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Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars Recipe

Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars Recipe


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4.7 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 1x

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.


Ingredients

Scale

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

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