Cozy Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars Recipe: Sweet & Tart Delight

Crafting a delightful cranberry crumble pie bars recipe promises a sweet adventure in your kitchen.

Seasonal berries burst with tangy goodness, creating a dessert that sparkles with homemade charm.

Buttery layers melt together, offering comfort in every single bite.

Crisp crumble topping adds delectable texture to this simple yet sophisticated treat.

Warm spices dance through the filling, inviting memories of cozy gatherings.

Quick to assemble and impossible to resist, these bars will become your new favorite autumn indulgence.

You cannot wait to slice into this irresistible dessert that celebrates pure culinary joy.

Why Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars Rock

• Craft an Easy Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe requires minimal baking skills, making it ideal for both novice and experienced home bakers who want to impress family and friends with minimal effort.
• Enjoy Versatile Serving Options: These bars work wonderfully as a dessert, afternoon snack, or potluck contribution, offering flexibility for different gatherings and moments of sweet indulgence.
• Create a Festive Flavor Combination: The tangy cranberries paired with sweet crumble topping deliver a perfect balance of taste that captures the essence of holiday and autumn baking.

Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: The primary structure for the crumble crust and topping.
• Rolled Oats: Adds hearty texture and nutty flavor to the crumble.
• Brown Sugar: Provides deep sweetness and helps create a caramelized crumble top.
• Baking Powder: Helps the crumble achieve a light and tender texture.

• Fresh Cranberries: Offers a tart and vibrant fruit base for the dessert.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances the cranberries' natural tartness.

• Cold Butter: Creates a rich, flaky texture in the crumble and adds substantial flavor.
• Lemon Zest: Brings a bright, citrusy note that complements the cranberries.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to the overall dessert flavor.

Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Station

Warm up the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Generously coat a baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Craft the Crumbly Base

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

Drop in cold butter and work the mixture with your fingers or a pastry cutter until it resembles coarse, sandy crumbs.

Step 3: Form the Crust Foundation

Take half of the crumble mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Create an even, compact layer that will serve as the pie bar’s base.

Step 4: Prepare the Fruity Filling

• Fresh cranberries
• Granulated sugar
• Lemon zest
• Vanilla extract

Ensure the cranberries are evenly coated with the sweet and zesty mixture.

Step 5: Layer the Cranberry Goodness

Spread the cranberry mixture carefully and evenly over the pressed crumble crust, creating a vibrant and tangy layer.

Step 6: Top with Remaining Crumble

Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the cranberry layer, creating a beautiful, rustic topping that will turn golden and crispy.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

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

Look for a golden-brown color and slightly bubbling edges as signs of doneness.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the baking dish.

This resting time helps the bars set and makes cutting easier.

Slice into squares and serve.

Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars Tips

• Press the crumble crust firmly and evenly to create a solid base that prevents moisture from seeping through.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or orange zest to the cranberry mixture for deeper, more complex taste notes.
• Use cold butter and work quickly to maintain small butter chunks, which create a flakier, more delicious topping.
• These bars can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days, making them great for advance preparation.
• Replace regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version without compromising the delicious crumble texture.

Variations of Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars

• Gluten-Free Berry Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend flour. Use certified gluten-free oats for celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Fruit Crumble: Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Substitute white sugar with maple syrup or coconut sugar for added depth.
• Low-Sugar Cranberry Bars: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar. Add chopped nuts like almonds for extra texture and reduced sugar content.
• Seasonal Fruit Alternative: Replace cranberries with fresh blueberries, raspberries, or mixed berries depending on seasonal availability and personal preference.

Serving Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars

• Holiday Dessert Centerpiece: Arrange these bars on a festive platter with sprigs of fresh holly or rosemary for a stunning holiday table presentation.
• Cozy Breakfast Companion: Serve warm with a dollop of vanilla yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful morning treat that feels like a special indulgence.
• Gifting Delight: Package individual bars in clear cellophane bags tied with rustic twine for a homemade gift that shows thoughtfulness and baking skills.
• Pairing Perfection: Complement the bars with a warm mug of spiced apple cider or a creamy chai latte to enhance the seasonal flavors and create a comforting experience.

Storing Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Thaw frozen bars in the refrigerator overnight. Warm in a preheated 350F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. This method helps restore the crispy crumble texture.
• Let refrigerated or thawed bars sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften and enhance flavor. Enjoy within 2 hours for best taste and texture.

FAQs

• What makes the cranberry filling special?

The filling combines fresh cranberries with sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, creating a tart and sweet flavor profile that balances the richness of the crumble.

• Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, frozen cranberries work perfectly. Just thaw and drain them before mixing with sugar and other ingredients to prevent excess moisture.

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

Look for a golden-brown top and slightly bubbling edges. The crumble should appear set and crisp, and the filling should look slightly thickened.

• Is this recipe good for holiday gatherings?

Absolutely! These bars are easy to make, transport well, and offer a festive cranberry flavor that’s perfect for thanksgiving, christmas, or winter celebrations.

Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Cranberry crumble pie bars meld sweet and tart flavors in a delightful dessert that promises comfort and indulgence. Crisp buttery crumble, rich filling, and rustic charm make these bars irresistible for seasonal gatherings or quiet moments when you crave something special.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup oats

Butter and Binding Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (113 grams) butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Dry and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly coat a baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Create the crumble base by blending flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, and baking powder in a mixing bowl until uniformly combined.
3. Cut cold butter into small cubes and incorporate into the dry mixture, using fingertips or a pastry cutter to transform the ingredients into a coarse, sandy texture.
4. Gently press approximately half of the crumble mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even, compact layer that will serve as the foundational crust.
5. In a separate mixing bowl, toss fresh cranberries with granulated sugar, fragrant lemon zest, and aromatic vanilla extract until the berries are evenly coated.
6. Distribute the cranberry mixture uniformly across the pressed crumble crust, creating a vibrant and tangy layer.
7. Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the cranberry layer, creating a rustic, textured topping.
8. Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for a golden-brown color and slightly bubbling edges.
9. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature before slicing into neat, square portions.

Notes

• Swap frozen cranberries for fresh ones, ensuring they’re thawed and patted dry to prevent excess moisture in the bars.
• Reduce sugar content by using tart cranberries and adding a sprinkle of cinnamon for natural sweetness without extra calories.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting regular flour with almond or oat flour, maintaining the same crumbly texture.
• Enhance flavor by adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble mixture for extra crunch and nutty depth.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 180 kcal
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 90 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg