platter or Thanksgiving dessert table. That ruby red filling just screams festive celebration.

One Pan Wonder

The best part? Everything happens in one pan. No juggling multiple dishes or complicated steps. Just layer press bake and enjoy. It's my kind of stress free holiday baking.

Spreading Sweet Joy

These bars make the sweetest gifts. I wrap them individually in parchment paper tie them with ribbon and share them with neighbors. The look on their faces when they bite into one makes my day.

A close-up of square berry bars topped with a drizzle of white icing, arranged in a neat grid on parchment paper. | recipesbyclare.com

That Magic Orange Zest

Don't skip the orange zest it's my secret weapon. It brightens up the cranberries and makes everything taste more festive. My kitchen smells amazing every time I zest an orange into this recipe.

Always a Crowd Favorite

Everyone asks for the recipe whenever I bring these to parties. Kids love the sweet glaze adults appreciate the tart cranberries and that buttery crust wins everyone over.

Making Them Gluten Free

My gluten free friends can enjoy these too. I use a good cup for cup gluten free flour blend. Just double check your powdered sugar and cornstarch are gluten free and you're set.

Plan Ahead Pointers

During busy holiday seasons I make several batches and freeze them. They're my backup plan for unexpected guests or last minute parties. The glaze takes minutes to whip up when needed.

Adding Extra Crunch

Sometimes I sprinkle some sliced almonds or chopped walnuts over the crumble before baking. That extra nutty crunch with the soft cranberry filling is absolutely divine.

A close-up of a baked dessert topped with red berries and a drizzle of white icing, cut into squares. | recipesbyclare.com

Ways to Serve

We love these bars slightly warm with vanilla ice cream for dessert. They're perfect with morning coffee too. My husband sneaks them with his afternoon tea when he thinks I'm not looking.

Year Round Goodness

While they're perfect for holidays these bars work any time. I've made them for summer picnics using frozen cranberries. They're always welcome at bake sales and brunches.

All About Those Cranberries

Fresh or frozen cranberries both work beautifully. Their natural tartness balances the sweet crust and glaze perfectly. I stock up when they're in season and freeze them for baking all year.

That Perfect Crust

The shortbread crust is everything here. It's sturdy enough to hold all that juicy filling but still melts in your mouth. Getting that texture right makes these bars extra special.

Making Them Pretty

I have fun with the glaze patterns. Sometimes I do classic drizzles other times swirls or crosshatches. Each batch looks unique and that's part of their homemade charm.

A close-up view of square crumb bars with a fruit filling, drizzled with white icing, arranged neatly on a white surface. | recipesbyclare.com

Baking with Little Helpers

My grandkids love helping make these bars. They're experts at sprinkling the crumble topping and watching the glaze drizzle is their favorite part. Such sweet kitchen memories.

Baking for a Crowd

Need to feed a crowd? This recipe doubles perfectly in a 9x13 pan. Just keep an eye on the baking time and you'll have plenty to share at bigger gatherings.

Holiday Magic

Nothing says holidays like cranberries and these bars capture that festive spirit perfectly. The red berries and white glaze look like Christmas on a plate making them perfect for holiday tables.

Homemade Love

These bars remind me why I love baking from scratch. The joy of creating something delicious and sharing it with others is what the holidays are all about. Each batch carries a little bit of love.

A close-up image of crumbly dessert bars topped with a creamy icing, featuring red berries throughout the filling. | recipesbyclare.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen cranberries?: Yes, fresh or frozen cranberries work equally well. No need to thaw if using frozen.
→ How do I store these bars?: Store covered at room temperature up to 4 days. Can be frozen without glaze for longer storage.
→ Why line the pan with parchment?: Parchment makes it easy to lift bars out of pan and ensures they don't stick.
→ Can I make these ahead?: Yes, can be made ahead and frozen without glaze. Add glaze after thawing.
→ Why cover with foil while baking?: Foil prevents the crumble topping from getting too dark in last 10-15 minutes.

Sweet Holiday Treat