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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Create the base mixture by combining melted butter with flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, and vanilla extract until a cohesive, crumbly texture forms.
- Transfer two-thirds of the base mixture into the prepared pan, firmly pressing to create an even, compact crust layer that reaches all corners.
- 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.
- Carefully spread the cranberry mixture across the prepared crust, ensuring uniform distribution and complete coverage.
- 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.
- Generously sprinkle the oat crumble over the cranberry layer, covering the surface with an even, textured coating.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for a golden-brown topping that indicates perfect doneness.
- Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, which helps the filling set and makes cutting easier.
- 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