If you're a fan of sweet, tangy desserts that are easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser, then cranberry crumble pie bars are just what you need. These delectable bars combine a buttery crust, a tart cranberry filling, and a crunchy crumble topping for a dessert that’s perfect for holiday gatherings, afternoon snacks, or anytime you’re craving something sweet. In this recipe, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to create this delicious treat. Keep reading to discover step-by-step instructions, ingredient lists, tips, and variations that will make your cranberry crumble pie bars an instant favorite!
What Are Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars?
Cranberry crumble pie bars are a simple yet impressive dessert made with layers of buttery, flaky crust, tart cranberry filling, and a sweet, crunchy streusel topping. They capture all the wonderful flavors of a traditional cranberry pie but in a portable, easy-to-serve bar form. These bars are ideal for those who love the contrast between sweet and tart, as the cranberries add a delightful zing that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the crust and crumble. Whether you're serving these bars for a holiday dinner, a bake sale, or just a cozy evening at home, they are sure to impress!
Ingredients List for Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars
Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to make these delicious cranberry crumble pie bars:
For the Crust and Crumble Topping:
- All-purpose flour – 2 cups (acts as the base for both the crust and the topping)
- Granulated sugar – ½ cup (adds sweetness to the crust)
- Brown sugar – ½ cup (for a rich, molasses-like sweetness in the crumble topping)
- Baking powder – 1 teaspoon (helps give the crust a slight rise)
- Unsalted butter – 1 cup (cold and cubed; essential for creating a flaky, buttery texture)
- Egg – 1 large (binds the dough together)
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon (adds a hint of flavor to the crust)
- Salt – ¼ teaspoon (balances the sweetness)
For the Cranberry Filling:
- Fresh or frozen cranberries – 3 cups (provides the tart, fruity filling)
- Granulated sugar – ¾ cup (sweetens the cranberries)
- Orange zest – 1 tablespoon (enhances the flavor of the cranberries with citrus notes)
- Cornstarch – 1 tablespoon (thickens the cranberry filling)
- Lemon juice – 2 tablespoons (balances the sweetness with acidity)
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about this cranberry crumble pie bar recipe is that it's highly customizable. You can make a few simple substitutions or add variations to suit your tastes or what you have on hand:
- Cranberries: If you’re not a fan of cranberries or don’t have any on hand, you can substitute with other tart fruits like raspberries, blackberries, or a combination of berries. You could even use apples or pears for a more classic pie flavor.
- Sweeteners: Swap out the granulated sugar for coconut sugar or honey if you're looking for a more natural sweetener.
- Add-ins: Add chopped nuts like almonds or pecans to the crumble topping for extra crunch and flavor. You could also mix in some shredded coconut or white chocolate chips.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free. Be sure to check that all other ingredients, like the baking powder, are gluten-free as well.
- Dairy-Free: If you're avoiding dairy, use a plant-based butter substitute in place of regular butter.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Ready to start baking? Follow these step-by-step instructions to make your cranberry crumble pie bars come out perfectly every time.

- Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray, and line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
- Prepare the Crust and Crumble Topping: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your hands to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until it forms a crumbly dough. Set aside 1 cup of the mixture for the crumble topping.
- Press the Crust: Take the remaining dough and press it firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create an even layer for the crust.
- Make the Cranberry Filling: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange zest, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Stir until the sugar dissolves, and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the cranberries begin to soften and burst. The mixture should thicken slightly. Remove from heat and allow to cool for a few minutes.
- Assemble the Bars: Pour the cranberry filling evenly over the prepared crust. Then, sprinkle the reserved crumble topping over the cranberry layer, ensuring that the crumble is spread evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the crumble topping is golden brown and the cranberry filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. For clean, sharp edges, refrigerate the bars for about an hour before cutting.
How to Cook Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking cranberry crumble pie bars can be broken down into a few key steps:
- Mixing the dough: Combining the flour, sugars, and cold butter forms the base of both the crust and crumble. Be sure to use cold butter for the flakiest texture.
- Cooking the cranberries: Heating the cranberries with sugar and citrus zest helps to soften the berries and create a tangy, jam-like filling.
- Layering the components: Pressing the dough into the pan, adding the filling, and topping with the reserved crumble are critical to achieving the perfect balance of textures.
- Baking: Even baking at a moderate temperature ensures the crust is cooked through and the crumble is golden and crisp.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Warm Butter: Cold butter is essential to achieving a flaky, crumbly texture in both the crust and the topping. Using melted or softened butter will result in a soggy crust.
- Skipping the Lemon Juice: The lemon juice in the filling balances out the sweetness and tartness of the cranberries. Skipping it can lead to an overly sweet or one-note flavor.
- Overbaking: Baking for too long can cause the cranberry filling to dry out or the crumble to burn. Keep an eye on the bars during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Not Letting Them Cool: Slicing into the bars before they've cooled can result in a messy, crumbly texture. Be patient and let them set before cutting.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Cranberry crumble pie bars are versatile enough to be served casually or dressed up for a special occasion. Here are some serving ideas:
- Serve Warm or Cold: These bars can be served either warm or chilled. For a warm, cozy dessert, heat the bars slightly before serving. If you prefer a firmer texture, serve them cold from the fridge.
- Top with Ice Cream or Whipped Cream: For a decadent dessert, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top.
- Sprinkle with Powdered Sugar: For an elegant touch, dust the bars lightly with powdered sugar just before serving.
Presentation Ideas for Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars
- Rustic Presentation: Serve the bars on a wooden board for a rustic, homey look, perfect for casual gatherings or holidays.
- Elegant Plating: Arrange the bars on a white platter with fresh cranberries and orange slices for an elegant, festive presentation.
- Gift Packaging: Wrap individual bars in parchment paper and tie them with a ribbon for a homemade gift.
Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead: These bars can be made a day ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Cranberry crumble pie bars freeze well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. They will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Citrus Substitution: If you don’t have orange zest, you can use lime or lemon zest for a different citrus twist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use dried cranberries for this recipe? Dried cranberries won’t work well in this recipe, as they don’t provide the same juicy, tart filling that fresh or frozen cranberries do.
Can I make these bars gluten-free? Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to also check that your baking powder is gluten-free.
How long will cranberry crumble pie bars stay fresh? They will stay fresh for about 4 days when stored in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
Do I have to cook the cranberries first? Cooking the cranberries before layering them onto the crust helps soften them and create a cohesive filling. Skipping this step can lead to undercooked cranberries in the final product.
Conclusion
Cranberry crumble pie bars are the perfect blend of sweet and tart, with a buttery crust and a crunchy topping. This easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through every step to create a dessert that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you're making them for the holidays or as a special treat for yourself, these bars are a must-try. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy one of the best dessert recipes out there!
PrintCranberry Crumble Pie Bars Recipe
These cranberry crumble pie bars feature a buttery crust, a tart cranberry filling, and a golden crumble topping. Perfect for holiday gatherings, these bars are easy to make and bursting with fresh cranberry flavor. Use simple ingredients for a delightful dessert that pairs well with coffee or as a sweet snack. Ideal for any crowd, these bars capture the perfect balance of sweet and tart.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Fresh or frozen cranberries
- Granulated sugar
- All-purpose flour
- Butter
- Lemon juice
- Brown sugar
- Baking powder
- Egg
- Salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare the crumble by mixing flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add butter and egg to form a crumbly dough.
- Press half the dough into the prepared pan to form the crust.
- In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook until cranberries soften.
- Spread the cranberry mixture over the crust, then sprinkle remaining crumble mixture on top.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the top is golden brown. Cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen cranberries.
- Add a dash of cinnamon for extra warmth.
- Bars can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 70mg
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