Description
These Cranberry Crumb Bars feature a buttery oat crumble and a sweet-tart cranberry filling, making them the perfect festive and fruity treat for the holidays or cozy afternoons. Naturally vegan and dairy-free, they're easy to prepare and freezer-friendly.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup vegan butter or coconut oil, melted
2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
1/2 cup maple syrup or agave
2 tablespoons orange juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- Stir in the melted vegan butter or coconut oil until the mixture is crumbly.
- Press two-thirds of the crumble mixture firmly into the base of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, cook the cranberries, maple syrup, orange juice, and cornstarch, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and the mixture thickens (about 6–8 minutes).
- Stir in the vanilla extract and remove from heat.
- Spread the cranberry filling evenly over the crust layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture on top of the cranberry layer.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing. For a firmer texture, refrigerate before serving.
Notes
For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.
Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for a nutty texture.
Orange zest or cinnamon can be added to the filling for extra warmth.
Store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds if serving warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
