Name: Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ¼ cups old fashioned rolled oats; ¾ cup 1-to-1 All-Purpose Gluten-Free Baking Flour; ½ cup brown sugar; ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground ginger; ½ cup unsalted butter, cubed; Almond slices, for garnish; 12 ounces fresh cranberries; ⅓ cup pure maple syrup; 1 ½ tablespoons orange zest (about 2 oranges); ½ cup orange juice; ½ teaspoon almond extract or vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon tapioca flour; ½ cup powdered sugar; 2 teaspoons orange juice

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 23 reviews

If you’re looking for a dessert that perfectly blends sweet and tart flavors with a delightful crunchy texture, then this Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe is an absolute must-try. With a golden brown sugar oat crust that works as both the base and the crumbly topping, plus a luscious, jammy cranberry filling bursting with fresh citrus notes, these bars are a showstopper for gatherings or cozy nights in. They’re gluten-free, surprisingly simple to make, and keep beautifully, making them a favorite to bake ahead and share with loved ones.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows an overhead view of eight small white bowls and a metal measuring spoon arranged on a white marbled surface. The largest white bowl at the top left is filled with bright red whole cranberries. To its right is a smaller white bowl with a dark brown liquid. Next to it is another small white bowl filled with white flour. Below these, there is a medium white bowl containing light beige rolled oats, and a smaller white bowl with light brown packed sugar. To the bottom right, there are small cubes of pale yellow butter on white wax paper. On the left side of the image, a whole orange sits near a small beige bowl with melted yellow butter, next to a tiny dark wooden bowl holding finely grated orange zest. Below these is a small white plate with four piles of spices – light yellow, dark brown, white, and reddish-brown – along with a silver metal measuring spoon nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

For this Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe, you don’t need a laundry list of fancy items, just straightforward ingredients that come together to create magic. Each one plays a crucial role—whether it’s the hearty oats providing texture, the warm spices bringing cozy depth, or the fresh cranberries lending that irresistible tang.

Old fashioned rolled oats: Gives the crumble topping that perfect chewy crunch you’ll love.
1-to-1 All-Purpose Gluten-Free Baking Flour: Keeps the bars gluten-free without sacrificing structure.
Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that beautiful caramelized crust.
Fine sea salt: Balances flavors and enhances the sweetness.
Ground cinnamon: Adds warm, comforting spice.
Ground ginger: Offers a subtle zing to complement the cranberries.
Unsalted butter, cubed: Makes the crumble tender and rich.
Almond slices: Optional, but perfect for an extra nutty garnish.
Fresh cranberries: The star ingredient delivering tartness and vibrant color.
Pure maple syrup: Natural sweetener that melds beautifully with cranberries.
Orange zest: Brightens the filling with citrus aroma and flavor.
Orange juice: Adds a juicy, tangy base to the filling and glaze.
Almond extract (or vanilla extract): A hint of warm fragrant depth in the filling.
Tapioca flour: Thickens the filling to that perfect jammy consistency.
Powdered sugar: For a sweet, glossy glaze on top.

How to Make Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by heating your oven to a cozy 350ºF and lining an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper. This simple prep step ensures your bars won’t stick and makes removing them a breeze once baked.

Step 2: Create the Oat Crumble Mixture

In a large bowl, mix the oats, gluten-free flour, brown sugar, sea salt, cinnamon, and ginger. Toss in the cubed butter and use a dough blender or your hands to combine everything. Aim for a crumbly texture that holds together gently when pressed. This mixture will serve as both the base and crispy topping, giving each bar fantastic texture contrast.

Step 3: Bake the Crust

Press two-thirds of your crumble mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan. Pop it in the oven for 10-12 minutes until it’s just beginning to golden. Let it cool slightly before you add the luscious cranberry filling—this helps keep the crust firm and prevents it from getting soggy.

Step 4: Prepare the Cranberry Filling

While the crust bakes, cook the fresh cranberries with maple syrup, orange zest, orange juice, and almond or vanilla extract over medium heat. Stir frequently as the berries burst and the mixture reduces to a thick, fragrant sauce—about 8-10 minutes. Stir in tapioca flour to thicken the filling even more so it stays perfectly jammy once baked.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Pour the warm cranberry filling over the pre-baked crust, then sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture on top in clumps for extra crunch. Optionally, scatter almond slices for a nutty finish. Bake for another 25-30 minutes until the edges bubble and the topping is beautifully golden brown. Your kitchen will smell like pure autumn magic.

Step 6: Cool, Chill, and Glaze

Patience really pays off here. Let the bars cool at room temperature for one hour, then pop the pan in your fridge for 45 minutes to chill completely before slicing. Meanwhile, whisk together powdered sugar and a splash of orange juice to make a sweet glaze to drizzle over the bars, tying all the flavors together with a citrusy brightness.

Step 7: Slice and Enjoy

Using the parchment paper to lift the bars out, cut carefully into 16 squares with a sharp knife. Each bar has the perfect balance of jammy fruit filling and crumbly, buttery topping. Enjoy the contrast in every bite!

How to Serve Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe

The image shows square fruit bars placed on a white plate with scalloped edges on a white marbled surface. Each bar has three visible layers: a bright red fruit filling in the middle, a golden crumbly oat crust at the bottom, and a crumbly topping mixed with sliced almonds on top. There is a white drizzle sauce over the crumb topping, and a few whole cranberries are placed beside the bars on the plate and surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a few extra almond slices on top adds a pretty touch and a bit of crunch that complements the oat crumble beautifully. For a festive twist, you might also sprinkle with finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary for a fragrant pop.

Side Dishes

These bars are excellent on their own but also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence. Serve with a cup of spiced tea or rich coffee, and you have a treat that satisfies cravings any time of day.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering cranberry crumble bars with whipped cream and fresh berries in a glass to make an elegant parfait, or slice into bite-sized squares and serve on a dessert platter with other seasonal favorites. Their vibrant color and crumbly texture always make a beautiful addition to holiday tables.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cranberry crumble bars in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days, making them perfect for grabbing a quick treat throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to make this Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe well ahead of time, freeze the bars in a single layer wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw in the fridge overnight before glazing and serving for nearly fresh-baked taste and texture.

Reheating

To enjoy the bars warm, reheat gently in a low oven for about 10 minutes or microwave a single square for 20-30 seconds. Warm bars highlight the jammy filling and bring out the richness of the buttery crumble topping.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen cranberries work well too. Just thaw them slightly and drain any excess liquid before cooking to avoid a watery filling.

Is this Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe completely gluten-free?

Absolutely! Using 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour ensures the crust and topping stay gluten-free while maintaining great texture.

Can I substitute almond extract with vanilla?

Yes, vanilla extract is a perfect alternative if you prefer a milder flavor or have nut allergies.

How can I make these bars vegan?

Try swapping the butter for a plant-based margarine and use maple syrup or agave for the sweetener in the filling to make the recipe vegan-friendly.

What’s the best way to cut these bars cleanly?

Chilling the bars completely before slicing is key. Use a large sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat squares.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Crumble Bars Recipe truly shines as a crowd-pleasing treat that embodies warmth and sweetness with every bite. Whether you bake it for the holidays or just to brighten up an ordinary day, it’s one of those recipes you’ll want to make again and again. Trust me, your friends and family will thank you for sharing these delightful bars!