Nothing quite says “holiday cozy” like sinking your teeth into a warm, buttery bar full of tart cranberries and melt-in-your-mouth crumble. These Cranberry Crumble Bars with Browned Butter Blondie feel like a hug from your oven — the nutty richness of browned butter blondie meets the bright zing of cranberry filling, all wrapped in a buttery, slightly crunchy crust. It’s like pie, if pie decided to dress up as a bar and skip the extra dishes.

Freshly baked cranberry crumble bars with browned butter blondie, cut into squares on a parchment-lined pan

The Appeal of Cranberry Crumble Bars with Browned Butter Blondie

Why These Cranberry Crumble Bars Stand Out

The Magic of Browned Butter
Browning butter transforms it: it develops a toasty, nutty aroma that elevates simple blondie dough. Rather than just plain butter, the browned butter adds depth and warmth that’s perfect for holiday desserts.

Cranberries Bring Brightness and Balance
Fresh (or frozen) cranberries add tartness that complements the sweet, rich blondie base. Their natural acidity cuts through the buttery crust and crumble, creating a balanced dessert.

One-Pan, Less Fuss
These bars are made in one baking pan, so you don’t have to wash multiple dishes. Plus, the top and bottom crust are often the same dough — less complexity, more joy.

How These Bars Fit Holiday Traditions

The Versatility of Cranberry Desserts
Cranberries are classic for the holidays — think cranberry sauce, cranberry muffins, or cranberry-pecan pie. These bars are another way to honor that tart, seasonal flavor in a transportable, shareable form.

Perfect for Gifting or Neighbors
Because they’re bars, they’re easy to cut into 16–24 squares, wrapped up, and given. Great for Christmas dessert exchanges or plates for neighbors.

Gluten-Free and Adaptable Options
While this particular blondie base may use all-purpose flour, similar cranberry bars can be adapted for gluten-free holiday desserts using gluten-free flour blends or oat flour to accommodate dietary needs.

Ingredients You Need for These Browned Butter Cranberry Bars

Pantry Staples & Special Ingredients

The Blondie / Crumble Base

Unsalted butter (for browning)
Granulated sugar + brown sugar (for sweetness + texture)
Eggs (to bind)
Vanilla extract (for flavor)
All-purpose flour (or alternative)
Optional: baking powder, salt (depending on the recipe)

Cranberry Filling Components

Fresh or frozen cranberries (2–3 cups, depending on pan)
Granulated sugar (to sweeten)
Cornstarch or tapioca starch (to thicken)
Orange zest and/or juice (for citrus brightness)
Vanilla (optional, enhances flavor)

Tools & Equipment Needed

Baking Pan & Lining
Use an 8×8 or 9×9 square pan lined with parchment for easy removal and clean slicing.

Mixing Bowls & Utensils
A stand mixer or hand mixer helps creaming butter and sugar, but you can also do it by hand. Also, bowl for mixing filling, spatula, measuring cups, whisk.

Cooking Stove Tools
A small saucepan (if you precook the cranberries) or skillet for browning your butter. Plus a cooling rack so bars firm up properly.

Step‑by‑Step Method: How to Make Cranberry Crumble Bars

Preparing the Browned Butter Blondie Dough

How to Brown Butter Safely
Start by melting butter over medium heat, stirring often — it will foam, then calm, then turn a golden brown with nutty aromas. Watch carefully to avoid burning. Once browned, pour into a heat‑safe bowl to cool slightly.

Creaming Sugar + Butter + Eggs
Once browned butter cools a little, cream it with granulated and brown sugar until light. Add eggs, one at a time, then vanilla, mixing well.

Mixing Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together flour (and baking powder or salt, if used). Then gradually add dry mix to the butter-sugar-egg mix to form a sticky, slightly crumbly blondie dough.

Making the Cranberry Filling

Combining Cranberries & Sweeteners
In a bowl, mix the cranberries with sugar, cornstarch (or tapioca), orange zest, orange juice, and a pinch of salt if desired. The starch helps thicken the filling so it doesn’t run.

Letting the Filling Rest
Let the fruit sit for a few minutes so the sugar dissolves and juices develop — this helps the filling stay nicely set when baked.

Assembling the Bars

Forming the Base Layer
Press about two-thirds of the blondie dough into the bottom of your prepared pan — use your fingers or the bottom of a measuring cup to make an even layer.

Spreading the Cranberry Layer
Carefully pour the cranberry mixture over the crust, distributing evenly so every bite has fruit.

Crumble Topping with Remaining Dough
Crumble the rest of the blondie dough over the cranberry filling in chunks — you want some larger and some smaller pieces. This makes the topping look homey and ensures you’ll get fruit in every bite.

Baking & Cooling

Baking to Perfection
Bake in a preheated oven (typically ~ 350°F) until the crust edges turn golden, and the cranberry filling bubbles through the crumble spots. Cover with foil in the last minutes if the topping browns too fast.

Cooling Completely Is Key
Once out of the oven, set the pan on a rack and let the bars cool entirely — this helps the filling set. For even neater slices, chill in the fridge for an hour (or more) before cutting.

Variations and Tips for Perfect Cranberry Crumble Bars

Flavor Variations

Add Nuts for Crunch
Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or even slivered almonds on top of the crumble before baking. Nuts add a satisfying crunch that pairs beautifully with the soft blondie base and tart cranberries.

Citrus Boost
Brighten the cranberry filling with extra orange or lemon zest. A teaspoon or two adds a subtle, fragrant citrus note that enhances the tangy cranberries and makes the bars feel extra festive.

Chocolate Swirl
For a more decadent treat, drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the cooled bars. You can also swirl chocolate into the cranberry filling before baking for a marbled effect that looks elegant and tastes irresistible.

Spiced Up
Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the crumble topping or the cranberry filling. These warm spices give the bars a cozy holiday flavor without overpowering the fruit.

Gluten-Free Adaptation
Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or oat flour. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly for texture, but the result is still soft, buttery, and flavorful — perfect for holiday guests with dietary needs.

Tips for Success

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Butter and eggs at room temperature blend more easily, giving you a smooth, evenly textured dough.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can make the bars dense. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated.
Prep Cranberries Properly: If using frozen cranberries, thaw and drain excess liquid to prevent a soggy filling.
Even Crumble Topping: Break the remaining dough into varied sizes when topping the bars. This creates a rustic, visually appealing pattern while ensuring every bite has a mix of crust and fruit.
Watch the Oven: Baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven. Start checking around 35–40 minutes, and cover loosely with foil if the top browns too quickly.

With these variations and tips, you can customize your cranberry crumble bars to match your family’s preferences, holiday theme, or dietary needs — while still keeping the process simple and fun.

Serving and Storing Cranberry Crumble Bars

Serving Suggestions

These bars are wonderfully versatile, making them a hit at any time of day. Enjoy them:

For Breakfast or Brunch: Pair a warm bar with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa for a cozy start to your morning.
As a Dessert: Serve slightly warmed with a dollop of whipped cream, yogurt, or even a drizzle of vanilla glaze to elevate the flavors.
Snack or On-the-Go Treat: Cut into smaller squares for an easy, grab-and-go snack for kids, friends, or coworkers.
Holiday Entertaining: Arrange on a festive plate or platter for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or neighbor gifts — they’re as pretty as they are tasty!

Storing Tips

Keeping your cranberry crumble bars fresh is simple:

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The bars will stay soft with a slight crunch on top.
Refrigerator: For longer freshness, store in the fridge for up to 1 week. Chilling also helps the cranberry filling firm up, making slicing easier.
Freezing: These bars freeze beautifully. Wrap individual bars or layers in parchment and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30–60 minutes before serving.
Tip for Best Texture: If chilled or frozen, let the bars sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying. This brings out the buttery flavor and softens the filling slightly.

With these tips, your cranberry crumble bars will stay fresh, flavorful, and ready to impress, whether on your holiday dessert table or as a sweet gift for friends and family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or oat flour. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly for texture.

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Absolutely. Thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture in the bars.

Do I have to brown the butter?

Browning butter is optional but highly recommended. It adds a nutty, rich flavor that elevates the blondie base.

Can these bars be made ahead?

Yes. Bake the bars and store in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.

How do I cut the bars neatly?

Chill the bars for at least an hour before slicing. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for even slices.

Conclusion

These Cranberry Crumble Bars with Browned Butter Blondie are a delightful holiday treat that blends tart cranberries with rich, buttery blondie and a crunchy crumble. Easy to make, easy to share, and bursting with festive flavors, these bars are perfect for holiday dessert tables, gift exchanges, or cozy nights at home. Try making them this season and enjoy the warm, nutty, fruity goodness in every bite.

Cranberry Crumble Bars with Browned Butter Blondie

Author: David Tag
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 16–24 bars 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Easy and festive cranberry bars with a nutty browned butter blondie base, perfect for holiday baking and gift-giving.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
2–3 cups fresh or thawed cranberries
½ cup granulated sugar for filling
2 tsp cornstarch
Zest of 1 orange
1 tbsp orange juice

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper.
Brown butter over medium heat, then let cool slightly.
Cream browned butter with sugars. Add eggs and vanilla.
Whisk dry ingredients together, then mix into butter-sugar mixture.
Press two-thirds of dough into the pan.
Mix cranberries with sugar, cornstarch, orange zest, and juice; spread over dough.
Crumble remaining dough on top.
Bake 40–50 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Cool completely before slicing. Chill for easier cutting if desired.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes