Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars Recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious dessert that combines the tangy tartness of cranberries with the buttery goodness of a crumble, you’ve come to the right place. Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars offer the perfect balance of textures and flavors, making them a great option for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or even as a delightful treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee. With a crisp, buttery base, a sweet-tart cranberry filling, and a crunchy oat crumble on top, these bars are sure to become a new favorite! Keep reading for the full recipe, tips, and tricks to make these irresistible Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars.

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What Are Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars?

Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars are essentially a portable version of a cranberry pie with a crumbly topping. They have three delicious layers: a buttery shortbread crust, a luscious cranberry filling, and a golden oat streusel topping. The tartness of the cranberries complements the sweetness of the crust and crumble, creating a dessert that’s both indulgent and refreshing. These pie bars are perfect for holiday baking, but they’re easy enough to make year-round, especially when cranberries are in season.

Ingredients List for Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful cranberry bars:

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cranberry Filling:

• 3 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for added warmth)

For the Crumble Topping:

• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

Substitutions and Variations

One of the great things about this Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars recipe is its flexibility. Here are a few variations and substitutions you can make based on your preferences and available ingredients:

1. Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour in both the crust and crumble with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
2. Dairy-Free Option: Swap the butter for a dairy-free butter substitute, such as margarine or coconut oil.
3. Mixed Berries: Instead of just cranberries, you can mix in other berries like blueberries or raspberries for a more complex flavor.
4. Spiced Crumble: For a holiday-inspired flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or even allspice to the crumble topping.
5. Almond Flavor: Replace vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty, aromatic twist.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these easy-to-follow steps to make your Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars from scratch:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Leave some overhang on the sides to make it easier to lift the bars out later.
2. Make the Crust:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
• Using a pastry cutter or two forks, cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until the dough starts to come together. The dough will be crumbly but should hold when pressed together.
• Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to smooth it out.
• Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes, or until it starts to lightly brown around the edges. Remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling and crumble topping.

1. Prepare the Cranberry Filling:

• In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, lemon zest, and cinnamon (if using).
• Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the cranberries begin to burst and the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

1. Make the Crumble Topping:

• In a separate bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
• Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter (or your hands) to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

1. Assemble the Pie Bars:

• Pour the cranberry filling evenly over the baked crust.
• Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the cranberry layer, ensuring even coverage.

1. Bake the Bars:

• Place the assembled bars back into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cranberry filling is bubbling around the edges.
• Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan before cutting.

1. Slice and Serve:

• Once the bars have cooled completely, use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out of the pan.
• Slice into squares or rectangles and serve.

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

To make the best Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars, follow these tips for success:

1. Use Cold Butter: Cold butter is crucial for creating a flaky crust and crunchy crumble. If your butter starts to soften while you’re making the crust or crumble, pop it in the fridge for a few minutes before proceeding.
2. Don’t Overmix: When making the crust and crumble, avoid overmixing the dough. You want it to stay crumbly for the perfect texture.
3. Let the Bars Cool Completely: While it’s tempting to dive right in, be sure to let the bars cool completely before cutting. This allows the filling to set and makes slicing easier.
4. Cranberry Substitutes: If fresh cranberries aren’t available, frozen cranberries work just as well. There’s no need to thaw them before using, but you may need to cook the filling a bit longer to allow the extra moisture to evaporate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple recipes like Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars can go awry. Here are a few common mistakes to avoid:

1. Soggy Crust: If you don’t pre-bake the crust, it can turn out soggy. Be sure to bake the crust before adding the cranberry filling to ensure it stays crisp.
2. Too Thick or Too Thin Crust: Ensure you press the crust evenly into the pan. A too-thick crust will overwhelm the other layers, while a too-thin crust might crumble or burn.
3. Overcooking the Cranberry Filling: You want the cranberries to burst and thicken, but be careful not to overcook them into a jam-like consistency. The filling should be thick but still spreadable.
4. Undercooked Topping: Make sure the crumble topping turns golden brown before removing the bars from the oven. If the topping looks too pale, let it bake a few extra minutes to crisp up.

Serving and Presentation Tips

These Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars are as delicious as they are beautiful! Here are a few ideas for serving and presenting them:

1. Dust with Powdered Sugar: Just before serving, lightly dust the bars with powdered sugar for a snowy, festive look.
2. Add Whipped Cream: Serve the bars with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
3. Holiday Platter: Arrange the bars on a decorative holiday platter and garnish with sprigs of rosemary or fresh cranberries for a seasonal touch.

How to Serve Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars

Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars can be served warm or at room temperature. For an extra decadent dessert, serve them with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. These bars also pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a cozy mug of hot cocoa.

Presentation Ideas for Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars

For a beautiful presentation, consider these ideas:

1. Holiday-Themed Garnish: Garnish your serving platter with a few fresh cranberries and lemon slices to mirror the ingredients in the bars.
2. Festive Wrapping: If you’re gifting these bars, wrap individual pieces in parchment paper and tie with a festive ribbon.
3. Mini Bars: For parties, consider cutting the bars into bite-sized squares and arranging them on a tiered dessert stand.

Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars Recipe Tips

To ensure your bars come out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Parchment Paper Overhang: Always line your baking dish with parchment paper to make removing and slicing the bars easier.
• Storing Leftovers: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. They also freeze well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
• Reheat: For a warm treat, reheat individual bars in the microwave for about 10 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
A: Dried cranberries won’t work for this recipe since they lack the moisture needed to create the filling. Stick with fresh or frozen cranberries for the best results.

Q: Can I freeze Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars?
A: Yes! These bars freeze well. Store them in an airtight container with parchment paper between the layers for up to 3 months.

Q: Do I have to use oats in the crumble topping?
A: The oats give the crumble a nice texture, but if you’re not a fan or don’t have any on hand, you can substitute them with additional flour.

Conclusion

Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars are a fantastic treat that perfectly balances tart, sweet, and buttery flavors. Whether you’re baking for a holiday dessert table or simply craving a cozy snack, these bars are sure to impress. With their festive cranberry filling and crunchy oat topping, they make the ideal dessert for fall and winter gatherings. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to bake a batch of these irresistible bars today!

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