Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars Recipe

Looking for the perfect dessert that balances tart and sweet, with a buttery, crumbly texture? These Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars are the answer! Whether you're preparing a holiday treat or just want a snack with a pop of flavor, these bars are a delightful way to enjoy fresh cranberries. Featuring a soft base, a tangy cranberry filling, and a crispy crumble topping, this dessert will be the star of any dessert table. Read on for the recipe, tips, and variations!

What are “Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars”?

Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars are a dessert that combines the tangy tartness of cranberries with a buttery crust and crumbly topping. Similar to a fruit pie in bar form, these bars feature a cranberry filling layered between a shortbread-style crust and a streusel-like topping. The combination of textures and flavors makes them a wonderful choice for any occasion, especially during the fall and winter months when cranberries are in season. With their beautiful ruby-red filling, they are as visually appealing as they are delicious.

Ingredients List for Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars

For the Crust and Crumble Topping:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for extra flavor)

For the Cranberry Filling:

• 3 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (no need to thaw if using frozen)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional but recommended)
• 2 tablespoon fresh orange juice (or lemon juice for more tartness)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is very adaptable, and you can customize it to fit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some ideas:

• Gluten-Free: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based butter alternative instead of regular butter.
• Sweeteners: Swap granulated sugar for coconut sugar or maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness.
• Other Fruit: Mix cranberries with other berries (like blueberries or raspberries) to create a more complex flavor profile.
• Spices: Add ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg or cloves for a warm, holiday spice twist.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

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

1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal of the bars.
2. Make the Crust and Topping:
   • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon (if using).
   • Add the cold, cubed butter and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers, mix the butter into the flour mixture until it forms coarse crumbs.
   • Reserve about 1 ½ cups of this mixture for the crumble topping, and press the remaining mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
3. Bake the Crust:
   Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes, or until it starts to lightly brown around the edges. Remove from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the cranberry filling.
4. Prepare the Cranberry Filling:
   • In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, cornstarch, orange zest, and orange juice (or lemon juice).
   • Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries start to burst and the mixture thickens, about 7-10 minutes. Stir in the vanilla extract.
   • Remove from heat and let the filling cool for a few minutes.
5. Assemble the Bars:
   • Once the crust has cooled slightly, spread the cranberry filling evenly over the baked crust.
   • Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the cranberry filling, making sure to cover the top evenly. Some larger clumps are fine; they add texture and crunch.
6. Bake Again:
   Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crumble topping is golden brown and the cranberry filling is bubbly.
7. Cool and Cut:
   • Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish before cutting into squares or rectangles. For best results, let them chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before slicing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the Crust: Avoid overworking the crust mixture. The butter should be mixed just enough to form a crumbly texture. Overmixing can result in a tough crust.
• Not Cooking the Cranberries Long Enough: Make sure the cranberry filling thickens before you spread it over the crust. If it’s too runny, the bars will not set properly.
• Skipping the Cooling Process: Let the bars cool completely before cutting, or they may fall apart. Chilling them in the fridge will help them firm up for cleaner cuts.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars

• Serve these bars slightly chilled or at room temperature. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea for a casual snack.
• For a more indulgent dessert, warm them up slightly and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side.

Presentation Ideas for Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars

• Dust with Powdered Sugar: For a simple, elegant touch, dust the top of the bars with powdered sugar before serving.
• Citrus Garnish: Add some thin slices of fresh orange or a twist of orange peel to the serving plate for a bright, colorful presentation.
• Holiday Style: Arrange the bars on a festive serving platter, garnished with a few fresh cranberries and sprigs of rosemary for a holiday vibe.

Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars Recipe Tips

• Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: These bars freeze well! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
• Make-Ahead: You can bake the bars up to 2 days in advance. Store them in the fridge and bring to room temperature or serve chilled.
• Extra Flavor: Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping for added crunch and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
A: Fresh or frozen cranberries work best for this recipe. Dried cranberries won’t give the same tartness or texture, but you could rehydrate them in some orange juice if necessary.

Q: How do I keep the crust from becoming soggy?
A: Pre-baking the crust for 10-12 minutes helps to keep it from becoming soggy once you add the cranberry filling.

Q: Can I use other fruits besides cranberries?
A: Yes! You can swap the cranberries with other tart fruits like cherries, raspberries, or a mixture of berries. Just adjust the sugar level based on the sweetness of the fruit you choose.

Q: Can I add oats to the crumble topping?
A: Definitely! Add ½ cup of rolled oats to the reserved crumb topping for extra texture and a heartier flavor.

Q: How do I prevent the filling from being too runny?
A: Be sure to cook the cranberry filling until it thickens in the saucepan. The cornstarch will help set the filling, but undercooking it could result in a runnier filling.

Conclusion

These Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars are the perfect blend of tart and sweet, with a buttery, crumbly texture that makes them irresistible. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering, a family dessert, or just because you’re craving something sweet, these bars are sure to impress. The balance of the tart cranberries with the sweet, crunchy crumble topping creates a delightful contrast that keeps you coming back for more. So grab your ingredients and get baking – these bars will quickly become one of your favorite go-to treats! Happy baking!

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