Looking for a sweet yet tangy dessert that’s perfect for the holidays or any time of the year? Look no further than Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars! These delightful bars bring together the tartness of fresh cranberries, the richness of a buttery crust, and the crunchy goodness of a crumble topping. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a holiday party, or just because, this recipe is bound to impress. Read on to learn how to create this irresistible dessert from scratch.
What Are Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars?
Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars are a delicious treat that combines the flavors of a pie and a crumble, all in one portable bar. With a buttery shortbread base, a tart and sweet cranberry filling, and a crumbly topping, these bars are the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The cranberry filling adds a tangy kick, while the crust and crumble layer provide a rich, buttery contrast. These bars are easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd, offering all the satisfaction of pie without the need for a fork and plate!
Ingredients List for Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars
Here’s what you’ll need to make these scrumptious Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars:
For the Crust and Crumble:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
For the Cranberry Filling:
- 3 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional for extra warmth)
Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars is their versatility. If you don’t have all the ingredients on hand or want to mix things up, here are some substitutions and variations you can try:
- Butter Substitution: If you're dairy-free, you can swap the unsalted butter for a plant-based butter or margarine. The texture will be similar, but the flavor might be slightly different.
- Sugar: If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the sugar by a couple of tablespoons without affecting the overall texture too much. Alternatively, you could use coconut sugar for a caramel-like flavor.
- Flour: If you’re gluten-sensitive, replace the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Fruit Variations: Don’t limit yourself to just cranberries! Try making these bars with a mixture of cranberries and raspberries or even blueberries. You can also substitute frozen cranberries if fresh ones aren't available.
- Spices: For a different flavor profile, add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the crumble or filling for extra warmth and depth.
These substitutions make it easy to customize the recipe based on your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to dive into making these delicious Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars? Follow these simple steps to create a dessert that’s sure to please.
Step 1: Prepare the Crust and Crumble
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer for this.
- Add the vanilla extract, salt, and baking powder to the butter mixture. Mix until combined.
- Gradually add the flour to the wet ingredients, mixing until it forms a crumbly dough. It should resemble coarse sand with pea-sized bits of dough.
- Reserve 1 cup of the mixture for the topping and set it aside.
- Press the remaining dough firmly into the prepared baking pan to form an even layer for the crust. Use your hands or the back of a spoon to smooth it out.
Step 2: Make the Cranberry Filling
- In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and cinnamon (if using).
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries break down and the mixture thickens, about 8-10 minutes.
- Remove the cranberry filling from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes before assembling the bars.
Step 3: Assemble the Bars
- Pour the cranberry filling evenly over the crust layer in the baking pan.
- Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture over the cranberry filling, making sure it covers the top as evenly as possible. Don’t worry if it looks a little rustic – that’s part of the charm!
Step 4: Bake the Bars
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crumble topping is golden brown and the cranberry filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.
How to Cook Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide
For a quick recap, here’s a streamlined guide to follow when cooking your Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the crust by creaming butter, sugar, and dry ingredients, then pressing into the pan.
- Make the cranberry filling by cooking the cranberries with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and spices.
- Assemble the bars by layering the cranberry filling over the crust and topping with reserved crumble.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden and filling is bubbling.
- Cool completely before slicing into bars.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars, there are a few common mistakes that you’ll want to avoid for the best results:
- Not Cooking the Cranberry Filling: Be sure to cook the cranberry filling until it thickens before layering it onto the crust. If the cranberries are too watery, the bars will become soggy.
- Overworking the Dough: When making the crust and crumble, don’t overmix the dough. Overworking it can result in a tough crust instead of a tender, crumbly texture.
- Cutting the Bars Too Soon: Patience is key! Make sure the bars have cooled completely before cutting them. If you cut them while they’re still warm, they might fall apart.
- Skipping Parchment Paper: Lining your pan with parchment paper ensures that you can easily lift the bars out of the pan for clean, neat slices.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars are as versatile in presentation as they are in flavor. Here are a few ideas to elevate your serving game:
How to Serve Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars
These bars can be served warm or at room temperature. If you’re serving them at a holiday gathering, consider placing them on a festive tray with a dusting of powdered sugar on top for a wintery effect. For an extra indulgent treat, serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
Presentation Ideas for Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars
For a polished look, try cutting the bars into even squares and arranging them in neat rows on a platter. Garnish with fresh mint leaves or a few fresh cranberries scattered around the tray for a pop of color. You could also drizzle a little white chocolate or icing over the top of the bars for a decorative finish.
Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars Recipe Tips
- Freeze for Later: These bars freeze beautifully! After baking and cooling, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature before serving.
- Extra Crunch: For an added crunch, mix in a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumble topping.
- Use Jam: If fresh cranberries aren’t available, you can substitute with cranberry jam or another fruit preserve for a quicker option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, but the texture and flavor will be different. To use dried cranberries, you’ll need to rehydrate them by soaking them in hot water or juice for about 10 minutes, then drain before using.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Just let them come to room temperature before serving.
How do I store leftover bars?
Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that substitutes 1-to-1.
Conclusion
Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars are a delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With their buttery crust, tangy cranberry filling, and crumbly topping, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile, allowing for plenty of customization. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or add your own twist, these bars are guaranteed to be a hit. So why not give them a try? Your taste buds will thank you!
PrintCranberry Crumble Pie Bars Recipe
These cranberry crumble pie bars combine a sweet and tart cranberry filling with a buttery crumble topping, creating the ultimate dessert bars. Perfect for the holidays, they are easy to make with simple ingredients like oats, sugar, butter, and fresh cranberries. Enjoy these festive, crumbly bars for a satisfying and delicious treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Fresh cranberries
- Sugar
- Butter
- Flour
- Oats
- Brown sugar
- Salt
- Baking powder
- Vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Add melted butter and vanilla, stirring to combine into a crumbly mixture.
- Press half of the mixture into the bottom of a prepared baking dish.
- Cook cranberries with sugar until they burst, then spread over the crust.
- Sprinkle remaining crumble mixture on top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden. Cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- You can substitute frozen cranberries if fresh are unavailable.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 80mg
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