Cranberry Crumb Bars
Cranberry Crumb Bars combine tart cranberries with sweet orange marmalade and a buttery oat crumble, perfect for festive gatherings or a delightful afternoon treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix 2 cups of flour with oats, sugar, and margarine until crumbly. Reserve 1 1/2 cups of the oats mixture.
- Press the remaining oat mixture into the bottom of a greased 12 x 9 x 2-inch pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix the cranberry sauce with marmalade, slivered almonds, and remaining 1/4 cup of flour.
- Spoon the cranberry mixture over the oat crust in the pan.
- Sprinkle the reserved oat mixture evenly over the top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Cool completely; then cut into squares to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a gluten-free option, substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend. If you prefer a less sweet bar, reduce the sugar by half. You can use fresh cranberries instead of canned; just cook them down with some sugar to create a similar sauce. Adding a pinch of cinnamon can enhance the flavor profile beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
These cranberry crumb bars are delightful on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Serve them alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee for a perfect afternoon treat. They make a fantastic addition to holiday dessert tables, complementing options like Lemon Or Chocolate Lush.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cranberry crumb bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F until heated through, ensuring they retain their crumbly texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry Crumb Bars contains roughly 402 calories, with 9g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and protein. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of canned?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries! Just thaw them and cook them with a bit of sugar to create a sauce-like consistency similar to canned cranberries. This will give your bars a fresh flavor while maintaining the desired texture.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when they turn a lovely golden brown on top. You can also check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. Allowing them to cool completely is essential for perfect cutting.
Can I make these bars vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute margarine with a vegan butter alternative and use a flaxseed meal mixed with water as an egg replacer if needed. The other ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly, making it easy to enjoy these delicious bars without any animal products.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).