Christmas Buttery Cranberry Streusel Crumb Bars

Name: Christmas Buttery Cranberry Streusel Crumb Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter (softened); 2 cups fresh cranberries (or frozen); ½ cup brown sugar; 1 tsp cinnamon

Published: November 25, 2025

by william castellanos

Why You'll Love This Christmas Buttery Cranberry Streusel Crumb Bars

These incredible Christmas Buttery Cranberry Streusel Crumb Bars transform simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Christmas Buttery Cranberry Streusel Crumb Bars:

All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of our bars, providing structure and texture. Opt for unbleached flour for a more natural flavor.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is key! This will balance out the tartness of the cranberries beautifully.
Unsalted Butter: The star ingredient that brings richness and creaminess. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
Fresh Cranberries: Use fresh cranberries for that vibrant color and tart bite; frozen can work but might be mushy.
Brown Sugar: Adds depth of flavor with its caramel notes—perfect for our crumb topping!
Cinnamon: A warm spice that brings holiday cheer—don’t skimp here; it’s essential!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Christmas Buttery Cranberry Streusel Crumb Bars:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray an 8×8 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Step 2: Prepare the Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and granulated sugar. Add softened butter and mix until crumbly. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish to form a solid base.

Step 3: Mix Up the Filling

In another bowl, combine fresh cranberries with brown sugar and cinnamon. Toss until evenly coated—this will create a lovely sweet-tart filling that’s simply irresistible!

Step 4: Assemble Your Bars

Spread the cranberry mixture evenly over the crust you created earlier. Then sprinkle any remaining crumb mixture on top as your streusel layer—get generous!

Step 5: Bake It

Place your baking dish in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until golden brown on top. Keep an eye on it; you want that perfect golden hue!

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove from oven and let cool in the pan for at least an hour before slicing into squares. These bars are delightful served warm or at room temperature.

Transfer to plates and serve them up as a holiday treat that everyone will love! Enjoy every buttery bite of these Christmas Buttery Cranberry Streusel Crumb Bars.

You Must Know About Christmas Buttery Cranberry Streusel Crumb Bars

This showstopping Christmas Buttery Cranberry Streusel Crumb Bars delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.

Perfecting Cooking Process

Start by prepping your ingredients: chop cranberries, mix streusel, and cream butter. Bake the base layer first, then sprinkle on the cranberry filling before adding the crumb topping. This order ensures a perfectly baked, deliciously layered bar.

Flavor Your Way

Feel free to swap out cranberries for blueberries or cherries for a different flavor twist. Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth, or toss in some nuts like pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch.

Storing & Reheating

Store your Christmas Buttery Cranberry Streusel Crumb Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them tightly wrapped for up to three months.

Chef's Helpful Tips for Christmas Buttery Cranberry Streusel Crumb Bars

This professional-quality Christmas Buttery Cranberry Streusel Crumb Bars relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.

Sometimes I whip up these bars during family gatherings, and the look on my grandma’s face when she takes her first bite is priceless—it’s like I’ve just handed her a piece of nostalgia wrapped in buttery goodness!

FAQs

What is Christmas Buttery Cranberry Streusel Crumb Bars?

Christmas Buttery Cranberry Streusel Crumb Bars are a delightful dessert, perfect for the holiday season. These bars feature a buttery base layered with a sweet and tangy cranberry filling, topped with a crumbly streusel topping. The combination of textures and flavors makes them a festive treat that’s sure to impress your guests. They are easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, ensuring you have a delicious dessert ready for holiday gatherings.

How do I store Christmas Buttery Cranberry Streusel Crumb Bars?

To store Christmas Buttery Cranberry Streusel Crumb Bars, allow them to cool completely before cutting them into squares. Place the bars in an airtight container lined with parchment paper. You can keep them at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate them for longer freshness. If you’d like to extend their shelf life, consider freezing the bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.

Can I substitute fresh cranberries in Christmas Buttery Cranberry Streusel Crumb Bars?

Yes, you can substitute fresh cranberries in Christmas Buttery Cranberry Streusel Crumb Bars with frozen cranberries or even cranberry sauce if you’re short on time. If using frozen cranberries, there’s no need to thaw them before adding to the recipe; just toss them directly into the filling mixture. If you opt for cranberry sauce, reduce the sugar in the filling slightly since it’s already sweetened.

What makes Christmas Buttery Cranberry Streusel Crumb Bars special?

Christmas Buttery Cranberry Streusel Crumb Bars stand out due to their unique blend of flavors and textures that capture the essence of the holiday season. The buttery crust provides a rich foundation, while the tartness of cranberries adds a refreshing contrast. The streusel topping brings warmth and crunch, making each bite satisfying. They not only taste great but also look beautiful on any dessert table, adding to your festive celebration.

Conclusion

In summary, Christmas Buttery Cranberry Streusel Crumb Bars are an exquisite addition to your holiday desserts lineup. Their delicious balance of buttery crust, tart cranberry filling, and crunchy streusel topping makes them a favorite among family and friends. Easy to make ahead of time and perfect for sharing, these bars will undoubtedly brighten your festive gatherings. Don’t miss out on this delightful treat this holiday season!