If you’re craving something cozy, simple, and full of fall flavor, these Gluten-Free Cran-Apple Crumble Bars hit every note. The crust is made with old-fashioned lard, naturally dairy-free, and unbelievably tender just the way Grandma might’ve done it. The homemade cran-apple jam cooks down fast with apples, cranberries, maple syrup, and vanilla, then gets a bright lift from a few drops of Vitality oils. The result? A warm, tangy-sweet bar that tastes like comfort in every bite. Perfect for holiday gatherings, lunchbox treats, or stocking your freezer for quick desserts. This is fuss-free baking that brings a little nostalgia back into your kitchen.

Why Lard?

Lard is naturally dairy-free and adds a tender, buttery texture to baked goods that’s hard to beat. Using lard in these crumble bars gives them that nostalgic, old-fashioned feel—and it’s a healthier option when sourced from grass-fed beef.

Look for lard rendered from grass-fed beef, or learn how to make your own with my friend Melissa of True Cut Ranch in Claremont, NC. She even has a fantastic video walking you through rendering lard step-by-step.

The Star: Cran-Apple Jam Filling

The jam is simple, fast, and full of fall flavor. With just a handful of ingredients; apples, cranberries, maple syrup, and vanilla. You can have a tangy-sweet filling ready in under 20 minutes. Adding a touch of Vitality essential oils (Lemon, Cinnamon, Clove, and Ginger) takes the flavor to the next level, creating a bar that’s both comforting and a little festive.

Ingredients

Rustic Cran-Apple Jam

1 1/2 cups apples cored,shredded
1 cup cranberries (fresh or frozen)
1 tablespoon water
1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons real maple syrup
1 1/2 tsp homemade vanilla
2 drops Lemon Vitality essential oil
2 drops cinnamon vitality essential oil
1 drop clove vitality essential oil
1 dip of toothpick ginger vitality essential oil

Crust Ingredients

1/3 cup + 2 tablespoon lard (shop local )
1 cups gluten-free rolled oats
1 cups gluten-free flour blend
1/2 cup brown sugar see notes
1/4 tsp heaped sea salt
1/2 tsp aluminum free baking powder or make your own see notes
2 tsp homemade vanilla
2 drops cinnamon vitality essential oil
2 drops nutmeg vitality essential oil

Directions

1. Make the rustic cran-apple jam filling.
In a heavy saucepan add water, shredded apples and cranberries and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then cover and cook 10 minutes. Stir once halfway to prevent burning. Next add maple syrup and cook 5 minutes longer without the cover on the pan. Stir ocassionally to prevent burning. In a small bowl combine 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, essential oils and vanilla. Remove pan from heat add vanilla mixture and stir. Return pan to the burner without turning on the heat this will evaporate excess moisture) while you assemble the crust. Makes about 1 cup of jam.

2. Make the crumble crust.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 8x8 baking dish with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, mix melted lard, vitality essential oils, brown sugar, and salt. Stir to combine. Next add gluten free flour, glute-free oats, and baking powder, Stir until well incorporated.

3. Assemble the bars.
Set aside 1 cup of the crust mixture for the topping. Press the remaining crust evenly into the prepared dish. Spread cran-apple jam over the crust. Sprinkle reserved crust mixture evenly on top.

4. Bake.
Bake 30 minutes, until golden brown. Cool completely on a wire rack. Lift bars out of the pan using parchment and cut into squares or triangles using a pizza cutter to make fast work.

5. Store.
Refrigerate up to 5 days or freeze up to 3 months.

Notes & Tips

Using frozen cranberries: No need to thaw cranberries before cooking them.
Make ahead: The cranapple jam can be prepared in advance or use store bought. Substitute any jam you like.
Make your own brown sugar: In a food processor combine 1 cup of sugar + 1 tablespoon molasses. Blend! That is it!
Melt lard: microwave or use a double boiler to melt lard
Parchment paper hack: Crumple your parchment into a ball, then smooth it into the pan for a better fit. Clips can help hold it in place (remove before baking).
Baking Powder Substitute: 1/4 tsp cream of tarter + 1/8 tsp baking soda = 3/4 tsp baking powder for this recipe
Storage: Bars can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days, but the texture is best from the fridge.
Ready to spice things up? Explore our Vitality Culinary Collection!

Serving Suggestions

Holiday dessert tables
Fall brunch spreads
Lunchbox treats
Warm with dairy-free vanilla ice cream

Vitality Oils in Baking

A tiny amount of Vitality essential oils elevates simple recipes, turning familiar flavors into something extraordinary. Lemon, Cinnamon, Clove, and Ginger oils bring warmth, brightness, and a subtle zing to these bars. Explore the Vitality Culinary Collection for more ways to add essential oils to your favorite dishes.

These gluten-free Cran-Apple Crumble Bars are simple, cozy, and bursting with fall flavor. With a tender lard crust, tangy-sweet jam, and a touch of Vitality oils, they bring old-fashioned comfort straight to your kitchen. Perfect for gifting, gatherings, or just a little indulgence at home.

✨ Make it and tag me! I want to see your twist on it!

Want to learn more about cooking with oils? Discover how easy it is to elevate dishes and the added health benefits!

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