Description
These cranberry crumble bars bring together a buttery shortbread crust, a tangy cranberry filling, and a sweet vanilla glaze for a dessert that’s both simple and sophisticated. Perfect for holidays or casual indulgence, they’re sweet, tart, and absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients
For the Shortbread Crust and Crumble Topping:
- Unsalted butter: 1 cup (softened)
 - Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup
 - Brown sugar: 1/2 cup
 - Egg: 1 large (room temperature)
 - Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons
 - All-purpose flour: 3 1/4 cups
 - Baking powder: 3/4 teaspoon
 - Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
 - Kosher salt: 1/4 teaspoon
 
For the Cranberry Filling:
- Fresh or frozen cranberries: 2 1/2 cups
 - Granulated sugar: 2/3 cup
 - Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon
 - Orange zest: 1 tablespoon
 - Orange juice: 1 tablespoon
 - Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
 
For the Vanilla Glaze:
- Powdered sugar: 3/4 cup (sifted)
 - Whole milk or heavy cream: 4 tablespoons
 - Vanilla extract: 1/2 teaspoon
 
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
 - Cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy.
 - Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
 - Gradually mix in the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt to form a crumbly dough.
 - Reserve 1 ½ cups of the dough for the crumble topping and press the remaining dough evenly into the prepared pan to form the crust.
 
Step 2: Make the Cranberry Filling
- In a saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, cornstarch, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract.
 - Heat over medium, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries soften and the mixture thickens, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
 
Step 3: Assemble the Bars
- Spread the cranberry filling evenly over the shortbread crust.
 - Crumble the reserved dough over the cranberry layer, ensuring even coverage.
 
Step 4: Bake the Bars
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling slightly around the edges.
 - Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
 
Step 5: Add the Vanilla Glaze
- Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk or powdered sugar if needed.
 - Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars using a spoon or piping bag.
 
Notes
- Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
 - Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
 - Reheating: Warm frozen bars in the oven at 300°F for 10–15 minutes for a fresh-baked feel.
 - Customization: Swap cranberries with mixed berries or add nuts for a crunchy topping.
 
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
 - Cook Time: 45 minutes
 - Category: Dessert
 - Method: Baking
 - Cuisine: American