Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars Recipe

The holiday season is the perfect time to indulge in some delicious desserts, and Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars are a fantastic option! These bars are sweet, tart, and feature a buttery crumble topping that's sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you're looking to bring something festive to a holiday gathering or simply want a treat to enjoy at home, these cranberry crumble pie bars will hit the spot. Read on for the complete recipe, helpful tips, and everything you need to know to make these irresistible bars from scratch!

What Are Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars?

Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars combine the best of a classic pie and a dessert bar. They feature a buttery shortbread crust, a tart-sweet cranberry filling, and a crunchy, flavorful crumble topping. These bars are easy to slice and serve, making them perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or just snacking at home. They offer all the deliciousness of a traditional cranberry pie, without the hassle of rolling out dough or worrying about slices falling apart. Plus, they’re portable and look amazing on a dessert table!

Ingredients List for Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars

Here’s everything you need to gather before diving into this recipe. This list covers the base, filling, and crumble topping.

For the Crust:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes

For the Cranberry Filling:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (no need to thaw frozen cranberries)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon orange zest (optional, but adds a great flavor)

For the Crumble Topping:

• ¾ cup rolled oats
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup light brown sugar (packed)
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes

These simple, pantry-friendly ingredients come together to create an outstanding dessert that's perfect for any occasion, especially during the fall and winter seasons when cranberries are abundant.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the great things about Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars is their versatility. You can easily make adjustments based on your personal preferences or dietary needs. Here are some substitutions and variations to try:

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the oats are certified gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use a plant-based butter substitute in place of regular butter.
• Nutty Crumble Topping: Add ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping for extra crunch and flavor.
• Mixed Berry Filling: Swap out half of the cranberries with other berries like blueberries or raspberries for a mixed berry version.
• Citrus Twist: For a brighter, more citrusy flavor, add extra orange or lemon zest to the filling or crumble topping.

Feel free to experiment with these options to make the recipe your own!

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to get started? Follow these simple steps to whip up your own batch of Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars.

1. Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal after baking.

2. Prepare the Crust

In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter (or your hands) to work the butter into the dry ingredients until it forms a crumbly, sand-like texture. Once combined, press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.

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, and orange zest (if using). Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cranberries start to burst and the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

4. Prepare the Crumble Topping

In another bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your hands to blend the butter into the mixture until it forms large, crumbly chunks.

5. Assemble the Bars

Pour the cranberry filling evenly over the baked crust. Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the cranberry layer, ensuring it covers the entire surface.

6. Bake the Bars

Place the pan back into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crumble topping is golden brown and the cranberry filling is bubbling around the edges. Once baked, remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan.

7. Slice and Serve

Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Transfer to a cutting board and slice into squares. Serve and enjoy!

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

To summarize the process of making Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars, here’s a quick breakdown:

1. Make the crust: Combine dry ingredients, cut in cold butter, and bake the crust until golden.
2. Prepare the cranberry filling: Cook cranberries, sugar, cornstarch, and flavorings until thickened.
3. Mix the crumble topping: Combine oats, flour, sugar, spices, and butter until crumbly.
4. Assemble: Layer the cranberry filling over the crust, then top with the crumble mixture.
5. Bake and cool: Bake the bars until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbly. Let cool before slicing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars is fairly straightforward, but here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Not chilling the butter: Make sure your butter is cold for both the crust and the crumble topping. Soft or melted butter can result in a greasy or dense texture.
• Undercooking the cranberry filling: If the cranberry mixture is too watery, the bars will not set properly. Ensure the filling thickens before adding it to the crust.
• Overbaking the crust: Pre-baking the crust is essential, but avoid overbaking it before adding the filling, as this could lead to a dry and crumbly base.
• Cutting before cooling: Be patient and let the bars cool completely before slicing. Cutting too soon can cause the bars to fall apart.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation is key when serving these delicious Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars, especially if you’re bringing them to a holiday gathering or dinner party. Here are a few tips to make your dessert shine:

How to Serve Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars

• Room Temperature: These bars are best served at room temperature, but they can also be enjoyed chilled from the fridge for a firmer texture.
• With Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic pie-like experience.
• With Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds an extra layer of richness that pairs beautifully with the tart cranberry filling.

Presentation Ideas for Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars

• Dust with Powdered Sugar: For a festive look, sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar over the bars just before serving.
• Garnish with Cranberries: Add a few whole cranberries and some orange zest on top of each bar to highlight the ingredients.
• Holiday-Themed Platter: Serve the bars on a festive, holiday-themed platter or tray to make them even more appealing.

Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars Recipe Tips

• Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
• Freezing: These bars freeze well. Simply wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: If you'd like to enjoy warm bars, simply pop them in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use canned cranberries for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh or frozen cranberries for the filling. Canned cranberry sauce is already sweetened and cooked, which will alter the texture and flavor of the bars.

2. How do I prevent the crumble topping from getting soggy?
Ensure the butter in the topping is cold when mixed, and bake the bars until the topping is golden and crisp.

3. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! You can make these bars a day or two in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

4. Are there other fruits I can use instead of cranberries?
You can substitute cranberries with any tart fruit like raspberries, cherries, or even apples for a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars are the ultimate dessert for the holiday season, offering a delightful mix of sweet, tart, and buttery goodness. With their easy-to-make crust, flavorful cranberry filling, and irresistible crumble topping, they’re sure to become a favorite in your home. Whether you’re serving them at a festive gathering or just treating yourself to a seasonal snack, these bars are a crowd-pleaser. Don’t forget to try the variations and tips we’ve shared to customize this recipe to your liking. Happy baking!

Print