Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars Recipe

Are you looking for the perfect fall or holiday dessert? Look no further! This Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars Recipe combines tart cranberries with a buttery, sweet crumble that is sure to impress at any gathering. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, these bars are simple to make yet deliver a taste explosion in every bite. Stick around and read the full recipe for all the details you need to create this irresistible treat!

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What Are Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars?

Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars are a delicious, layered dessert consisting of a sweet, buttery crust, a tart cranberry filling, and a crumbly topping. These bars are a wonderful hybrid of a pie and a crumble, offering the best of both worlds. The buttery shortbread crust serves as a sturdy base, while the cranberry filling adds a refreshing tartness, balanced out by a sweet crumble topping. Perfect for the fall season or any holiday spread, this dessert is an excellent way to use fresh or frozen cranberries.

Ingredients List for Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars

To get started on your Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Cranberry Filling:

• 2 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

For the Crumble Topping:

• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is versatile and can easily accommodate substitutions based on your dietary needs or preferences:

• Butter: You can use vegan butter or margarine if you're looking to make this dessert dairy-free.
• Flour: For a gluten-free option, replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
• Sugar: Swap out regular granulated sugar for coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener for a lower sugar version.
• Cranberries: If you don’t have cranberries, feel free to substitute with other tart fruits like raspberries or cherries. You could also mix cranberries with apples or pears for a unique flavor combo.
• Crumble Topping: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the crumble for a nutty crunch, or sprinkle in some shredded coconut for a tropical twist.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s the breakdown of how to make these mouthwatering Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Ensure the parchment paper extends over the sides so you can easily lift the bars out once they’re done.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until creamy. Add the vanilla extract, then gradually mix in the flour and salt until the mixture forms a soft dough. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Prick the surface with a fork to allow air to escape and bake for 15–20 minutes or until the edges turn a light golden brown.

Step 3: Make the Cranberry Filling

While the crust is baking, prepare the cranberry filling. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberries, sugar, cornstarch, orange zest, orange juice, and optional cinnamon. Stir frequently until the mixture begins to thicken, about 5–7 minutes. Once the cranberries have burst and the mixture is thick and jam-like, remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 4: Prepare the Crumble Topping

In a medium bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, melted butter, salt, and optional cinnamon. Mix until the ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 5: Assemble the Bars

Once the crust is ready, spread the cranberry filling evenly over the warm crust. Sprinkle the crumble topping over the cranberry layer, ensuring an even distribution.

Step 6: Bake the Bars

Return the assembled bars to the oven and bake for another 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cranberry filling is bubbling around the edges.

Step 7: Cool and Cut

Let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. Once cooled, cut them into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.

How to Cook Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preheat the oven and line your baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix the crust ingredients (butter, sugar, flour, vanilla, salt) and press the dough into the pan.
3. Bake the crust for 15–20 minutes, then let it cool slightly.
4. Prepare the cranberry filling by cooking cranberries with sugar, orange zest, and juice until thick.
5. Mix the crumble topping by combining oats, flour, sugar, butter, and spices.
6. Layer the cranberry filling on the baked crust and sprinkle the crumble evenly over it.
7. Bake until golden and set.
8. Cool completely, cut, and serve!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not letting the crust cool slightly before adding the filling: If the crust is too hot, the filling may sink into it, making your bars less structured.
• Overbaking the bars: Watch the bars closely during the second bake to ensure the crumble doesn't burn. The edges should be golden brown, but the center should still be soft.
• Cutting before completely cooled: Resist the temptation to cut the bars while they’re warm. If you cut them too soon, they may crumble apart. Allow them to cool fully to maintain structure.
• Using too much flour in the crumble: Stick to the recommended amounts, as too much flour can make the topping dry and powdery.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation is key to making these bars even more appealing. Here are some creative ways to serve them:

How to Serve Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars:

• Serve at room temperature for the best texture.
• These bars pair perfectly with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.
• Drizzle a bit of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of powdered sugar over the top for an extra layer of sweetness and a professional finish.

Presentation Ideas for Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars:

• Arrange the bars on a tiered dessert stand to add height and elegance to your dessert table.
• Serve them on a rustic wooden board lined with parchment for a cozy, farmhouse-style presentation.
• For individual servings, place each bar in a colorful cupcake liner to make them easier to grab and transport at gatherings.

Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: These bars can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just bring them to room temperature before serving.
• Freezing: These bars freeze beautifully. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Use Fresh or Frozen Cranberries: Both fresh and frozen cranberries work well in this recipe, so you can enjoy these bars year-round. No need to thaw frozen cranberries beforehand; just cook them a bit longer in the filling step.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh or frozen?
Dried cranberries won’t provide the same juicy, tart filling that fresh or frozen cranberries do. If you must use dried cranberries, soak them in warm water or orange juice to rehydrate them first, but keep in mind the texture and flavor will be different.

How do I store Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes! These bars actually taste even better the next day, once the flavors have had time to meld together.

Do I have to use orange zest in the filling?
No, the orange zest is optional, but it adds a bright citrusy flavor that complements the tart cranberries beautifully.

Conclusion

These Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars are the perfect mix of sweet and tart, with a satisfying crunch from the crumbly topping. Whether you’re making them for a holiday party or just because you’re craving something delicious, they’re sure to be a hit. The combination of flavors and textures is utterly delightful, and the recipe is simple enough for anyone to follow. Enjoy baking, serving, and devouring these amazing bars!

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