Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars Recipe

Are you looking for the perfect sweet-tart treat that’s both easy to make and absolutely irresistible? Then you're in the right place! Cranberry crumble pie bars combine the best of both worlds: the lusciousness of a fruit pie and the convenience of bars you can grab on the go. With a buttery crumble topping, tangy cranberry filling, and a deliciously soft crust, these pie bars are ideal for holiday gatherings, family get-togethers, or simply when you’re craving something indulgent. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know to make these delightful bars that are sure to become a family favorite!

What Are Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars?

Cranberry crumble pie bars are a delicious dessert that feature layers of sweet and tangy cranberries, a buttery shortbread-like crust, and a golden crumble topping. These bars bring together the best elements of a pie and crumble into an easy-to-serve, handheld dessert. Perfect for any occasion, cranberry crumble pie bars highlight the vibrant flavor of fresh or frozen cranberries, balanced with a buttery and crumbly texture. With their bright, seasonal taste, they’re a particularly great treat during the fall and winter months.

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Ingredients List for Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars

Here’s everything you need to make these delicious cranberry crumble pie bars:

For the Crust and Crumble Topping:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cranberry Filling:

• 3 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Zest of 1 orange (optional for extra citrus flavor)

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Substitutions and Variations

Don't have all the ingredients on hand? No worries! Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:

1. Butter Substitutes: If you’re looking to cut down on dairy, you can use vegan butter or coconut oil instead of regular butter. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly with these substitutes, but it will still taste amazing!
2. Cranberry Substitutes: While cranberries add a signature tartness to these bars, you can substitute them with raspberries or even a mix of cranberries and apples for a more complex flavor.
3. Gluten-Free Version: Swap out the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these bars gluten-free. Be sure to use a mix that includes xanthan gum for the best texture.
4. Additional Flavors: Add a hint of almond extract to the crust or a sprinkle of nutmeg in the filling to change things up. You can even toss in some chopped nuts like pecans or almonds into the crumble topping for extra crunch.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious cranberry crumble pie bars:

1. Prepare the Crust and Topping: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut in the cold butter cubes until the mixture becomes crumbly, with pea-sized pieces of butter. Stir in the egg yolk and vanilla extract. The mixture should still be crumbly but come together when pressed. Divide the mixture in half, as one half will be used for the crust, and the other half will become the crumble topping.
2. Press the Crust: Take half of the crust mixture and press it into the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch baking pan. Make sure the layer is even and pressed firmly. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.
3. Prepare the Cranberry Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Stir and cook over medium heat until the cranberries begin to soften and break down, releasing their juices. This should take about 10 minutes. Once the mixture thickens, remove it from the heat. For an extra citrus burst, stir in the orange zest.
4. Assemble the Bars: Once the crust has finished its initial bake, spread the cranberry filling evenly over the top. Then, crumble the remaining crust mixture over the cranberry layer, making sure some larger chunks remain for texture.
5. Bake the Bars: Return the assembled bars to the oven and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the crumble topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
6. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. This helps the filling set and makes it easier to slice cleanly.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients for the crust and crumble.
3. Step 3: Cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture is crumbly.
4. Step 4: Add egg yolk and vanilla to the crust mixture, and press half into the baking pan.
5. Step 5: Pre-bake the crust until it turns golden at the edges.
6. Step 6: Prepare the cranberry filling in a saucepan, stirring until thickened.
7. Step 7: Spread the cranberry filling over the baked crust.
8. Step 8: Sprinkle the remaining crumble over the cranberry filling.
9. Step 9: Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
10. Step 10: Let the bars cool before slicing and serving.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple recipes can have a few pitfalls. Avoid these common mistakes when making your cranberry crumble pie bars:

1. Not Pre-Baking the Crust: Skipping the pre-bake step for the crust can result in a soggy base. Make sure to partially bake the crust so it holds up under the cranberry filling.
2. Overmixing the Crumble: It’s important to keep the crumble topping a bit chunky, so don’t overmix the butter into the flour mixture. You want a texture that remains crumbly, not smooth.
3. Undercooking the Cranberry Filling: Ensure your cranberry filling thickens up in the saucepan before assembling the bars. If it's too runny, the bars won’t set properly.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Now that your cranberry crumble pie bars are perfectly baked and cooled, here are some tips for serving and presentation that will make your dessert stand out:

1. Cut Clean Slices: Use a sharp knife to slice the bars cleanly. For the best results, chill the bars in the fridge for 20-30 minutes before slicing.
2. Serve with Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on the side or directly on top adds a creamy contrast to the tartness of the cranberries.
3. Add a Dusting of Powdered Sugar: For a finishing touch, lightly dust the top of the bars with powdered sugar right before serving.
4. Pair with Ice Cream: Warm the bars slightly and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

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How to Serve Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars

Cranberry crumble pie bars can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled. They’re great as a standalone dessert but can also be elevated by pairing with toppings like whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. These bars are ideal for serving at holiday parties, potlucks, or casual family dinners. They also make for a delicious treat with coffee or tea.

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Presentation Ideas for Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars

• Festive Platter: Serve the bars on a holiday-themed platter for a festive touch.
• Individual Portions: For an upscale presentation, place each bar on its own dessert plate with a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce.
• Mini Versions: Bake the bars in mini muffin tins for bite-sized treats that are easy to share.

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Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars Recipe Tips

• Use Fresh or Frozen Cranberries: Both fresh and frozen cranberries work well for this recipe. If using frozen, no need to thaw them before cooking.
• Double the Batch: This recipe can easily be doubled if you’re making it for a crowd. Use a larger pan or bake in two separate pans for even cooking.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh or frozen?
Dried cranberries won’t provide the same tart flavor or texture as fresh or frozen, but if you must use them, rehydrate them in hot water for 10 minutes before using.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! Cranberry crumble pie bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

What can I do with leftover cranberry filling?
Leftover cranberry filling can be used as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or stirred into yogurt for a quick breakfast.

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Conclusion

Cranberry crumble pie bars are a delightful dessert that combines the tartness of cranberries with a buttery, crumbly crust and topping. This recipe is easy to follow and perfect for a wide range of occasions, from holiday dinners to casual get-togethers. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just getting started, these bars are sure to impress. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delicious, versatile treat that everyone will love!

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