Irresistible Gluten-Free Cranberry Crumble Bars: Your Easy Holiday Dessert!

Discover the ultimate gluten-free cranberry crumble bars recipe, a delightful blend of buttery oatmeal crumble and a vibrant, jammy cranberry filling. Infused with notes of warm vanilla, rich brown sugar, and aromatic orange zest, these bars offer an explosion of flavor in every bite. They are not just a treat for your taste buds but also a fantastic, effortless alternative to traditional cranberry pie, making them perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive occasion throughout cranberry season.

Following the tremendous success of our Gluten-Free Raspberry Crumble Bars, we knew a fall version featuring seasonal cranberries was a must-have. And here it is – a recipe that delivers everything we dreamed of and more! These gluten-free cranberry bars are a true revelation, offering a harmonious balance of sweet and tart, all encased within a delightfully crumbly texture.

Each bar features a generous layer of luscious cranberry filling, bursting with the brightness of fresh orange zest and the comforting warmth of vanilla and brown sugar. This vibrant filling is beautifully sandwiched between two layers of our signature buttery oatmeal crumble, creating a dessert that’s both rustic and refined. You’ll find yourself reaching for another slice before you even realize it!

What makes these easy cranberry crumble bars truly special is their ability to deliver all the comforting flavors of a classic cranberry pie without the challenge of mastering a perfect pie crust. This makes them an ideal choice for busy holiday hosts or anyone seeking a less fuss, yet equally impressive, dessert. Whether you’re planning a grand Thanksgiving feast, a cozy Christmas gathering, or simply want to celebrate the bounty of cranberry season, these bars are sure to be a hit.

Beyond their incredible taste and ease, one of the best aspects of this delicious cranberry crumb bars recipe is its reliance on readily available, simple ingredients. No need for exotic or hard-to-find items; just wholesome staples transform into a spectacular dessert.

Why You’ll Love These Gluten-Free Cranberry Crumble Bars

These cranberry crumble bars aren’t just another dessert; they’re a celebration of flavor and simplicity. Here are several reasons why they’re destined to become a staple in your kitchen:

• Effortless Elegance: Achieve the sophisticated taste of a cranberry pie without the intimidation of preparing a pie crust from scratch. The crumble crust is incredibly forgiving and simple to assemble.
• Perfect Balance of Flavors: The tartness of fresh cranberries is perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the sugars and the bright notes of orange zest and vanilla, creating a complex and satisfying taste profile.
• Irresistible Texture: Enjoy the contrast between the soft, jammy cranberry filling and the golden, buttery, chewy oatmeal crumble topping and base. It’s a textural dream!
• Crowd-Pleasing Holiday Dessert: These bars are beautiful, portable, and easy to serve, making them a fantastic option for holiday potlucks, family gatherings, or a festive treat for any occasion. They’re particularly wonderful as a Thanksgiving dessert or a Christmas sweet.
• Naturally Gluten-Free: Made with certified gluten-free ingredients, this recipe ensures everyone can enjoy a delicious homemade dessert without compromise.
• Versatile and Adaptable: While cranberries shine, you can easily adapt this recipe with other seasonal fruits, making it a year-round favorite. (See our variations section for ideas!)
• Made with Simple Ingredients: You won’t need a trip to a specialty store for this recipe. All ingredients are common pantry staples, making preparation straightforward and stress-free.

Gathering Your Simple Ingredients

Crafting these delectable cranberry crumble bars doesn’t require any obscure or difficult-to-find ingredients. We focus on classic, wholesome components that come together to create something truly special. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Butter: Essential for the rich, buttery flavor and tender texture of our oatmeal crumble layers. We use melted butter for ease of mixing. For a dairy-free or vegan option, high-quality vegan butter sticks (such as Earth Balance or Miyoko’s Kitchen) work beautifully and yield excellent results.
• Sugar & Brown Sugar: A thoughtful combination of granulated sugar and packed light brown sugar is key. Granulated sugar provides crispness and sweetness to the crumble, while brown sugar adds depth, moisture, and a subtle caramel note. In the cranberry filling, granulated sugar helps to balance the cranberries’ natural tartness.
• Gluten-Free Flour: We highly recommend a reliable “measure-for-measure” or “1:1” gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Our go-to is King Arthur Measure-For-Measure Gluten-Free Flour due to its consistent performance. If you opt for another brand, ensure it contains xanthan gum to provide structure and prevent crumbly results. For accuracy, weighing your flour is always best. Alternatively, use the scoop and level method to avoid over-compacting the flour in your measuring cup. Coconut flour or almond flour are not suitable substitutes for this recipe, as they behave very differently.
• Gluten-Free Rolled Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats are preferred over quick oats for their superior texture, providing a chewier, more substantial crumble. To ensure your bars are truly gluten-free, always choose certified gluten-free rolled oats to prevent any risk of cross-contamination.
• Vanilla Extract: A staple in most baked goods, pure vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors and adds a comforting aroma. Don’t skip it!
• Baking Soda: A small amount of baking soda contributes to the tenderness and a slight lift in the crumble, ensuring it’s not overly dense.
• Salt: A pinch of salt is crucial for balancing the sweetness and enhancing the flavors in both the oatmeal crumble and the vibrant cranberry filling. We recommend kosher salt for its clean taste.
• Fresh Cranberries: For the most vibrant flavor and color, fresh cranberries are ideal. However, if fresh ones are out of season or unavailable, frozen cranberries are an excellent substitute. Simply refer to the recipe card notes for tips on using them.
• Cornstarch: While cranberries contain natural pectin that helps thicken, adding a touch of cornstarch ensures your cranberry filling reaches the perfect jam-like consistency – not too runny, not too firm.
• Fresh Orange Zest & Orange Juice: This dynamic duo is a game-changer! The bright, citrusy notes of orange zest and fresh orange juice beautifully complement and enhance the tartness of the cranberries, elevating the overall flavor profile of these bars to something truly amazing.
• Optional Orange Glaze: For an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal, a simple drizzle of orange glaze made from powdered sugar, orange juice, and a hint of vanilla is highly recommended. It adds a lovely finish.

How To Make Gluten-Free Cranberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars: A Step-By-Step Guide

For precise ingredient measurements, detailed instructions, and helpful tips, always consult the comprehensive recipe card provided below!

1. Preheat & Prep: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 C). This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking. Next, line a metal 8×8 square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This thoughtful step will make lifting the finished bars out of the pan incredibly easy for clean slicing.
2. Craft The Crumble Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine your slightly cooled melted butter with the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir these ingredients together until they are well incorporated and smooth. Then, add the gluten-free flour blend, certified gluten-free rolled oats, baking soda, and kosher salt. Mix until the ingredients come together to form clusters and no dry patches of flour remain. Don’t worry if the mixture seems a little loose at first; it will firm up as it rests.
3. Form The Base Crust: Carefully measure out and set aside about ¾ cup of the oatmeal crumb mixture. This portion will be used later as the delicious topping for your bars. Gently press the remaining crumble mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared 8×8 baking pan, forming a solid and even base crust. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to compact it well.
4. Prepare The Jammy Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh (or frozen) cranberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, fresh orange zest, fresh orange juice, and a tiny pinch of salt. Place the saucepan over medium heat. As the mixture heats, use the back of a spatula or a potato masher to gently crush some of the cranberries, helping them release their juices. Cook for approximately 15-20 minutes, stirring constantly. Initially, the mixture might appear dry, but as the cranberries soften and break down, they will release liquid and the sauce will begin to thicken. Continue cooking until the cranberry filling simmers and becomes thick enough to coat the back of your spatula, and a clear trail is visible when you drag your spatula across the bottom of the pan – it should resemble a thick, jam-like cranberry sauce. Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool for about 5 minutes.

5. Assemble The Bars: Carefully pour the warm, jammy cranberry filling over the pre-formed bottom crust in the baking pan. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to gently spread the filling into an even layer, ensuring it reaches all the way to the edges. Now, evenly sprinkle the reserved ¾ cup of the crumble mixture over the top of the cranberry layer. Don’t worry if it doesn’t completely cover the filling; the beauty of a crumble is its rustic appearance.
6. Bake & Chill: Transfer the assembled bars to your preheated oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crumble topping is beautifully golden brown and the vibrant cranberry filling is visibly bubbling around the edges. This bubbling indicates the filling is set. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool for 30 minutes. After this initial cooling, transfer the pan to the refrigerator to allow the bars to cool completely. This crucial step helps the bars firm up, making them much easier to slice neatly.
7. Add An Optional Glaze: If you desire an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal, prepare the orange glaze. In a liquid measuring cup or a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Adjust the consistency by adding a tiny bit more milk if needed. Drizzle this delightful glaze evenly over the completely cooled bars. The glaze should set fairly quickly, adding a lovely finishing touch.
8. Slice, Serve & Store: Once fully chilled and the glaze (if used) has set, use the parchment paper overhang to carefully lift the entire slab of bars out of the baking pan and onto a clean cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut the bars into 12 even rectangles. Serve and savor these incredible gluten-free cranberry crumble bars! Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days to maintain their freshness and texture.

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