Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars

Why Make This Recipe

Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars are perfect for any season, but they shine particularly bright during the fall and winter months. The tartness of fresh cranberries combined with sweet orange flavors makes for a delicious treat. These bars are easy to make, share well with friends and family, and are perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home. Plus, the crumble topping adds a delightful texture that everyone will love.

How to Make Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (for crumble)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 2 tablespoons orange juice (for glaze)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
3. Mix in the flour and salt until just combined to form the crust. Press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
4. In a saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, and granulated sugar over medium heat. Cook until the cranberries start to burst.
5. Pour the cranberry mixture over the crust.
6. In another bowl, mix oats, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon with melted butter to create the crumble topping. Sprinkle it over the cranberry filling.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown.
8. Allow to cool and then mix powdered sugar with orange juice to make the glaze and drizzle over the cooled bars. Slice and serve.

How to Serve Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars

These pie bars are wonderful when served warm or at room temperature. You can cut them into squares and serve them on a platter, or enjoy them straight from the pan. They pair nicely with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, adding a creamy touch to the tartness of the cranberries.

How to Store Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars

To keep your Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. You can keep them at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator, where they will last for up to a week. If you want to keep them for even longer, they can be frozen for up to three months. Just thaw them in the fridge before serving.

Tips to Make Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars

• Use fresh cranberries when available for the best flavor, but frozen cranberries work just as well.
• Make sure not to overmix the crust or crumble topping to keep them light and flaky.
• If you like it sweeter, feel free to add a bit more sugar to the cranberry filling.
• Adding some chopped nuts to the crumble topping can provide extra crunch.

Variation

You can experiment with different fruits like blueberries or cherries if cranberries aren’t your favorite. You can also adjust the spices by adding a bit of nutmeg or swapping cinnamon for ginger for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

1. Can I use other fruits instead of cranberries?

Yes, you can use other fruits like blueberries, cherries, or raspberries for a different taste.

2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make it gluten-free.

3. How do I prevent the crumble from becoming too hard?

Make sure not to over-bake the crumble topping. Keep an eye on it in the oven, and take it out once it’s golden and crisp but not hard.

Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars

These delightful Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars feature a sweet and tart cranberry filling nestled between a buttery shortbread crust and a golden crumble topping, perfect for a festive treat.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 12 bars

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Crust/Crumble

• 2 cups All-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup Granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup Brown sugar packed
• 1 cup Cold unsalted butter 2 sticks, cubed
• 1/2 cup Rolled oats optional, for crumble
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt

Cranberry Filling

• 4 cups Fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 cup Granulated sugar adjust to taste
• 1 teaspoon Orange zest
• 2 tablespoons Orange juice
• 2 tablespoons Cornstarch

Equipment

• 9x13 inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Large mixing bowls
• Pastry blender or fork
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wire rack

Method

 

Prepare Crust and Crumble

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, both sugars, and salt; cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, then stir in oats if using.
3. Press two-thirds of the mixture evenly into the prepared pan for the crust, reserving the rest for the crumble topping.

Make Cranberry Filling

1. In a separate bowl, combine cranberries, granulated sugar, orange zest, orange juice, and cornstarch, tossing until evenly coated.

Assemble and Bake

1. Pour the cranberry filling evenly over the pressed crust in the baking pan.
2. Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture evenly over the cranberry filling.
3. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
4. Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into squares for best results.

Notes

For best results, ensure your butter is very cold when making the crust and crumble. These bars are delicious served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or at room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.