The Coziest Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars Recipe For Fall Baking

Sweet memories of autumn whisper through my cranberry crumble pie bars, a delightful twist on classic comfort desserts.

Crisp afternoons call for something special that warms the soul and delights the senses.

Buttery layers of crumbly goodness embrace tart crimson berries in a dance of flavor and texture.

Baking this treat feels like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket of deliciousness.

Each bite promises a perfect balance between crunchy streusel and vibrant fruit filling.

Fragrant spices weave through the bars, creating an irresistible aroma that beckons you closer.

Get ready to fall in love with a dessert that celebrates seasonal bounty in every delectable morsel.

Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars Keep Them Fresh Longer

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep the bars flat to maintain their crisp texture and prevent crumbling.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum flavor and quality.
• Warm refrigerated bars in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispy crumble topping. Microwaving can make the crust soggy, so avoid this method.
• Let frozen bars thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying. Serve slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.

Suggestions for Cranberry Pie Bars

• Pair Sweet Vanilla Scoop: A creamy vanilla ice cream complements the tartness of cranberries, creating a balanced dessert experience with rich, smooth texture.
• Sip Spiced Mulled Wine: Warm, aromatic mulled wine with cinnamon and orange zest enhances the pie bars' fruity notes, providing a cozy winter drink pairing.
• Match Chai Latte Companion: Fragrant chai tea with its warming spices like cardamom and ginger perfectly cuts through the sweetness and highlights the cranberry's tangy profile.
• Serve Maple Whipped Cream: Dollop homemade maple-infused whipped cream on top, adding depth and subtle sweetness that elevates the crumble bars' rustic charm.

Cranberry Crumble Pie Bar Ideas

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular flour with gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats to accommodate wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine, and use plant-based sugar to create a dairy-free, egg-free dessert.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of regular sugar, and add chopped nuts for extra texture and natural sweetness.
• Berry Swap: Replace cranberries with seasonal alternatives like blueberries, raspberries, or mixed berries for a flexible fruit-based dessert.

FAQs

• Are cranberries the best fruit for this recipe?

Cranberries offer a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, making them ideal for these crumble bars. Their vibrant color and robust flavor create a delicious contrast with the buttery crumble topping.

• Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen cranberries work perfectly! Just thaw and drain them before mixing with sugar. Frozen cranberries maintain their texture and flavor, ensuring your bars taste just as delicious as those made with fresh berries.

• How do I know when the crumble bars are fully baked?

Look for a golden-brown topping and slightly bubbling cranberry filling around the edges. The bars should appear set and have a firm, crisp top when they’re ready to come out of the oven.

• Is this recipe suitable for people who don't like super sweet desserts?

Absolutely! The natural tartness of cranberries helps balance the sweetness, creating a dessert that’s not overly sugary. The combination of sugars in the crumble provides just enough sweetness without being overwhelming.

Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars With Tart Holiday Warmth

• Quick Family Delight: Perfect for busy parents wanting a hassle-free dessert that kids will love.
• Seasonal Celebration: Showcases festive cranberries, making it an ideal treat for holiday gatherings and autumn parties.
• Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: Requires simple ingredients and basic baking skills, delivering impressive results with minimal kitchen time.
• Versatile Serving Option: Easily adaptable as a breakfast pastry, afternoon snack, or elegant dessert for potlucks and gatherings.

Crumble Pie Bars With Cranberry Parts

• Fresh Cranberries: Tart and vibrant berries that provide the signature flavor of the dessert. Look for plump, bright red cranberries without soft spots.
• Sugar: Balances the cranberries' tartness and helps create a sweet filling.

• Flour, Oats: Create a tender, crumbly texture for the base and topping. Choose all-purpose flour and rolled oats for the best consistency.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the crumble mixture. Cold butter works best for a flaky texture.
• Brown Sugar: Provides deep, caramel-like sweetness and helps create a golden-brown crumble.

• Baking Powder: Helps the crumble rise and become light and airy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, complex flavor to complement the cranberries. Pure vanilla extract offers the best taste.

Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars How To Bake

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Pan

Warmly preheat your oven to 350°F.

Generously grease a baking pan to ensure easy removal of your delectable bars.

Step 2: Create the Crumbly Base Mixture

• All-purpose flour
• Rolled oats
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Baking powder

Carefully cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture becomes delightfully crumbly and resembles coarse sand.

Step 3: Form the Crust Layer

Press half of the crumble mixture firmly into the prepared baking pan, creating an even and compact base that will hold your luscious cranberry filling.

Step 4: Prepare the Cranberry Filling

• Fresh or frozen cranberries
• Sugar
• A touch of flour to help thicken the mixture

Spread the vibrant cranberry mixture evenly over the prepared crust.

Step 5: Add the Topping

Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture generously over the cranberry layer, ensuring complete coverage for a beautiful, rustic look.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes.

Watch for a gorgeous golden-brown topping that signals your bars are ready.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely.

This patient waiting ensures clean, perfect cuts when you slice into your wonderful cranberry crumble pie bars.

What Pastry Pros Do With Cranberry Crumble Bars

• Use high-quality, unsalted butter at cold temperature to create a flakier, more delicious crumble texture.
• Pat cranberries dry before mixing with sugar to reduce excess moisture and maintain a crisp crust.
• Swap cranberries with fresh or frozen blueberries, raspberries, or a mixed berry blend for variety.
• Let bars cool completely and use a sharp knife for clean, precise slices that showcase beautiful layers.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days, maintaining their delightful crumbly texture.

Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Cranberry crumble pie bars bring festive holiday cheer with layers of buttery crust and tangy fruit. Sweet-tart cranberries nestled between crisp, golden streusel promise delightful seasonal comfort when you crave a classic dessert.

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Ingredients

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Fruit Base:

• 3 cups fresh cranberries
• 3/4 cup sugar

Crumble and Crust:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup unsalted butter

Dry and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Meticulously coat a baking dish with a light layer of cooking spray or butter to ensure effortless bar removal.
2. Craft the foundational crumble by integrating dry pantry ingredients – flour, rolled oats, granulated and brown sugars, and a whisper of baking powder – then incorporate chilled butter using a pastry cutter or fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse, sandy terrain.
3. Distribute precisely half of the crumbly mixture across the prepared pan, gently pressing to create a uniform, compact base layer that will support the fruity filling.
4. Transform fresh cranberries into a vibrant filling by tossing them with sugar and a delicate dusting of flour, which will help thicken the natural fruit juices during baking.
5. Elegantly cascade the cranberry mixture over the initial crumble foundation, ensuring an even, tempting distribution of tart crimson fruits.
6. Artfully sprinkle the remaining crumble across the cranberry layer, creating a rustic, textured topping that will transform into a golden, crisp crown during baking.
7. Slide the assembled dessert into a preheated oven, allowing it to bake until the surface achieves a rich, amber-brown hue and the cranberry filling bubbles enticingly around the edges.
8. Remove from the oven and permit the bars to cool completely, which will help them set and make cutting into precise, clean squares much easier.

Notes

• Swap fresh cranberries with frozen ones directly from the freezer to maintain texture and prevent excess moisture during baking.
• Add a tablespoon of orange zest to the cranberry mixture for a bright, citrusy flavor that complements the tart berries.
• Include chopped nuts like pecans or almonds in the crumble topping for extra crunch and nutty depth.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting regular flour with almond or oat flour for those with dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg