Indulge in the perfect balance of tartness and crunch with these delectable Cranberry Crunch Squares. Made with a buttery crust, a tangy cranberry filling, and a crunchy oat topping, these squares are the ideal dessert for any occasion. The vibrant red cranberries add a pop of color while their tartness is beautifully complemented by the sweet base and topping. This recipe is quick and easy to make, and the squares can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Give in to your sweet tooth cravings and savor the delightful flavors of these Cranberry Crunch Squares.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x9-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press half of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create the crust.
- In a separate bowl, combine the fresh cranberries, orange juice, and brown sugar. Stir well to coat the cranberries.
- Spread the cranberry mixture evenly over the crust in the baking pan.
- In the same large bowl used earlier, combine the remaining flour mixture with the old-fashioned oats and chopped nuts. Mix in the melted butter until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Sprinkle the crumbly oat mixture over the cranberry layer in the pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cranberry filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.
- Serve the Cranberry Crunch Squares warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Cranberries are native to North America and are harvested in the fall.
Cranberries are packed with antioxidants and are a great source of Vitamin C.
The first recorded cranberry sauce recipe dates back to 1672!
Cranberries were used by Native Americans for their medicinal properties long before they became popular in culinary applications.