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Stack of cramberry oatmeal bars on a white plate.
Brenda Thompson

Simple Cranberry Crumble Bars

These Cranberry Crumble Bars are so simple to make up and versatile enough that you can enjoy them year round! They freeze well too so are easy to make ahead!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 24 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup orange juice
  • ¼ cup water
  • 2 cups fresh cranberries
  • 1 tablespoon orange peel grated
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¾ cup packed brown sugar
  • ½ cup butter softened
  • 1 ½ cups old fashion oats not quick cooking variety
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Method
 

  1. Heat oven to 400ºF.
For Cranberry Filling
  1. In 1 ½-quart saucepan, mix granulated sugar, orange juice and water. Heat to boiling.
  2. Stir in all remaining Cranberry Filling ingredients. Cook over medium heat about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened; cool.
For Crust
  1. In medium bowl, mix brown sugar and butter.
  2. Stir in all remaining Bar ingredients until crumbly.
  3. Press half of the crumbly mixture in ungreased 9" x 13" rectangular pan.
  4. Spread with filling. Top with remaining crumbly mixture; press lightly.
  5. Bake about 20 minutes or until light brown.
  6. For bars, cut into 6 rows by 4 rows while warm. Cool to room temperature before serving (about 30-45 minutes).

Notes

For bars, to fully incorporate the butter with the dry ingredients, I recommend using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Just makes it easier!