Cozy Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars Recipe for Holiday Magic

Sweet dreams come alive with a cranberry crumble pie bars that dance between tart and sugary perfection.

Layers of buttery crust and vibrant berries create a dessert magical enough to stop conversations.

Crumbly textures melt into each delightful bite, promising comfort and excitement.

Seasonal fruits burst through a golden-brown topping that whispers winter warmth.

Minimal ingredients guarantee maximum satisfaction for anyone seeking a delectable treat.

Home bakers can easily master this simple yet impressive dessert that feels like a culinary hug.

You might just become the neighborhood’s most celebrated pastry chef with this irresistible recipe.

Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars Summary

• Craft a Crowd-Pleaser: These cranberry crumble pie bars wow guests with their perfect balance of tart cranberries and sweet crumbly crust, making them ideal for potlucks and family gatherings.
• Bake with Minimal Effort: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps mean anyone can create these delightful bars without advanced baking skills, perfect for novice and experienced bakers alike.
• Seasonal Celebration: Bursting with festive cranberry flavor and warm orange zest, these bars capture the essence of autumn and winter holidays, bringing a touch of comfort to any dessert table.
• Versatile Dessert Delight: Serve as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or elegant dessert – these bars transition seamlessly between different meal occasions and always impress.

Ingredients for Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars

• All-Purpose Flour: A soft white flour that provides the base structure for the pie bars.
• Sugar: A sweet ingredient that adds flavor and helps with browning.
• Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the crust become light and tender.
• Butter: A rich ingredient that creates a flaky and delicious texture in the crust.
• Egg: Binds the crust ingredients together and adds richness.

• Fresh Cranberries: Tart and vibrant berries that give the bars a bold, fruity flavor.
• Sugar: Balances the tartness of the cranberries and creates a sweet filling.
• Cornstarch: A thickening agent that helps the cranberry mixture set properly.
• Orange Zest: Adds a bright, citrusy note that complements the cranberries.

• Remaining Crust Mixture: Crumbled over the top to create a delightful textural contrast.

How to Prepare Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank up your oven to 350F and grab an 8×8-inch baking pan. Give the pan a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Crumbly Crust

Grab a mixing bowl and toss in flour, sugar, baking powder, and butter. Work these ingredients together until they look like coarse, sandy crumbs.

Crack in an egg and mix until everything comes together into a soft dough.

Step 3: Build the First Layer

Take half of your dough mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.

Make sure it’s evenly distributed and creates a solid base for your bars.

Step 4: Prepare the Cranberry Filling

In a separate bowl, combine fresh cranberries with sugar, cornstarch, and bright orange zest.

Stir these ingredients until the cranberries are well coated and look glossy and vibrant.

Step 5: Layer the Cranberry Goodness

Spread the cranberry mixture evenly over the first dough layer.

Make sure it covers the entire surface of the crust.

Step 6: Add the Crumble Topping

Sprinkle the remaining dough over the cranberry layer, creating a rustic, uneven topping that will turn golden and crispy during baking.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Look for a beautiful golden-brown color across the top of the bars.

Remove from the oven and let cool completely before cutting into squares.

Tips for Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars

• Use fresh or frozen cranberries for maximum flavor burst, ensuring they’re completely thawed if frozen.
• Replace white sugar with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index and deeper caramel undertones.
• Enhance the crumble texture by chilling the butter before mixing with dry ingredients, creating more defined crumbly pieces.
• Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for extra crunch and nutty complexity.
• Prevent soggy bottom by using parchment paper and letting bars cool completely before cutting into clean, sharp squares.

Flavor Variations for Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars

• Gluten-Free Cranberry Crunch Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a gluten-free alternative that maintains the same delicious texture.
• Vegan Berry Bliss Bars: Swap butter with coconut oil and use a flax egg instead of regular egg to create a plant-based version of the classic recipe.
• Low-Sugar Cranberry Squares: Reduce sugar content by using stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and add chopped nuts for extra flavor and crunch.
• Seasonal Berry Variation: Substitute cranberries with mixed berries like raspberries or blueberries for a year-round fruity dessert option.

Serving Suggestions for Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars

• Festive Holiday Platter: Arrange bars on a rustic wooden board with sprigs of fresh rosemary and dusted powdered sugar for a stunning seasonal presentation.
• Cozy Breakfast Companion: Serve warm alongside a steaming mug of chai tea or coffee, creating a perfect morning treat that combines comfort and flavor.
• Dessert Elegance: Plate individual bars with a dollop of vanilla bean whipped cream and a light drizzle of caramel sauce for an elevated dessert experience.
• Picnic Perfect Snack: Pack bars in individual parchment wraps for a delightful outdoor gathering treat that travels well and satisfies sweet cravings.

Storage Advice for Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars

• Store leftover cranberry crumble pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, keeping them fresh and delicious.
• Refrigerate the bars for extended freshness, where they’ll last up to 5-7 days when sealed properly in a container with a tight lid.
• Freeze individual bars wrapped in plastic wrap, then placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months, preserving their amazing texture and flavor.
• Reheat refrigerated or frozen bars by warming them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or restore crispness by placing them in a preheated 350F oven for 5-7 minutes until slightly warm and crispy.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries without thawing. Just add 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time to account for the additional moisture.

• How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?

Look for a golden-brown color on top and slightly firm edges. The center should look set but not completely dry when you remove it from the oven.

• Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free, and the texture might be slightly different.

Perfect Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars Recipe

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4.5 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Cranberry crumble pie bars highlight seasonal flavors with a buttery crust and tangy fruit filling. Festive dessert bars combine sweet and tart notes, offering a delightful slice of holiday comfort you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)

Binding and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Zest of 1 orange

Leavening and Seasoning:

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly coat an 8×8-inch baking pan with grease to prevent sticking.
2. Create a crumbly base mixture by combining flour, sugar, baking powder, and butter until the texture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
3. Incorporate the egg into the crumb mixture, ensuring even distribution and slightly moistened consistency.
4. Gently press half of the prepared dough into the bottom of the greased pan, creating an even, compact layer.
5. In a separate mixing bowl, toss cranberries with remaining sugar, cornstarch, and fragrant orange zest until well coated.
6. Carefully spread the cranberry mixture across the initial dough layer, ensuring uniform coverage.
7. Delicately crumble the remaining dough over the cranberry filling, creating a rustic, textured topping.
8. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for a golden-brown surface and set filling.
9. Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares, which helps them maintain structural integrity.

Notes

• Make sure the butter is cold when mixing with flour to create a flaky, crumbly crust that holds together perfectly.
• Adjust sweetness by reducing sugar if using tart cranberries or add a splash of vanilla extract for deeper flavor complexity.
• Prevent soggy bottom by patting the first layer firmly and evenly into the pan, ensuring a crisp base for the fruity filling.
• Substitute fresh cranberries with frozen ones directly from the freezer to maintain texture and prevent excess moisture in the bars.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 222 kcal
• Sugar: 13 g
• Sodium: 56 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 22 mg