Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups
- Cold Unsalted Butter (cubed): 1 cup (2 sticks)
- Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup
- Light Brown Sugar (packed): 1/4 cup
- Fresh or Frozen Cranberries: 12 ounces (about 3 cups)
- Cornstarch: 2 teaspoons
- Orange Zest (freshly grated): 1 tablespoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Step 2: Press about two-thirds of the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. Reserve the remaining third of the mixture for the topping. Bake the pressed crust for 15 minutes until lightly set.
- Step 3: While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, combine the cranberries, cornstarch, and orange zest. Toss gently until the cranberries are fully coated.
- Step 4: Remove the partially baked crust from the oven and spread the cranberry mixture evenly over the top. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture (the remaining one-third) loosely over the cranberry filling.
- Step 5: Return the bars to the oven and bake for an additional 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cranberry filling is bubbling slightly.
- Step 6: Allow the cranberry bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack—at least 2 hours—before lifting them out by the parchment paper and slicing into squares. Cooling fully ensures the bars are moist and hold their shape.
Notes
- These bars stay wonderfully fresh for up to three days when stored at room temperature in an airtight container, or freeze individual cooled slices for longer enjoyment, layered with parchment.
- To revive the warmth, gently heat individual bars in the microwave for 10 seconds, or wrap them loosely in foil and warm in a 300°F oven for a quick 5-minute refresh.
- For a decadent winter treat, serve these vibrant squares slightly warm with a generous dollop of vanilla bean ice cream or freshly whipped cream dusted with a pinch of cinnamon.
- The key to a perfect crumb crust is ensuring your cubed butter is icy cold when cutting it into the flour, which creates the coarse texture necessary for a tender, flaky base.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American