Cranberry Bars with Crumble Topping

5 from 1 vote

My delicious Cranberry Bars have a delightful light crust and topping that makes them a mix between a classic dessert bar and a simple coffee cake. You will fall in love with the fresh cranberry tartness paired with simple ingredients for a sweet treat that is ideal for your next gathering.

Prep Time20

Cook Time40

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cranberry bars

Servings:

Calories: 408kcal

Author: Jill

Ingredients

Crust Ingredients

2 1/2 C flour
1/2 C sugar
3/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 C unsalted sweet cream butter softened
1 large egg

Cranberry Filling

6 C fresh cranberries about 3 12oz bags
2/3 C sugar
1/2 C unsweetened applesauce
1/3 C pure maple syrup
Zest of one large orange
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp cornstarch
1 1/2 tbsp cold water
3/4 C pecan chips

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a 9x13 baking dish with parchment paper
Using a standing mixer, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder until combined
Mix in the butter until crumbly
Beat in the egg until combined. Set aside about 1 C of the crust to use for the topping
Press the remaining crust into the baking dish
Set aside
Using a large saucepan, combine 3 C of cranberries, sugar, applesauce, maple syrup, orange zest, and salt
Place saucepan over medium heat, and bring to a boil.
Gradually mix the cranberries.
Once cranberries seem soft, reduce the heat to simmer
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until combined
Pour cornstarch mixture into the saucepan and mix until combined.
Cook for 2 minutes or until cranberry filling is thick
Mix in the remaining cranberries
Spread the filling onto the prepared crust
Sprinkle remaining crust onto the cranberry filling and top with pecan chips
bake in the oven for about 35-40 minutes or until top is a slight golden brown.
Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before cutting into bars!
Enjoy!!

Nutrition