Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something so comforting about the combination of cranberries and oranges, especially when they come together in a sweet, creamy treat. Creamy Cranberry Orange Crumb Bars are a delightful way to indulge your senses and bring a burst of flavor to your day. Picture this: the aroma of baking fills your kitchen as the sweet and tart notes of cranberries mingle with bright orange zest. It’s the perfect snack for a cozy afternoon or a vibrant addition to your brunch table.
These bars are easy to make, and they offer a bit of everything: a buttery crumbly base, a luscious cream cheese layer, and a sweet-tart cranberry filling. The best part? They look beautiful, making them perfect for hosting friends or taking to a bake sale. Trust me when I say, every bite is joy wrapped in a crumbly layer. Share these with family or keep them all for yourself—you deserve some sweetness!
how to make creamy cranberry orange crumb bars
Making these bars is straightforward and fun! You can invite the kids to help with the mixing or the swirling. It’s a wonderful way to spend time together in the kitchen. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a delicious treat in no time.
Ingredients
– 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (or 1:1 gluten-free blend)
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
– 1 large egg
– Zest of 1 large orange
– 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
– 1/3 cup (67g) granulated sugar (for cheesecake layer)
– 1 large egg (for cheesecake layer)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 tablespoon orange juice (fresh squeezed)
– 1 1/2 cups (150g) fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/3 cup (67g) granulated sugar (for cranberry filling)
– 1/4 cup (60ml) orange juice (for cranberry filling)
– Zest of 1 orange (for cranberry filling)
Directions
To start, **preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)**. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later. It feels good to prepare the pan—it’s like tucking it into a soft bed!
Next, grab a medium saucepan and combine the cranberries, 1/3 cup sugar, 1/4 cup orange juice, and the zest of 1 orange. Heat this mixture over medium heat. You’ll hear the cranberries popping as they burst open, releasing their sweet and tart juices—it’s music to the ears! Let it simmer for about 8-10 minutes until it thickens. Once done, set it aside to cool and let those flavors mingle.
In a large bowl, stir together the flour, 1 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt. To really bring out the orange flavor, rub the orange zest into the sugar mixture. The citrus scent will brighten your kitchen! Now, cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Beat in 1 egg until the mixture clumps together. Set aside 2/3 cup of this mixture for the topping. Now, press the remaining mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan, smoothing it out neatly. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, just until it’s lightly golden.
While the crust is baking, let’s make the cream cheese filling. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1/3 cup sugar until smooth. Then add in 1 egg, vanilla, and orange juice, mixing until creamy and fluffy. It’s like a dream of sweetness!
Once your crust is cool enough, spread that creamy filling over it. Next, take your cooled cranberry mixture and dollop it over the cream cheese layer. It’s time for some fun! Use a knife to swirl the cranberry mixture into the cream cheese. This creates beautiful marbled patterns.
Finally, sprinkle the reserved crumbs on top and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until everything is golden and set. Let it cool in the pan for about an hour before transferring it to the fridge. Chill for 2-3 hours before cutting into bars. This is the perfect time to brew a cup of tea and enjoy some well-deserved relaxation.
how to serve creamy cranberry orange crumb bars
These bars are a treat on their own, but they also shine when served alongside a few cozy accompaniments. Try pairing them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy textures will complement the tart cranberries beautifully!
For a cheerful brunch, serve them alongside fresh fruit and a tall pitcher of orange juice or mimosas. They’re sure to steal the spotlight on any breakfast or brunch table. You could even cut them into bite-sized pieces for a delightful addition to a dessert platter. Just imagine the bright colors and tempting textures!
how to store creamy cranberry orange crumb bars
Storing your delicious bars is simple. Once they’re completely cooled and chilled, cut them into squares. Place them in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper if needed. They can be kept in the fridge for up to a week—we all know they won’t last that long, though!
Alternatively, you can freeze them for longer storage. Just wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for about three months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving.
tips to make creamy cranberry orange crumb bars
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Use Fresh Cranberries for Maximum Flavor: If you can find fresh cranberries, go for them! They have a bright tartness that just can’t be matched by dried or canned versions. However, frozen cranberries work well too, making this recipe adaptable for any time of year.
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Let the Cream Cheese Come to Room Temperature: Make sure your cream cheese is softened before mixing. This ensures a creamy texture without lumps. You can take it out of the fridge while you prep the other ingredients.
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Don’t Overmix the Crust: When blending the flour and butter for your crust, mix just until it resembles coarse crumbs. Overmixing can lead to tough bars. You want them tender and crumbly!
variation (if any)
These crumb bars are quite versatile! You can swap the cranberries for blueberries or raspberries for a different fruity twist. For a spiced version, try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crust. The flavors meld beautifully with the cream cheese.
If you want to make it more substantial, consider adding some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the crust for added crunch.
Pro Tips for Success
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Use Quality Ingredients: When it comes to baking, fresh and quality ingredients make all the difference. Don’t skimp on the butter or the cream cheese. These components contribute to the richness of your bars.
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Cool Em’ Down: Patience is key! Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. If you’re in a rush, they might crumble when you try to slice them. It’s worth the wait for a clean cut!
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Get Creative with Toppings: Drizzle a bit of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of powdered sugar over the top before serving for an extra special touch. You can even garnish with a bit of fresh mint for color and flavor!
Serving Ideas
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At a Cozy Gathering: Serve these crumb bars alongside steaming mugs of tea or coffee at your next get-together. Your friends will love the cozy vibes!
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For a Sweet Surprise: Pack them into lunchboxes for the kids (or yourself). A sweet, homemade treat always brings a smile!
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On a Dessert Table: These bars would be a fantastic addition to any dessert table during the holidays. Their vibrant colors will catch everyone’s eye!
FAQs
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Can I use a different fruit instead of cranberries?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap cranberries for blueberries or diced apples. Just adjust the sugar a little if the fruit is sweeter. -
How do I know when they are done baking?
The edges will be firm and slightly golden. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. -
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! They actually taste better after chilling in the fridge, so feel free to make them a day or two ahead of serving. -
Do these bars freeze well?
Yes! Wrap individual bars tightly and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for about three months.
Quick Recap
Now that we’ve walked through this delightful recipe, I hope you feel inspired to make Creamy Cranberry Orange Crumb Bars this weekend. The joy they’ll bring to your kitchen and to those you share them with is worth every minute. Their creamy filling and the burst of cranberry flavor make them truly special. Get ready for the wonderful smell that will fill your home—let’s bake together, and you’ll be glad you did!
Creamy Cranberry Orange Crumb Bars
Ingredients
For the crust
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or 1:1 gluten-free blend)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 large egg
- Zest of 1 large orange orange zest
For the cream cheese layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar for cheesecake layer
- 1 large egg for cheesecake layer
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange juice, fresh squeezed
For the cranberry filling
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar for cranberry filling
- 1/4 cup orange juice for cranberry filling
- Zest of 1 orange orange zest for cranberry filling
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, 1/3 cup sugar, 1/4 cup orange juice, and zest of 1 orange. Heat over medium heat until cranberries pop, about 8-10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, stir together flour, 1 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt. Rub orange zest into the sugar mixture. Cut in cold, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Beat in 1 egg until the mixture clumps together. Set aside 2/3 cup of this mixture for topping and press the remainder into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake the crust for 10 minutes.
Filling
- Beat softened cream cheese with 1/3 cup sugar until smooth. Add 1 egg, vanilla, and orange juice, mixing until creamy.
- Spread the cream cheese filling over the cooled crust. Dollop cooled cranberry mixture over the cream cheese layer and swirl with a knife. Sprinkle reserved crumbs on top.
Baking
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden and set. Cool in the pan for about an hour, then refrigerate for 2-3 hours before cutting into bars.