Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars Recipe

Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars are the perfect combination of tart and sweet, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion, especially during the holiday season. With a buttery crust, a tangy cranberry filling, and a crispy crumble topping, these bars are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers fantastic results. Stick around to get all the details, including variations, tips, and common mistakes to avoid for baking the best Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars!

What are Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars?
Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars are a delightful dessert made by layering a buttery crust, a fresh cranberry filling, and a crumbly topping. The tartness of the cranberries pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the crumble, resulting in a balanced, flavorful treat. These bars are ideal for fall and winter holidays when cranberries are in season, but they can be enjoyed year-round by using frozen cranberries.

The bars offer the flavors of a classic cranberry pie, but with a more casual and portable format. They’re perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, or even as a festive after-dinner dessert. Easy to slice and share, Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars are the perfect alternative to traditional pies.

Ingredients List for Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars
For the Crust and Crumble Topping:
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar, packed
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for extra flavor)
For the Cranberry Filling:
3 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Zest of one orange (optional, for added zestiness)
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars is how versatile they are. You can swap out ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are a few ideas:

Butter Substitute: If you prefer to make these bars dairy-free, you can use coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative in place of the butter.
Flour Variations: Whole wheat flour can be used instead of all-purpose flour for a heartier, more rustic texture. You can also experiment with gluten-free flour mixes if you need a gluten-free option.
Sweeteners: Instead of using granulated sugar, try using coconut sugar, maple syrup, or honey for a more natural sweetness. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly.
Fruit Substitutes: While cranberries are the star of this recipe, you can substitute other berries like raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries if cranberries aren’t available. You can also mix in apples or pears for a unique twist.
Add-ins: For a more complex flavor, you can add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, into the crumble topping or sprinkle them over the filling before baking.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Prepare the crust and crumble: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Add the melted butter and stir until a crumbly dough forms. Set aside 1 ½ cups of this mixture for the crumble topping.

Form the crust: Press the remaining dough firmly and evenly into the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Use the back of a measuring cup or your fingers to press it into place. Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden.

Make the cranberry filling: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and orange zest (if using). Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the cranberries begin to burst and the mixture thickens. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Assemble the bars: Spread the cranberry filling evenly over the pre-baked crust. Then, sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture on top of the cranberry layer.

Bake: Bake the assembled bars for 30-35 minutes, or until the crumble topping is golden brown and crisp. The cranberry filling should be bubbling around the edges.

Cool and cut: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares or rectangles. For cleaner cuts, you can refrigerate the bars for an hour before slicing.

How to Cook Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Preheat the oven to ensure even baking.
Step 2: Prepare the dough for both the crust and crumble topping by combining dry ingredients with melted butter. This step ensures that the bottom crust is firm and buttery, while the top layer is light and crumbly.
Step 3: Pre-bake the crust to give it a head start and prevent it from becoming soggy once the cranberry filling is added.
Step 4: Prepare the cranberry filling by simmering the cranberries until they release their juices and thicken with sugar, cornstarch, and a touch of lemon juice for balance.
Step 5: Assemble the layers and bake the bars until golden, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping the pre-bake for the crust: If you don’t pre-bake the crust, it could turn out soggy or undercooked, so make sure to bake it until it’s firm and golden before adding the filling.
Overbaking the bars: Keep an eye on the bars during baking. If you leave them in the oven for too long, the crumble topping can become too dry or burn.
Not cooling the bars before cutting: It can be tempting to cut into the bars right away, but allowing them to cool completely will give you cleaner slices and a more solid structure.
Not thickening the cranberry filling: If you don’t cook the cranberries long enough, the filling may end up runny. Make sure to cook it until it thickens properly.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars are as visually appealing as they are tasty. Here’s how to make them look as good as they taste:

Dust with powdered sugar: Before serving, lightly dust the top of the bars with powdered sugar for a festive touch.
Add a drizzle: For extra decadence, drizzle the bars with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk, or even a white chocolate drizzle.
Serve with a side: Pair the bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to complement the tartness of the cranberries.
How to Serve Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars
These bars can be served warm, at room temperature, or even chilled, depending on your preference. They’re easy to pack for potlucks, parties, or picnics, and can be enjoyed with coffee, tea, or a dessert wine. For a more elegant presentation, serve them on a platter with a garnish of fresh mint leaves and additional cranberries on the side.

Presentation Ideas for Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars
Holiday-themed plating: Serve the bars on a decorative holiday platter for a festive feel. Use fresh cranberries and sprigs of rosemary or mint to add color and seasonal flair.
Individual portions: Place each bar in a cupcake liner for easy serving at parties or buffets.
Layered dessert tray: Arrange the bars alongside other holiday treats like cookies, brownies, or fudge on a multi-tiered dessert tray.
Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars Recipe Tips
Use fresh cranberries when they’re in season, but frozen cranberries will work just as well. If using frozen, no need to thaw them beforehand.
Make ahead: These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. They also freeze well for up to a month.
Add a twist: Incorporate additional spices like nutmeg or allspice for a more complex flavor, or try adding a layer of cream cheese between the crust and the cranberry filling for a richer dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use other fruits instead of cranberries?
A: Yes! You can substitute other tart fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or a mix of berries. Adjust the sugar level based on the sweetness of the fruit.

Q: How long will these bars last?
A: Stored in an airtight container, these bars will last up to 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge. They also freeze well for up to a month.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour to make the recipe gluten-free.

Q: What can I do if my cranberry filling is too runny?
A: If your filling seems too liquidy, try simmering it for a few more minutes to thicken it. You can also add an additional teaspoon of cornstarch.

Conclusion
Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars are a versatile, crowd-pleasing dessert that combines the best of tart cranberries and sweet crumble topping. Whether you’re making these for a holiday gathering, a family dinner, or just to enjoy with a cup of tea, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. With a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can whip up a batch of these bars in no time. Be sure to try out the variations and substitutions to make the recipe your own!

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