Cranberry Crumble Bars

(11)

These cranberry-orange bars freeze well. Make a batch on a free afternoon and pop them in the freezer so you’ll always have a healthy dessert on hand when company calls.

Prep Time:
25 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 20 mins
Servings:
15
  • These bars feature the classic combination of cranberry and orange for a refreshing bite.  
  • Almond flour enriches the texture and adds a protein boost.
  • You can freeze these for a convenient healthy dessert that's ready for you to enjoy anytime. 
Image of ingredients for Cranberry Crumble Bars

Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman,Prop Stylist: Natalie Ghazali

Keep Screen Awake

Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 15 servings

Filling

  • 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries (about cups)

  • ¾ cup granulated sugar

  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch

  • teaspoons almond extract

  • 1 teaspoon grated orange zest

  • 2 tablespoons orange juice

  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Crust

  • cups all-purpose flour

  • cups almond flour

  • ¾ cup granulated sugar

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1 teaspoon grated orange zest

  • ¾ teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

  • 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed

  • 2 large egg whites

  • teaspoons vanilla extract

  • 2 teaspoons confectioners’ sugar (optional)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting some overhang on the long sides. (The extra will help you lift the bars out.)

  2. To prepare filling: Combine 12 ounces cranberries, ¾ cup granulated sugar, 3 tablespoons cornstarch, 1½ teaspoons almond extract, 1 teaspoon orange zest, 2 tablespoons orange juice and ¼ teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl; stir well.

  3. To prepare crust: Whisk 1½ cups all-purpose flour, 1½ cups almond flour, ¾ cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon orange zest, ¾ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg in a medium bowl. Work the cubed cold butter into the mixture, using your hands to pinch and rub until the pieces are flattened and the mixture is crumbly and resembles sand.

    Image of hands pressing butter into flour mixture

    Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman,Prop Stylist: Natalie Ghazali

  4. Lightly beat 2 large egg whites and 1½ teaspoons vanilla in a small bowl with a fork. Pour into the flour mixture and use the fork to scoop down from the sides and up through the center until the whites are well incorporated. Set aside ½ cup of the mixture.

    Image of mixing cranberry crumble bar's crust

    Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman,Prop Stylist: Natalie Ghazali

  5. Press the remaining mixture into the prepared baking pan to form a bottom crust.

  6. To assemble and bake: Give the cranberry mixture a quick stir, then pour it over the crust, spreading evenly. Sprinkle the reserved crust mixture on top.

    Image of sprinkling crumble mixture on top of Cranberry Crumble Cars

    Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman,Prop Stylist: Natalie Ghazali

  7. Bake until the top is lightly browned, about 40 minutes. Let cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Lift the long sides of the parchment to remove; place on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut into 15 bars. Cool completely. Sprinkle with 2 teaspoons confectioners’ sugar before serving, if desired.

    Image of Cranberry Crumble Bars from above in a grid with one removed

    Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman,Prop Stylist: Natalie Ghazali

To make ahead

Let bars cool completely, then layer in a container or sealable bag between sheets of parchment paper. Refrigerate for up to 1 day or freeze for up to 4 months. To serve from frozen, place on a platter and let thaw for 1 hour.

Recipe Updates

Based on earlier review and comments of this recipe, we've retested and made the following adjustments (and updated the nutritional analysis accordingly):

  • Increased cranberries and cornstarch (to make more filling)
  • Decreased orange zest and almond extract (to balance flavor)
  • Increased sugar in the filling and crust (to balance out the tart cranberries)
  • Increased salt and butter in the crust (to improve texture and flavor)

Updated December 2024

Diabetic Living Magazine, Winter 2019

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

252 Calories
10g Fat
37g Carbs
4g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 15
Serving Size 1 bar
Calories 252
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 37g 13%
Dietary Fiber 3g 10%
Total Sugars 22g
Protein 4g 9%
Total Fat 10g 13%
Saturated Fat 3g 17%
Cholesterol 12mg 4%
Vitamin A 40µg
Vitamin C 5mg 5%
Vitamin D 0µg
Vitamin E 3mg 22%
Folate 29µg
Vitamin K 2µg
Sodium 194mg 8%
Calcium 55mg 4%
Iron 1mg 6%
Magnesium 36mg 8%
Potassium 130mg 3%
Zinc 0mg 4%
Vitamin B12 0µg
Omega 3 0g

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.