Easy & Sweet Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars Recipe for Winter Joy

Sweet memories often spark when you whip up a delightful cranberry crumble pie bars that blend tangy fruit with buttery, crumbly goodness.

Grandma’s kitchen always smelled magical during holiday baking sessions.

Seasonal berries burst with vibrant flavor in this simple yet impressive dessert.

Crisp autumn afternoons call for comforting treats that warm the heart.

Layers of golden crust and ruby-red filling create a stunning visual treat.

Baking these bars promises pure satisfaction with minimal effort.

Let’s uncover how a few ingredients can turn an ordinary afternoon into something extraordinary.

FAQs

• Are cranberry crumble pie bars difficult to make?

No, these bars are super easy and beginner-friendly. The recipe requires basic ingredients and simple mixing techniques that anyone can follow, even if you’re not an experienced baker.

• Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work perfectly in this recipe. Just thaw them slightly before cooking and they’ll create the same delicious filling as fresh cranberries.

• How do I know when the bars are done baking?

Look for a golden-brown top and slightly set edges. The crumble should look crisp and the cranberry filling should be bubbling around the edges, indicating it’s fully baked.

Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars That Impress

• Craft with Ease: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels, even beginners can nail this delightful dessert.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or family celebrations where everyone craves a sweet treat with a tangy cranberry twist.
• Quick Preparation Magic: Minimal ingredients and uncomplicated technique mean you can transform basic pantry staples into a delectable dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Serving Option: These bars work brilliantly as a make-ahead dessert, can be served chilled or at room temperature, and travel well for picnics or shared meals.

Ingredients to Make Cranberry Crumble Bars

• All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure and texture for the pie bars.
• Rolled Oats: Adds a hearty and nutty element to the crumbly base.
• Brown Sugar: Brings a rich, caramel-like sweetness to the crust.
• Baking Powder: Helps the crust achieve a light and slightly risen texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the crust.

• Fresh Cranberries: Provides a tart and vibrant fruity component to the dessert.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances the tartness of the cranberries and creates a sweet filling.

• Butter, Unsalted: Melts to bind the crust ingredients and adds richness to the bars.
• Vanilla Extract: Introduces a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the cranberries.

How to Prepare Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F, preparing it for the delicious cranberry bars you’re about to create.

Step 2: Create the Crumbly Base

• All-purpose flour
• Rolled oats
• Brown sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt

Blend these dry ingredients thoroughly until well mixed.

Step 3: Transform Into Crumble Mixture

Pour in melted butter and vanilla extract. Gently mix until the ingredients form a delightful, crumbly texture that holds together when pressed.

Step 4: Build the Bottom Layer

Take half of the crumble mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of a greased baking dish. Create an even, compact base that will support your cranberry topping.

Step 5: Prepare Cranberry Filling

In a saucepan, cook fresh cranberries with granulated sugar. Stir and cook until the cranberries begin to burst and release their vibrant juices, creating a luscious, jammy consistency.

Step 6: Layer the Cranberry Goodness

Spread the cooked cranberry mixture evenly over the pressed crumble base, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 7: Add the Crumble Topping

Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the cranberry layer, creating a rustic, textured top.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, watching for a golden-brown color and bubbling edges.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely. This helps them set and makes cutting into perfect squares easier.

Slice and enjoy your homemade cranberry crumble bars!

Tips for the Perfect Crumble Texture

• Swap fresh cranberries with frozen ones if seasonal availability is limited, ensuring equal measurements for perfect texture.
• Create gluten-free version by substituting regular flour with almond or oat flour for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Allow bars to cool completely before cutting to maintain structural integrity and prevent crumbling during serving.
• Enhance flavor complexity by adding orange zest to cranberry filling or sprinkling chopped pecans into crumble topping for extra crunch.
• Store bars in airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days or refrigerate up to one week for extended freshness.

Variations to Try with Cranberry Pie Bars

• Gluten-Free Cranberry Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for celiac or wheat-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Berry Crumble: Swap butter with coconut oil and use maple syrup instead of brown sugar to create a plant-based version.
• Low-Sugar Cranberry Slice: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a diabetic-friendly alternative that reduces overall carbohydrate content.
• Seasonal Berry Swap: Replace cranberries with fresh raspberries, blueberries, or mixed berries for a different fruity experience depending on seasonal availability.

Serving Suggestions to Elevate Your Bars

• Festive Holiday Platter: Arrange the cranberry crumble bars on a rustic wooden board with sprigs of fresh rosemary and dusted powdered sugar, perfect for Christmas gatherings or winter parties.
• Dessert Breakfast Companion: Pair these bars with a warm cup of vanilla latte or spiced chai tea, creating a delightful morning treat that transforms your ordinary breakfast into a special moment.
• Elegant Dessert Presentation: Slice bars diagonally and serve on individual white plates, garnished with a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and a light drizzle of caramel sauce for an upscale dessert experience.
• Picnic Perfect Snack: Pack these bars in a cute mason jar or wrapped in parchment paper for a portable, delicious outdoor snack that's easy to transport and share during weekend adventures.

Storage Tips for Cranberry Crumble Bars

• Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days to maintain their delightful texture and flavor.
• Refrigerate the bars in a sealed container for up to 5 days, which helps preserve their freshness and prevents spoilage.
• Freeze individual bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months, perfect for enjoying a sweet treat later.
• Reheat refrigerated or frozen bars by warming them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350F for 5-7 minutes until they reach your desired warmth.

Irresistible Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars Recipe

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4.9 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Cranberry crumble pie bars blend festive flavors in a delightful dessert that marries tart berries with buttery crumble. Seasonal warmth fills each bite, inviting you to savor the perfect balance of sweet and tangy notes.

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Ingredients

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Fruit:

• 3 cups fresh cranberries

Sugars:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar

Base and Topping Ingredients:

• 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a baking dish with non-stick spray or parchment paper.
2. Combine dry ingredients including flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
3. Pour melted butter and vanilla into the dry mixture, gently stirring until a coarse, crumbly texture forms.
4. Transfer half of the crumble mixture into the prepared baking dish, firmly pressing it down to create an even base layer.
5. In a separate saucepan, simmer cranberries with sugar over medium heat until they soften and burst, releasing their natural juices.
6. Carefully spread the cooked cranberry mixture evenly across the pressed crumble crust.
7. Scatter the remaining crumble mixture over the cranberry layer, ensuring a uniform covering.
8. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top turns a golden brown and the edges appear slightly crisp.
9. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature before slicing into individual servings.

Notes

• Customize the sweetness by adjusting sugar levels to suit different taste preferences, ensuring the tartness of cranberries remains balanced.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting regular flour with almond or oat flour, making the recipe accessible for those with dietary restrictions.
• Enhance the crumble’s texture by chilling the butter-oat mixture before pressing into the pan, which helps create a more structured and crisp base.
• Experiment with additional spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to add depth and warmth to the cranberry filling, elevating the overall flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 180 kcal
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 90 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg