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- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, thawed if frozen - 1 cup orange juice - 1 tablespoon orange zest - ¾ cup granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 teaspoon cornstarch - 1½ cups all-purpose flour - ½ cup brown sugar, packed - ¾ cup rolled oats - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - ½ teaspoon baking powder - Pinch of salt Using fresh cranberries gives a bright flavor and a nice pop. If you use frozen cranberries, thaw them first. This helps them cook evenly. Don't skip the orange zest; it adds a lovely aroma. The zest brightens the dish and gives a nice citrus note. Ground cinnamon enhances the flavor, making it warm and comforting. You can swap brown sugar with coconut sugar for a deeper flavor. If you need a gluten-free option, use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can also use honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar. Adjust the amount to taste, as these sweeteners can be sweeter. If you're out of oats, crushed nuts can add a nice crunch. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. Next, grab a 9x9 inch baking dish. Line it with parchment paper, letting some paper hang over the sides. This helps with easy removal later. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Cook this mix over medium heat. Stir it occasionally until the cranberries start to pop, about 5-7 minutes. It’s fun to watch them burst! When they do, they release juicy goodness. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with one tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Add this to the cranberry mix. Cook for an extra 2-3 minutes until it thickens. Then, let it cool slightly. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, rolled oats, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix these dry ingredients well. Pour in the melted butter and stir until everything becomes crumbly. This is your crumble base. Press two-thirds of this mixture into the bottom of your lined baking dish. It should form an even layer. Next, spread the cranberry-orange filling evenly over this base. Finally, sprinkle the rest of the crumble mixture on top, covering the filling completely. Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Once baked, let it cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. Use the parchment paper to lift the bars out, then cut them into squares or bars. These cranberry orange crumble bars shine when paired with creamy vanilla ice cream. The cool ice cream balances the tartness of the cranberries. You can also serve them with whipped cream for a light touch. A hot cup of tea or coffee makes a perfect drink on the side. To get the best results, always preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures even baking. Use a 9x9 inch baking dish lined with parchment paper. This makes removal easy after baking. Keep an eye on the bars as they bake. They should turn golden brown on top. If they look too dark, cover with foil. This prevents burning while baking through. For a crumbly texture, mix the flour, oats, and sugar well. Use melted butter to combine the dry ingredients. Make sure it isn’t too wet or too dry. Press two-thirds of the mixture firmly into the pan. This base should be compact but not hard. When you add the cranberry filling, make sure it’s not too hot. This helps the top crumble layer stay crisp. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor by using other fruits. Try using blueberries or raspberries. You can also mix fruits, like cranberries with chopped apples. Each fruit gives a unique taste and color. Feel free to experiment with what you have at home! To make these bars gluten-free, swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Look for blends that include rice flour and almond flour. Make sure the oats are certified gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy your tasty treat! For fun twists, consider adding nuts or seeds. Chopped walnuts or pecans can add crunch. You can also mix in chocolate chips for a sweet touch. For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger. These small changes can make your bars even more exciting! To keep your cranberry orange crumble bars fresh, let them cool completely. Once cooled, cut the bars into squares. Use an airtight container to store them. Place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. This method keeps them tasty for days. You can freeze these bars for future treats. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer bag or container. Label the bag with the date. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. These bars stay fresh at room temperature for up to four days. Store them in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. For the best taste, enjoy them within a few days. The flavors become more vibrant when stored properly. Yes, frozen cranberries work well in this recipe. Just thaw them before cooking. They might be a bit softer, but they will still taste great. Using frozen cranberries can save you some time and effort. To cut the bars, wait until they cool for at least 30 minutes. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. Press down gently to avoid squishing the layers. You can also chill them for easier cutting. This way, you get nice, tidy squares or rectangles. To reduce the sweetness, cut back on the granulated sugar. Try using half a cup instead of three-quarters. You can also add more orange juice to balance flavors. If you prefer, add a pinch of salt to enhance the taste without adding more sugar. Yes, you can make these bars a day ahead. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them fresh longer, refrigerate them. This way, the flavors can meld together nicely before you serve them. You now have a complete guide to making delicious cranberry orange bars. We covered the key ingredients, special tips, and how to make the crumble base. You learned how to ensure your bars bake perfectly and the best pairings for serving. Plus, we explored fun variations and how to store them. Try these techniques to impress your friends and family. Enjoy baking and savoring these tasty treats!

Cranberry Orange Crumble Bars

Indulge in the perfect blend of sweet and tart with these delicious cranberry orange crumble bars! Made with fresh cranberries and zesty orange juice, this easy recipe is perfect for any occasion. Discover how to create a delightful dessert that everyone will love, with a satisfying buttery crumb topping. Ready to make these mouthwatering treats? Click through to explore the full recipe and bring this delicious dessert to your table!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, thawed if frozen

1 cup orange juice

1 tablespoon orange zest

¾ cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon cornstarch

1½ cups all-purpose flour

½ cup brown sugar, packed

¾ cup rolled oats

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

½ teaspoon baking powder

Pinch of salt

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.

    In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Cook over medium heat until the cranberries start to pop and release their juices, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

      In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Add this to the cranberry mixture and stir well. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

        In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, rolled oats, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Pour in the melted butter and mix until the ingredients are crumbly and well combined.

          Press two-thirds of the crumble mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer.

            Spread the cranberry-orange mixture evenly over the pressed crumble base.

              Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture on top of the cranberry filling, evenly covering it.

                Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

                  Once done, remove from oven and allow to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before lifting out using the parchment paper. Cut into squares or bars.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes | Servings: 12 bars