Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars Recipe

If you're looking for a dessert that’s both festive and comforting, Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars are the perfect choice. These delightful bars combine a buttery shortbread crust, a tart cranberry filling, and a sweet crumble topping. Ideal for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or just an indulgent treat, these bars offer the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, with the added bonus of being incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, this recipe will become one of your go-to favorites. So, let’s dive in and learn how to bake these delicious bars!

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What Are Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars?

Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars are a layered dessert made up of three delicious components: a buttery shortbread crust, a tangy cranberry filling, and a sweet, crumbly topping. The combination of flavors and textures is irresistible — the buttery crust provides a rich base, the cranberry filling offers a punch of tartness, and the crumble topping adds a sweet, crunchy finish. These bars are great as an alternative to traditional pies and are much easier to serve at parties or gatherings since you can cut them into portable, bite-sized squares.

With cranberries as the star of the show, these bars are perfect for fall and winter when cranberries are in season. However, they’re so good, you might find yourself making them year-round with frozen cranberries!

Ingredients List for Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars

Before you begin baking, it's essential to have all your ingredients ready. Here's everything you need for both the shortbread crust and the cranberry filling:

For the Shortbread Crust:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Cranberry Filling:

• 3 cups fresh cranberries (or frozen, thawed)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• ½ cup orange juice (preferably freshly squeezed)
• 1 tablespoon orange zest

For the Crumble Topping:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup rolled oats
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

The combination of these ingredients creates a dessert that’s perfectly balanced — the richness of the crust, the tartness of the cranberries, and the sweetness of the crumble make these pie bars a crowd-pleaser.

Substitutions and Variations

If you want to put your own twist on these Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars, here are some substitutions and variations you can consider:

1. Gluten-Free Option: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. Be sure to use gluten-free oats as well.
2. Vegan Option: Substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative or coconut oil, and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly.
3. Lower-Sugar Version: You can use a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia in place of the sugar in both the crust and filling. Just be sure to adjust for the sweetness level.
4. Mixed Berries: If cranberries aren’t your favorite, you can swap them for a mixture of other berries such as raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries.
5. Nutty Crumble: Add chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the crumble topping for extra crunch and flavor.
6. Spices: To give the cranberry filling a seasonal flavor, consider adding ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the cranberry filling.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This will help your bars come out clean and prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Shortbread Crust

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the vanilla extract and mix until incorporated. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish, making sure it’s spread in an even layer.

Step 3: Bake the Crust

Bake the shortbread crust in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until it’s just lightly golden around the edges. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the cranberry filling.

Step 4: Prepare the Cranberry Filling

In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, cornstarch, orange juice, and orange zest. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the cranberries begin to burst and the mixture thickens, about 8-10 minutes. Once thickened, remove from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.

Step 5: Make the Crumble Topping

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Pour the melted butter over the dry ingredients and stir with a fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 6: Assemble the Pie Bars

Spread the cranberry filling evenly over the slightly cooled shortbread crust. Next, sprinkle the crumble topping over the cranberry filling, making sure it’s evenly distributed.

Step 7: Bake the Bars

Return the assembled bars to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the crumble topping is golden brown and the cranberry filling is bubbling around the edges.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. For best results, let them cool for at least 1-2 hours before slicing into squares. This will help the bars hold their shape when you cut them.

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

Let’s break down the cooking process a bit further to ensure perfect results every time:

1. Measure Ingredients Accurately: Especially with baked goods, accurate measurements are crucial to ensuring the right consistency for your crust, filling, and topping.
2. Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is softened before you start. Cold butter won’t cream properly with the sugar, which is essential for the shortbread crust.
3. Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on the bars in the oven. The crumble should be golden brown, but you don’t want to overbake it, as this can make the crust too hard.
4. Cool Completely: Letting the bars cool entirely before cutting them is key. The cranberry filling will firm up as it cools, making it much easier to cut clean slices.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the best bakers make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for when making Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars:

1. Overcooking the Filling: Overcooking the cranberries can lead to a too-thick, jam-like texture. Keep an eye on the cranberries, and remove the pan from the heat as soon as they burst and the mixture thickens.
2. Not Cooling the Bars Completely: It can be tempting to cut into the bars while they’re still warm, but this will cause the filling to ooze out and create messy slices.
3. Uneven Crust Thickness: When pressing the shortbread crust into the pan, make sure it’s even. An uneven crust can result in undercooked or overcooked spots.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars

These bars are best served at room temperature or slightly warm. If you’re feeling indulgent, serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making them an excellent choice for an afternoon treat or a holiday dessert.

Presentation Ideas for Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars

If you want to make your Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars look extra special, consider these presentation tips:

1. Powdered Sugar Dusting: A light dusting of powdered sugar over the top of the bars adds a festive touch.
2. Cranberry Garnish: Top each slice with a sugared cranberry or a small piece of orange zest for a pop of color.
3. Serve on a Dessert Platter: Arrange the bars neatly on a large platter for easy serving at parties or gatherings.

Cranberry Crumble Pie Bar Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can make these bars a day ahead and store them in the fridge. Just be sure to let them cool completely before covering and refrigerating them.
• Freezing: These bars freeze well! Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let the bars thaw at room temperature.
• Perfect Crumble Texture: If your crumble topping seems too dry, add a little more melted butter. If it seems too wet, sprinkle in a bit more flour.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Fresh or frozen cranberries are best for this recipe as dried cranberries will not provide the same texture or tart flavor. However, if you’re in a pinch, you can rehydrate dried cranberries in hot water or orange juice and use them.

How do I store leftover Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars?

Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use certified gluten-free oats.

Conclusion

Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars are the perfect blend of sweet, tart, and buttery goodness. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday party or just craving a cozy dessert, these bars are an excellent choice. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, they’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Happy baking!

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