The Dreamy Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars Recipe You’ll Adore

Baking a delightful cranberry crumble pie bars promises pure comfort and joy on chilly afternoons.

Sweet-tart berries burst with seasonal flavor in this irresistible dessert.

Crisp buttery layers contrast against vibrant fruit filling, creating a mouthwatering experience.

Rustic and homemade, these bars capture the essence of cozy baking adventures.

Minimal ingredients combine for maximum deliciousness, making preparation simple and enjoyable.

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to elevate this classic treat.

Dive into this recipe and let the magic of cranberry goodness sweep you away.

Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars with Tart Sweetness

• Craft Seasonal Dessert: Celebrate the vibrant flavors of cranberry with this delightful pie bar that transforms traditional dessert into a crowd-pleasing treat.
• Embrace Easy Baking: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced home cooks.
• Layer Delicious Textures: Enjoy a harmonious blend of buttery crust, tangy cranberry filling, and crispy oat crumble topping that creates a symphony of taste and mouthfeel.
• Versatile Party Pleaser: Ideal for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or weekend family desserts, these bars can be prepared ahead of time and serve multiple people with minimal effort.

Ingredients for Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars

• All-Purpose Flour: The base that provides structure for the pie bars.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet components that add depth of flavor to the crust.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates richness and helps bind the crust together.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the crust.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the crust.

• Fresh Cranberries: The star ingredient that provides a tart and vibrant flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances the tartness of the cranberries.
• Orange Juice: Adds a bright, citrusy note to the filling.
• Orange Zest: Provides intense citrus aroma and flavor.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the cranberry filling and create a smooth texture.

• Rolled Oats, All-Purpose Flour: Create a crunchy and textured crumble topping.
• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a caramelized top.
• Ground Cinnamon: Provides a warm, spicy undertone to the crumble.
• Cold Butter: Helps create a crumbly, streusel-like texture for the topping.

How to Prepare Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars

Step 1: Create Delicious Crust Base

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Line a baking pan with parchment paper.

• Melted butter
• Flour
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Salt
• Vanilla extract

Mix ingredients until they form a crumbly texture.

Press two-thirds of the mixture into the bottom of the pan to create a solid crust foundation.

Step 2: Craft Tangy Cranberry Filling

• Cranberries
• Sugar
• Orange juice
• Orange zest
• Cornstarch

Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Let the cranberries burst and the mixture thicken into a rich, vibrant filling.

This process typically takes about 8-10 minutes.

Step 3: Develop Crunchy Oat Topping

• Oats
• Flour
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon

Cut in cold butter until the mixture transforms into coarse, crumbly chunks.

This creates a delightful textural contrast for the bars.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Spread the cranberry filling evenly across the prepared crust.

Sprinkle the oat crumble generously over the top, ensuring complete coverage.

Place in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes.

Look for a golden-brown topping that indicates perfect doneness.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely.

This allows the filling to set and makes cutting into neat squares much easier.

Slice into individual servings and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and crumbly textures.

Pro Tips for Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars

• Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly to create a solid base that prevents the filling from making the bottom layer wet.
• Add a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg to the cranberry filling for extra warmth and complexity in taste.
• Use cold butter and work quickly when mixing the crumble topping to maintain those delightful coarse, chunky crumbs.
• Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerate for up to a week to maintain freshness.
• Replace cranberries with other seasonal fruits like raspberries or mixed berries for a versatile dessert option.

Variations to Change Up Cranberry Crumble Bars

• Berry Bliss Bars: Swap cranberries with mixed berries like raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries for a colorful and tangy fruit variation.
• Gluten-Free Goodness: Replace regular flour with gluten-free flour blend and use certified gluten-free oats to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Nutty Crunch Upgrade: Add chopped almonds or pecans to the crumble topping for extra texture and a rich, toasted flavor profile.
• Vegan Friendly Version: Use coconut oil instead of butter, plant-based sugar, and a vegan butter substitute to create a completely dairy-free and egg-free dessert option.

Serving Ideas for Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars

• Cozy Holiday Plating: Dust the bars with powdered sugar for a festive winter touch, creating a snow-like effect that enhances the dessert's visual appeal.
• Sweet Breakfast Companion: Pair these bars with a warm cup of vanilla latte or spiced chai tea, making them perfect for a leisurely morning treat alongside your favorite morning beverage.
• Decadent Dessert Presentation: Serve the bars slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream, adding a creamy contrast to the tart cranberry filling.
• Gifting Delight: Package the cooled bars in cute parchment paper or festive holiday tins as a homemade gift, showcasing your baking skills and spreading delicious cheer to friends and family.

Storing Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars Safely

• Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap the entire uncut pan securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Cut bars into squares, wrap each separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries without thawing. Just add 1-2 minutes to the cooking time when making the filling to ensure they break down properly.

• How do I know if the cranberry filling is the right consistency?

The filling should look thick and glossy, coating the back of a spoon. When you drag a spoon through the mixture, it should leave a clear path that doesn’t immediately fill back in.

• What if I don't have orange zest for the filling?

You can substitute orange zest with lemon zest or skip it entirely. The zest adds a bright citrus note, but the bars will still taste delicious without it.

Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Scrumptious cranberry crumble pie bars blend tart cranberries with buttery crumble topping in a delightful dessert. Guests will savor each sweet-tangy bite of this irresistible seasonal treat perfect for holiday gatherings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage with slight overhang for easy removal.
2. Create the base mixture by combining melted butter with flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, and vanilla extract until a cohesive, crumbly texture forms.
3. Transfer two-thirds of the base mixture into the prepared pan, firmly pressing to create an even, compact crust layer that reaches all corners.
4. In a saucepan, combine cranberries with sugar, orange juice, orange zest, and cornstarch, cooking over medium heat until berries burst and the mixture transforms into a thick, glossy filling.
5. Carefully spread the cranberry mixture across the prepared crust, ensuring uniform distribution and complete coverage.
6. Prepare the crumble topping by mixing oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a separate bowl, then incorporate cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse, uneven crumbs.
7. Generously sprinkle the oat crumble over the cranberry layer, covering the surface with an even, textured coating.
8. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for a golden-brown topping that indicates perfect doneness.
9. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, which helps the filling set and makes cutting easier.
10. Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and slice into neat, square portions for serving.

Notes

• Swap out regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same delightful texture and taste.
• Reduce sugar content by using fresh cranberries and adding stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a lower-calorie alternative that keeps the tangy flavor profile.
• Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option that still provides richness and helps create a crispy, golden crumble topping.
• Enhance nutritional value by incorporating chopped nuts like almonds or pecans into the crumble mixture, adding extra protein and a delightful crunch to the bars.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 355
• Sugar: 19 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg