These Cranberry Sauce Crumble Bars are a delightful blend of tart cranberry filling and a buttery, crumbly crust. Perfect for the holiday season or any time you’re craving a healthy yet indulgent treat!
Ingredients
Crust & Crumble Topping:
- 1 3/4 cups fine blanched almond flour
- 2 Tbsp coconut flour (or oat flour for a slight twist)
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp almond extract
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup coconut sugar (or granulated maple sugar)
- 1/2 cup dairy-free butter, cold and cubed
Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups cranberry sauce (thick or gelled preferred)
Instructions
1. Prep the Baking Dish and Oven
1. Line an 8x8” square baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides with cooking spray.
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Make the Dough
1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine almond flour, coconut flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, almond extract, vanilla extract, and coconut sugar.
2. Add the cold, cubed dairy-free butter to the dry mixture. Using your hands or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, mix until the dough forms a crumbly, cohesive texture.
3. Form the Crust
1. Separate the dough into two portions.
2. Press half of the dough firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
3. Bake the crust for 5–8 minutes, or until it just begins to turn golden. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.
4. Add the Filling
1. Spread the cranberry sauce evenly over the baked crust. Adjust the amount based on how thick you want the filling layer.
5. Add the Crumble Topping
1. Crumble the remaining dough over the cranberry sauce, ensuring it’s evenly spread for a nice, crumbly top layer.
6. Bake the Bars
1. Bake the bars for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling slightly.
2. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
7. Slice and Serve
1. Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper or slice them directly in the pan.
2. Optional: Sprinkle powdered sugar on top, drizzle with icing, or pair with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream for a decadent treat!
Storage Tips
- Store the bars in the refrigerator to keep them firm and prevent them from softening.
- These bars taste even better when chilled, as the flavors meld together beautifully.
Pro Tips
1. Thicken the Cranberry Sauce:
If your cranberry sauce is too runny, heat it on the stovetop with 1 tablespoon of tapioca or arrowroot starch. Stir until thickened, then let it cool before using.
2. Sticky Crust?
If the crust feels too sticky to crumble for the topping, mix in a few extra tablespoons of almond flour to adjust the texture.
These Vegan Cranberry Sauce Crumble Bars are not just a feast for the eyes—they’re also a healthy, delicious treat that’s sure to impress. Enjoy every bite! 🍒✨