Savor the delightful combination of tart cranberries and sweet crumble in these mouth-watering cranberry crumble pie bars. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are easy to make and deliver a burst of flavor in every bite. With a buttery crust and a citrusy glaze, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
One key ingredient you might not have on hand are fresh cranberries. Make sure to check the produce section or the frozen aisle for these vibrant berries. Orange zest and orange juice are also crucial to the recipe, adding a zesty kick to the cranberry filling and optional icing. If you're using almonds, look for slivered or chopped varieties for the topping.
Ingredients For Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars
All-purpose flour: The base ingredient for the crumble mixture, providing structure and texture.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to both the crumble and the cranberry filling.
Baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the crumble mixture rise slightly.
Salt: Enhances the flavors in the crumble mixture.
Ground cinnamon: Adds a warm spice to the crumble.
Unsalted butter: Provides richness and helps bind the crumble mixture.
Egg: Adds moisture and helps bind the crumble mixture.
Milk: Adds moisture to the crumble mixture.
Pure vanilla extract: Adds a fragrant flavor to the crumble.
Almonds: Optional, adds a crunchy texture to the topping.
Cranberries: The star of the filling, offering a tart contrast to the sweet crumble.
Cornstarch: Thickens the cranberry filling.
Orange zest: Adds a citrusy aroma and flavor to the filling.
Orange juice: Enhances the citrus flavor in both the filling and the optional icing.
Confectioners’ sugar: Used in the optional icing to add sweetness and texture.
One reader, Arlette Correa says:
These cranberry crumble pie bars are a delightful treat! The tart cranberries paired with the sweet crumble and hint of orange create a perfect balance. The recipe is easy to follow, and the results are absolutely delicious. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy dessert at home.
Key Techniques for Making Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars
How to cut in butter: Use a pastry cutter, two forks, or a food processor to incorporate the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles pea-sized crumbles. This technique ensures the butter is evenly distributed, creating a flaky texture.
How to zest an orange: Use a microplane or a fine grater to remove the outer layer of the orange peel. Be careful to only grate the colored part and avoid the white pith, which is bitter.
How to mix a crumble mixture: Combine the dry ingredients first, then add the wet ingredients and mix until the mixture resembles moist, crumbly sand. This ensures even distribution of ingredients and the right texture for the crumble.
How to prepare a baking pan with parchment paper: Line the bottom and sides of the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This makes it easier to lift the finished bars out of the pan.
How to make icing: Whisk together confectioners' sugar and orange juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more orange juice if needed. This creates a smooth, pourable icing for drizzling over the bars.
How To Make Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars
Enjoy these crumble pie bars made with a flaky spiced shortbread crust and fruity cranberry-orange filling for tarty holiday baked desserts.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Crumble Mixture:
- 3cupsall-purpose flour,all-purpose flour
- 1cupgranulated sugar,200g
- 1tspbaking powder
- ¼tspsalt
- 1tspground cinnamon
- 1cupunsalted butter,(2 sticks) cold and cubed
- 1large egg
- ¼cupmilk
- 2tsppure vanilla extract
- ⅓cupalmonds,sliced, optional
For Cranberry Filling:
- 4cupscranberries,fresh or frozen, do not thaw
- ¾cupgranulated sugar
- 1tbspcornstarch
- 2tsporange zest
- 1tbsporange juice,fresh
For Orange Icing (Optional):
- 2tbsporange juice,fresh
- 1cupconfectioners’ sugar
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line the bottom and sides of a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to lift the finished bars out. Set aside.
Crumble Mixture:
-
Whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon together in a large bowl. Add the cubed butter and using a pastry cutter, 2 forks, or a food processor, cut in the butter until all the flour is coated and resembles pea-sized crumbles.
-
Whisk the egg, milk, and vanilla together in a small bowl. Pour over the flour-butter mixture and gently mix together until the mixture resembles moist crumbly sand.
-
This makes about 6 cups of the crust-crumble mixture. Set 2 cups aside. Pour the remaining into the prepared pan and flatten down with hands or a flat spatula to form an even crust. It will be a little crumbly– that’s ok. Set aside.
Cranberry Filling:
-
Mix all of the cranberry filling ingredients together. Spread over the crust. Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture all over the cranberries. Sprinkle the almonds all over top, if using.
-
Bake for about 40 to 50 minutes or until the top is lightly browned and a toothpick comes out mostly clean (with a few jammy cranberry specks). Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan set on a wire rack.
-
After about 1 hour, stick the whole pan in the refrigerator to help speed things up.
Orange Icing:
-
Whisk the icing ingredients together. Add more orange juice to thin out, if desired. Drizzle over cooled bars, then cut into squares.
-
Serve and enjoy.
Nutrition
- Calories: 228.72kcal
- Fat: 9.13g
- Saturated Fat: 5.07g
- Trans Fat: 0.31g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.73g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.65g
- Carbohydrates: 35.02g
- Fiber: 1.60g
- Sugar: 20.67g
- Protein: 2.55g
- Cholesterol: 28.34mg
- Sodium: 45.49mg
- Calcium: 31.40mg
- Potassium: 60.99mg
- Iron: 0.93mg
- Vitamin A: 69.99µg
- Vitamin C: 3.64mg
Expert Tip for Perfecting Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars
When preparing the crumble mixture, ensure that the butter is cold and cubed. This helps in achieving the desired pea-sized crumbles, which contribute to the texture of the final product. Using a pastry cutter or two forks can help incorporate the butter evenly without melting it, maintaining the crumbly consistency.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars
Prepare the crumble mixture in advance: Mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon ahead of time. Store in an airtight container until ready to use.
Use a food processor: Quickly cut in the butter by using a food processor instead of a pastry cutter or forks.
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out all your ingredients before starting. This will streamline the process and reduce preparation time.
Make the filling ahead: Prepare the cranberry filling the day before and store it in the refrigerator.
Chill the bars quickly: Place the baked bars in the refrigerator immediately to cool them faster, saving time before adding the orange icing.
Substitute Ingredients For Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars Recipe
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients, though it may make the texture denser.
granulated sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and adds a slight caramel flavor.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: Use 1/4 tsp baking soda and 1/2 tsp cream of tartar for every 1 tsp baking powder.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a slightly different mineral content and flavor.
ground cinnamon - Substitute with ground nutmeg: Nutmeg offers a warm, spicy flavor that complements the other ingredients.
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is a plant-based alternative that adds a subtle coconut flavor.
large egg - Substitute with flax egg: Mix 1 tbsp ground flaxseed with 3 tbsp water for a vegan alternative.
milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free option that works well in baking.
pure vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but complementary flavor.
almonds - Substitute with walnuts: Walnuts offer a similar crunch and nutty flavor.
cranberries - Substitute with cherries: Cherries provide a similar tartness and can be used fresh or frozen.
granulated sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a natural sweetness and a hint of maple flavor.
cornstarch - Substitute with arrowroot powder: Arrowroot powder is a natural thickener that works similarly to cornstarch.
orange zest - Substitute with lemon zest: Lemon zest provides a similar citrusy brightness.
orange juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice offers a similar acidity and citrus flavor.
confectioners’ sugar - Substitute with powdered coconut sugar: Powdered coconut sugar is a less processed alternative with a slight caramel flavor.
Presentation Ideas for Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars
Serve smaller portion sizes: Cut the cranberry crumble pie bars into elegant, bite-sized squares. This allows for a refined presentation and ensures each piece is a perfect mouthful of flavor.
Use a stylish plate: Select a sleek, white rectangular plate to contrast beautifully with the vibrant colors of the cranberries and the golden crumble mixture.
Add a touch of garnish: Place a small sprig of fresh mint or a few curls of orange zest on top of each bar. This adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Drizzle with precision: Use a fine-tipped squeeze bottle to drizzle the orange icing in a delicate, crisscross pattern over each bar. This adds a professional touch and enhances the visual appeal.
Create a sauce pool: On one side of the plate, create a small pool of orange juice reduction. This not only adds a burst of citrus flavor but also serves as a dipping sauce for the bars.
Incorporate texture: Sprinkle a few finely chopped almonds around the plate for added texture and a nutty contrast to the sweet and tart flavors of the bars.
Use edible flowers: Place a couple of edible flowers, such as pansies or violets, on the plate. This adds a touch of elegance and sophistication.
Serve with a side: Accompany the bars with a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. This provides a creamy contrast to the crumbly texture of the bars.
Highlight the layers: Arrange the bars in a way that showcases the distinct layers of crust, cranberry filling, and crumble topping. This visual stratification emphasizes the complexity of the dessert.
Finish with a dusting: Lightly dust the entire plate with a fine layer of confectioners’ sugar. This adds a final touch of elegance and a hint of sweetness.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars
Oven: Used to bake the cranberry crumble pie bars at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
9x13-inch baking pan: The pan where the crumble mixture and cranberry filling are layered and baked.
Parchment paper: Lined on the bottom and sides of the baking pan to prevent sticking and to easily lift the bars out.
Large mixing bowl: Used to whisk and combine the ingredients for the crumble mixture.
Pastry cutter: Helps to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles pea-sized crumbles.
2 forks: Alternative to the pastry cutter for cutting the butter into the flour mixture.
Food processor: Another alternative for cutting the butter into the flour mixture.
Small mixing bowl: Used to whisk together the egg, milk, and vanilla.
Flat spatula: Helps to flatten down the crumble mixture in the baking pan to form an even crust.
Wire rack: Used to cool the baked bars completely in the pan.
Toothpick: Used to check if the bars are done baking by inserting it into the center and looking for mostly clean results.
Refrigerator: Used to speed up the cooling process of the bars after baking.
Whisk: Used to mix the icing ingredients together until smooth.
Knife: Used to cut the cooled bars into squares for serving.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars
Allow the cranberry crumble pie bars to cool completely on a wire rack before storing. This will help prevent condensation from forming and making the bars soggy.
Once cooled, cut the bars into desired sizes and shapes.
Place the cut bars in an airtight container, separating each layer with a piece of parchment paper or wax paper to prevent sticking.
Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cool temperature will help maintain the texture and freshness of the crumble topping and the cranberry filling.
For longer storage, you can freeze the cranberry crumble pie bars:
- Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, ensuring a tight seal to prevent freezer burn.
- Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy reference.
- Freeze the bars for up to 3 months.
To thaw frozen cranberry crumble pie bars, remove the desired number of bars from the freezer and place them in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process will help maintain the texture and prevent the bars from becoming soggy.
If you prefer to serve the bars at room temperature, remove them from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the butter in the crumble to soften slightly, enhancing the overall texture and flavor of the bars.
How To Reheat Leftover Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars
The best way to reheat leftover cranberry crumble pie bars is to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bars on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and heat them for about 10-15 minutes, or until they're warmed through and the crumble topping is slightly crispy again.
If you're in a hurry, you can also reheat individual bars in the microwave. Place a bar on a microwave-safe plate and heat it for 20-30 seconds, or until it's warmed to your liking. Keep in mind that the crumble topping may not be as crispy as it would be if reheated in the oven.
For a quicker and more convenient option, you can reheat the cranberry crumble pie bars in an air fryer. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the bars in the basket, making sure they're not touching each other. Heat them for 3-5 minutes, or until they're warmed through and the crumble topping is crispy.
If you want to enjoy the bars at room temperature, simply remove them from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving. This will allow them to come to room temperature naturally, which can enhance the flavors and textures of the cranberries, crumble topping, and orange icing.
For a special treat, try warming up the cranberry crumble pie bars and serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The combination of warm, fruity bars and cool, creamy toppings is sure to delight your taste buds.
Interesting Trivia About Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars
A random fact about this recipe is that the cranberries used in the cranberry filling are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, making these cranberry crumble pie bars not only delicious but also nutritious.
Is Making Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars at Home Cost-Effective?
This cranberry crumble pie bars recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The primary ingredients like all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and unsalted butter are pantry staples, while seasonal cranberries and orange zest add a festive touch without breaking the bank. The optional orange icing is a simple yet elegant finish. Overall Verdict: 8/10. Approximate cost for a household of 4 people: $12-$15 USD.
Are Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars Healthy or Unhealthy?
The cranberry crumble pie bars recipe is a delicious treat, but it's not the healthiest option due to several factors:
- The recipe uses a significant amount of all-purpose flour and granulated sugar, which are refined carbohydrates that can contribute to blood sugar spikes and weight gain when consumed in excess.
- The crumble mixture contains a cup of unsalted butter, which is high in saturated fat. While some saturated fat is okay in moderation, excessive intake can increase the risk of heart disease and other health issues.
- The recipe calls for 4 cups of cranberries, which are a good source of antioxidants and fiber. However, the health benefits of the cranberries may be overshadowed by the added sugar in the filling.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Swap half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour to increase the fiber content and reduce the amount of refined carbohydrates.
- Reduce the amount of granulated sugar in both the crumble mixture and the cranberry filling. You can also experiment with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
- Replace some of the butter with healthier alternatives like Greek yogurt, applesauce, or mashed avocado to reduce the saturated fat content.
- Increase the amount of cranberries and reduce the sugar in the filling to emphasize the natural tartness and health benefits of the fruit.
- Serve the bars in smaller portions and pair them with a side of fresh fruit or a dollop of Greek yogurt for added nutrients and balance.
Editor's Opinion on the Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars Recipe
This cranberry crumble pie bars recipe is a delightful blend of tart and sweet, perfect for any occasion. The buttery crumble mixture pairs beautifully with the vibrant cranberry filling, while the hint of orange zest adds a refreshing citrus note. The optional orange icing provides an extra layer of sweetness that complements the tartness of the cranberries. The use of almonds adds a nice crunch, enhancing the overall texture. This recipe is well-balanced and straightforward, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced bakers.
Enhance Your Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars
Appetizers and Main Dishes to Complement Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars
Why trust this Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars Recipe:
This recipe for cranberry crumble pie bars is a must-try because it combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of a buttery crumble mixture. The addition of orange zest and orange juice in both the filling and optional icing adds a refreshing citrus twist. The step-by-step instructions ensure a foolproof baking experience, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. Plus, the use of almonds adds a delightful crunch to every bite. Trust this recipe for a delicious, crowd-pleasing dessert.
Was this page helpful?
Have your own special recipe to share? Submit Your Recipe Today!
Related Recipes
Apple Pie Bars with Crumble Topping Recipe
Steve’s PaleoGoods Pecan Pie Paleo Bar Recipe
Heath Bar Ice Cream Pie Recipe
Easy Make-Ahead Corn Stuffing Recipe
Homemade Artisan Bread (With or Without Dutch Oven) Recipe
Trick or Treat Cake Recipe Recipe
Chocolate Croissants (Pain au Chocolat) Recipe
Upside Down Cheesecake Apple Pie Recipe
Mounds Bar Recipe (Hershey’s Copycat)
Chickpea Salad with Carrots and Dill Recipe
Brownie Cake (TGIF’s Brownie Obsession Copycat)
