Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars Recipe

Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars are a perfect treat that brings together the tanginess of cranberries and the warmth of a buttery crumble topping. Whether you're looking for a festive dessert for the holidays or just a delicious treat to enjoy year-round, this recipe will not disappoint! Read on for a full, step-by-step guide, along with tips and tricks to make these bars perfectly every time.

What are Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars?

Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars are essentially a cross between a pie and a crumble, packed into an easy-to-make bar form. They feature a buttery shortbread-like crust, a tart cranberry filling, and a crunchy, golden-brown crumble topping. These bars are bursting with holiday flavors but are simple enough to be made any time you’re craving a dessert that’s not too sweet, with a perfect balance of tartness and buttery richness.

These bars are perfect for anyone who loves cranberries, pie, or anything with a crumbly topping. Plus, they're incredibly versatile—perfect as a snack, a casual dessert, or even to take along to a potluck or holiday gathering. Keep reading to discover how you can whip up these delicious Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars in your own kitchen.

Ingredients List for Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars

For the base and crumble topping:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for added warmth)

For the cranberry filling:

• 12 oz (about 3 cups) fresh or frozen cranberries
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional, but adds amazing flavor)

Ingredients List for Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars (Gluten-Free Version)

If you’re looking to make these Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Here’s the list of ingredients for the gluten-free version:

For the base and crumble topping:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (make sure it contains xanthan gum or add ¼ teaspoon)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

For the cranberry filling:

• 12 oz (about 3 cups) fresh or frozen cranberries
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)

Substitutions and Variations

If you don’t have all the ingredients on hand or want to customize your bars, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can try:

• Butter: You can substitute the unsalted butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute for a dairy-free option.
• Flour: If you prefer a more nutritious base, you can replace part of the all-purpose flour with almond flour or whole wheat flour. Keep in mind that this will give the bars a slightly denser texture.
• Sweeteners: You can replace the granulated sugar with coconut sugar or brown sugar for a deeper, caramel-like flavor. If you prefer a lower-sugar option, a stevia blend or monk fruit sweetener can work too.
• Cranberries: If cranberries are not in season or you want a variation, you can use other berries like raspberries or a mixture of cranberries and blueberries. Dried cranberries are also an option, though you’ll need to add a bit more liquid or decrease the amount of sugar since dried cranberries are often sweetened.
• Citrus: The lemon juice and orange zest add brightness to the cranberry filling, but you can omit or replace them with lime or grapefruit for a unique flavor twist.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on the sides to easily lift out the bars later.
2. Make the Base and Crumble
   In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, flour, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir until well-combined and the mixture resembles a crumbly dough. Press about two-thirds of the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the base.
3. Prepare the Cranberry Filling
   In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and orange zest. Cook over medium heat for about 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently until the cranberries start to break down and the mixture thickens. Set aside to cool slightly.
4. Assemble the Bars
   Spread the cranberry filling evenly over the prepared crust. Crumble the remaining dough mixture over the top of the cranberry filling to create the crumble topping.
5. Bake
   Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
6. Cool and Cut
   Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and cut them into squares or rectangles.

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

1. Gather Ingredients: Make sure you have all your ingredients measured out and ready to go before you start. This will make the process smoother and faster.
2. Prepare the Crust and Topping: Mix the base and crumble ingredients together until you achieve the perfect crumbly texture. Press two-thirds into the pan and save the rest for the topping.
3. Cook the Cranberries: The filling should be a balance of tart and sweet. Keep stirring to avoid burning and make sure the cranberries break down into a thick sauce.
4. Assemble Carefully: Spread the cranberry mixture evenly to ensure that each bar has an equal amount of filling.
5. Bake to Perfection: Keep an eye on the bars towards the end of the baking time to ensure the top doesn't over-brown. You want it to be a light golden color.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the Crumble: Don’t overwork the dough for the base and topping. Overmixing can lead to a tougher crust rather than a crumbly texture.
• Not Cooking the Cranberries Long Enough: Be sure to cook the cranberry filling until it thickens properly. If it’s too runny, the bars will be messy and difficult to cut.
• Cutting the Bars Too Early: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. This will help them hold together and prevent crumbling.

Serving and Presentation Tips

When it comes to serving, these bars are incredibly versatile. Here are a few tips to make them stand out:

• Room Temperature: While you can enjoy these bars warm, they cut more cleanly and hold their shape better when served at room temperature.
• Top with Powdered Sugar: For an extra touch of sweetness and a festive look, dust the bars lightly with powdered sugar just before serving.
• Pair with Ice Cream or Whipped Cream: Serve 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

Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars are perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy weekend dessert. You can serve them in small squares for a more casual setting or in larger, plated portions for a more elegant presentation. These bars also travel well, making them an ideal option for potlucks or bake sales.

Presentation Ideas for Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars

• Festive Platter: Arrange the bars on a holiday-themed platter for a festive touch.
• Individual Wrapping: For a bake sale or to give as gifts, wrap each bar in parchment paper or place them in decorative treat bags.
• Decorative Drizzle: Drizzle melted white chocolate or a simple glaze over the top of the bars for an added touch of sweetness and decoration.

Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: These bars can be made up to 2 days in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge.
• Freezing: Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars freeze well. Simply cut them into squares and freeze in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: If you prefer to serve them warm, just pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or reheat in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones. No need to thaw them before cooking; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time for the filling.

Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely. You can replace the butter with a vegan butter substitute, and ensure that all your other ingredients, like sugar, are vegan-friendly.

Can I use other fruits?
Yes, you can substitute the cranberries with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or a mix of your favorite berries.

Conclusion

Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars are a delicious and versatile treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With a buttery, crumbly base, a tart and sweet cranberry filling, and a crunchy topping, these bars are sure to be a hit. Plus, they’re easy to make, customizable, and can even be made gluten-free or vegan with a few simple substitutions. So why not give them a try? Enjoy the burst of cranberry flavor in every bite and impress your friends and family with this irresistible dessert!

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