Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars Recipe

If you're on the lookout for a dessert that's both easy to make and guaranteed to impress, these Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars are the perfect choice. With a buttery shortbread crust, a sweet-yet-tangy cranberry filling, and a crumbly topping, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you're preparing for the holidays or just craving something fruity, you'll love these bars. Read on to discover the complete recipe, including ingredient lists, substitutions, cooking instructions, and presentation tips!

What are Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars?

Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the sweet and tart flavor of cranberries with a buttery shortbread crust and a crunchy crumble topping. The bars are similar to a traditional pie, but they are more portable and easier to serve. These bars are perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, or just as a delicious treat with a cup of coffee or tea.

The unique combination of textures—the soft cranberry filling with the crumbly top and buttery base—makes these bars irresistible. Plus, cranberries are packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, making this dessert both tasty and nutritious. Whether you're serving them at a Thanksgiving feast or gifting them during the Christmas season, these bars are sure to be a hit.

Ingredients List for Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars

For the Shortbread Crust:

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

For the Cranberry Filling:

• 3 cups fresh cranberries (or frozen cranberries, thawed and drained)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoon cornstarch
• ½ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Crumble Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup old-fashioned oats
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars is their versatility. You can easily modify the recipe to suit your preferences or what you have available. Here are some substitution and variation ideas:

• Flour Alternatives: If you want a gluten-free option, swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Butter Alternatives: You can substitute the butter with a plant-based butter or margarine if you're looking for a dairy-free option.
• Sugar Substitutes: If you're looking to reduce sugar, try using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like erythritol.
• Different Fruits: If cranberries aren't in season or you prefer another fruit, you can substitute half the cranberries with raspberries or strawberries.
• Citrus Twist: Lemon juice and zest can be swapped for orange juice and zest if you prefer a brighter citrus flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to bake? Follow these detailed steps to create your perfect batch of Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prep the Pan

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

Step 2: Make the Shortbread Crust

In a medium bowl, mix together the melted butter, flour, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract until well combined. The mixture should be crumbly but able to hold its shape when pressed. Press this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the edges start to turn a light golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the Cranberry Filling

While the crust is baking, combine the cranberries, sugar, cornstarch, orange juice, and orange zest in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Prepare the Crumble Topping

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the cubed butter, and using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 5: Assemble the Bars

Once the crust has cooled slightly, pour the cranberry filling evenly over the top. Then, sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the cranberry layer.

Step 6: Bake

Bake the assembled bars in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cranberry filling is bubbling around the edges.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares. This will make them easier to cut and serve.

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

Here’s a quick rundown of the main steps you’ll need to follow when cooking these Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prep the baking dish.
2. Mix and bake the shortbread crust until golden brown.
3. Cook the cranberry filling until thickened.
4. Prepare the crumble topping with oats, flour, and brown sugar.
5. Assemble the bars by layering the cranberry filling over the crust and adding the crumble topping.
6. Bake until golden and let the bars cool before slicing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While this recipe is fairly straightforward, a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Undercooking the Crust: Make sure the shortbread crust is lightly golden before adding the cranberry filling. An undercooked crust can become soggy.
• Not Thickening the Cranberry Filling: Be patient while cooking the cranberry mixture. Let it thicken properly to avoid a runny filling.
• Cutting the Bars Too Soon: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing to prevent them from falling apart.
• Skipping the Citrus: Don’t omit the orange or lemon zest! It adds a fresh, vibrant flavor that complements the cranberries beautifully.

Serving and Presentation Tips

To serve Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars, wait until they are fully cooled and then cut them into squares. For an extra touch of elegance, dust them lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle a vanilla glaze on top. These bars are best served at room temperature but can also be served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

How to Serve Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars

These bars are great as a stand-alone dessert or as part of a larger dessert spread. You can serve them:

• As a casual dessert at family dinners or potlucks.
• With whipped cream or ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
• As part of a dessert platter at a holiday party.

Presentation Ideas for Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars

• Rustic Appeal: Serve the bars directly from the pan for a casual, homey feel.
• Elegant Display: Arrange the bars on a tiered dessert tray, with fresh cranberries and mint leaves for garnish.
• Holiday Vibes: Dust with powdered sugar to resemble snow and add a festive touch.

Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
• Freezing: You can freeze the bars after they have cooled completely. Simply wrap them tightly and store them for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to serve.
• Add-Ins: Feel free to get creative by adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping for extra crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
A: Fresh or frozen cranberries work best for this recipe, but if you only have dried cranberries, rehydrate them by soaking them in warm water or orange juice for 30 minutes before using.

Q: How long will these bars keep?
A: These bars will keep well for up to 5 days if stored in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

Q: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
A: Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.

Q: Can I use other fruits?
A: Absolutely. You can replace the cranberries with raspberries, blueberries, or even a mix of different berries for a fun twist.

Q: Should I serve these bars warm or cold?
A: You can serve them either way! Warm bars pair well with ice cream, while room-temperature bars are great for casual snacking.

Conclusion

These Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars are a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, with a buttery crust and crumbly topping that makes each bite irresistible. Whether you're looking to impress guests during the holidays or simply enjoy a delicious dessert at home, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Try it out, and don't forget to experiment with different variations to suit your tastes! Happy baking!

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