This recipe for Cranberry Crumble Bars are packed with sweet and tangy cranberries and topped with a crumbly oat topping.

I know the holidays will look a lot different this year so why not make some non traditional desserts. I know like most of you, it will be a quieter thanksgiving with a lot less food than usual. That’s why these Cranberry Crumble Bars are perfect to serve for your low key holiday!
A buttery oat crust topped with sweet and tangy cranberries, topped with a crunchy oat topping and dusted with powered sugar.
What do you need for Cranberry Bars
For these Cranberry Crumble Bars you will need:
- All Purpose + Old Fashioned Oats: This will help form the crust.
- Brown Sugar + Sugar: Too add sweetness to the crust and topping.
- Unsalted Butter: Brings the crust together.
- Cinnamon: Perfect bit of spice to the crust, filling and topping.
- Cranberries: Fresh Cranberries are the star of the show.
- Sugar: Helps offset the tartness of the cranberries.
- Orange Juice + Water: Helps form the cranberry jam.
- Vanilla: Enhances the flavor of the cranberry jam.
- Cornstarch: This is what thickens the jam up.

Cranberry Jam
For the cranberry jam, add the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, water and cornstarch together in a heavy bottomed pot. Let the mixture simmer, stirring occasionally making sure the jam is cooking evenly. Once the mixture thickens up and most of the cranberries are popped, turn the heat off. Add in the vanilla and set aside.
Oat Crumble
The Oat Crumble doubles as the crust and topping for this recipe! Ha, I told y’all, I’m all about easy desserts over here!
In a bowl, mix together the flour, old fashioned oats, softened butter, brown sugar, sugar and cinnamon together until well combined. You will use about 3/4 of the oat mixture for the crust and the remaining will be sprinkled on top of the cranberry jam.
Once your crumble is pressed into a 8×8 pan, spread on the cranberry jam then top with the remaining crumble. Bake for 25 minutes.

How to eat these Cranberry Crumble Bars
Any way you so please! These are perfect hand held treats or you could also put them on a plate. Either one is totally acceptable. I tend to put mine on plates, that way I have an excuse to add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
How to Store Cranberry Crumble Bars
If these bars aren’t eaten before the night is up, place them in a airtight container in the fridge. This does contain fruit to ensure they stay fresh for 2-3 days, it’s best that they go in the fridge.
When your ready to eat, simply pop in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds.

Ingredients
Cranberry Filling
- 4 cup Fresh Cranberries
- 1 cup Sugar
- 2 tablespoon Orange Juice
- 2 tablespoon Water
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla
- 1/4 teaspoon Cinnamon
Crumble Crust and Topping
- 1 cup All Purpose Flour
- 1 1/2 cup Quick Cooking Oats
- 3/4 cup Brown Sugar
- 1/4 cup Sugar
- 3/4 cup Butter Softened
- 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
Instructions
Cranberry Filling
- 1. In a heavy bottomed pot, mix together the cranberries, sugar, cornstarch, orange juice, water and cinnamon together. Cook until the jam starts to thicken, about 10 minutes. Once the jam is done, remove it from the heat. Stir in the vanilla.
Crumble Oat Crust and Topping
- 1. In a bowl, mix together the butter, oats, flour, cinnamon, brown sugar and sugar together until completely combined. 2. Press about 3/4 of the oat crumble into a parchment lined 8×8 baking pan. Add in the cranberry jam filling then top with the remaining oat crumble. 3. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 -25 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
Linda Elkind
These are fabulous, I would add chopped walnuts for an additional crunch to the base!
A definite keeper!
Lana
These bars are incredible. The cranberry filling is perfectly tart and sweet and pairs so nicely with the crumble topping. I can’t wait to make another batch!
Bianca
Hi Lana! Yayy! I’m so happy you enjoyed them!
-Bianca
Janet
Very happy I found this recipe a few months ago! Easy! Delicious! For sure there are always cranberries in my freezer!
Bianca
Janet,
I am so thrilled to heart that you enjoyed this recipe! Always such a great idea to keep a stash of cranberries in the freezer.