Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your baking game forever! These Cranberry Almond Crumb Bars are not just a dessert; they're a symphony of flavors that dance between buttery shortbread, tangy cranberries, and crunchy almonds. Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly balanced bar that combines the richness of butter, the sweetness of sugar, and the delightful texture of oats - all in one irresistible bite. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a curious kitchen novice, this recipe promises to elevate your dessert repertoire and impress everyone from family to friends.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Add vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, and salt to create a uniform dry mixture.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a crumbly dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Press approximately two-thirds of the dough into the prepared baking pan, creating an even, compact base layer.
- Sprinkle dried cranberries evenly over the base layer, ensuring they are distributed uniformly.
- Crumble the remaining dough over the cranberries, creating a rustic, uneven top layer.
- Scatter sliced almonds over the top of the crumb layer for added texture and flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the top is lightly set.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour.
- Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the bars out of the pan and transfer to a cutting board.
- Cut into 16 equal-sized bars using a sharp knife, cleaning the blade between cuts for neat edges.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
Tips
- Ensure your butter is truly softened but not melted for the perfect crumbly texture.
- Use a stand mixer or electric hand mixer to cream butter and sugar for maximum fluffiness.
- Don't overmix the dough - stop mixing as soon as the ingredients are just combined.
- Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean cutting.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting to achieve clean, neat edges.
- For extra flavor, toast the almonds lightly before sprinkling on top.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and texture.
- These bars freeze beautifully - wrap individually for a quick treat anytime!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 35mg
