Description
These cranberry bars are a classic, comforting dessert featuring a crisp, buttery shortbread crust topped with a vibrant, jammy cranberry filling and a rustic crumble. With a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, they are an ideal treat for weekend brunches or quiet afternoons. The use of fresh lemon zest and vanilla adds a bright, aromatic quality that makes every bite feel truly special and homemade.
Ingredients
3 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup rolled oats
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice.
Simmer the mixture for 10-12 minutes until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens into a jam, then stir in the vanilla extract and set aside to cool.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, salt, and oats.
Cut the cold cubed butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Press two-thirds of the crumb mixture firmly into the prepared baking pan to create the base.
Spread the cooled cranberry jam evenly over the base layer.
Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the top of the cranberry layer.
Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.
Notes
Ensure the butter is cold when mixing into the flour to achieve the perfect crumbly texture. These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days. You can also add chopped walnuts or pecans to the topping for extra crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg