If you love the combination of sweet and tart, then these Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars will become your new favorite dessert. Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or just a cozy night in, these bars combine the tartness of fresh cranberries with the sweetness of a buttery crumble topping. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and fun to make. Stick around, and by the end of this article, you'll be able to bake these delectable bars with confidence.
Let’s dive into the details and learn how to create these irresistible Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars from scratch!

What Are Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars?
Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars are a delightful dessert that features a buttery, crumbly crust layered with tangy cranberry filling, and topped with more crumble for that perfect crunch. Think of them as a cross between a pie and a bar cookie — they have all the rich flavors of pie with the convenience of a grab-and-go treat. The tartness of the cranberries perfectly complements the sweet, buttery layers, making it a versatile dessert for any occasion, especially around the holidays when cranberries are in season.
Ingredients List for Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars
To create the perfect Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars, you'll need to gather the following ingredients:
For the Crust and Crumble:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ½ cup of granulated sugar
- ½ cup of brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional, but adds a cozy flavor)
For the Cranberry Filling:
- 3 cups of fresh cranberries (frozen can be used if fresh aren’t available)
- ¾ cup of granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice (freshly squeezed for the best flavor)
- 1 teaspoon of lemon zest (optional but enhances the tartness of the cranberries)
By gathering these simple ingredients, you are well on your way to creating a batch of delicious Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about this recipe is its flexibility. You can easily make substitutions based on dietary preferences or ingredient availability. Here are a few ideas:
- Butter Substitutes: If you’re looking to make this dairy-free, you can replace the butter with a plant-based alternative or vegan margarine. Just make sure it’s cold when you cut it into the flour to achieve that signature crumbly texture.
- Sugar Alternatives: You can substitute the granulated sugar with coconut sugar, maple sugar, or even a sugar substitute like stevia. For the brown sugar, feel free to use dark brown sugar for a richer flavor or use a sugar-free brown sugar alternative if you prefer a lower-sugar option.
- Gluten-Free: To make these bars gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend that is suitable for baking. Almond flour also works well, but you might need to adjust the butter ratio slightly.
- Fruit Variations: If cranberries aren’t your favorite, or if they aren’t in season, you can swap them out for other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even a mixture of berries. You could also try an apple-cranberry combo for a twist on a fall classic.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to get started? Here’s how to make Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars step-by-step:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready to go once your ingredients are prepped.
- Prepare the Crust and Crumble:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, blend the butter into the dry ingredients until it forms pea-sized crumbs.
- Reserve 1 ½ cups of this crumb mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture into the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch baking pan to form the crust.
- Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes or until it is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- Prepare the Cranberry Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the cranberries begin to burst and the mixture thickens (about 8-10 minutes). You want a jam-like consistency.
- Once done, remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool slightly.
- Assemble the Bars:
- Spread the cranberry filling evenly over the baked crust.
- Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture over the top, ensuring an even layer. Some larger clumps will create a nice texture.
- Bake the Bars:
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling slightly around the edges.
- Cool and Cut:
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting. This helps the filling set and makes the bars easier to slice.
- Once cooled, cut into squares or rectangles for serving.
How to Cook Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you’ve seen the process, let’s break it down even further:
- Mixing the Crumble: Don’t skip the step of using cold butter when making the crumble. Cold butter ensures that the mixture will remain crumbly and not melt too quickly into the flour, creating a crisp texture.
- Cooking the Cranberry Filling: The cranberries will break down as they cook, releasing their juices. Cornstarch helps thicken the filling to the perfect consistency.
- Even Layering: When assembling, make sure the cranberry filling is spread evenly for consistent flavor in every bite. The crumble on top should cover the filling without being packed down too tightly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Warm Butter: Warm or melted butter will make your crust and crumble too dense. Be sure to use cold butter, straight from the fridge.
- Overcooking the Cranberries: If you cook the cranberry filling for too long, it may become too thick and sticky. Keep an eye on it as it thickens to ensure you achieve the right consistency.
- Not Letting the Bars Cool: Cutting the bars before they are fully cooled will cause the filling to ooze out. Patience is key here!
Serving and Presentation Tips
These Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars are not only delicious, but they’re also visually appealing. With their vibrant cranberry layer and golden crumble, they make for an impressive dessert. Here’s how to take your presentation to the next level:
How to Serve Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars
- Serve the bars at room temperature for the best texture.
- For an extra treat, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream.
- Dust a light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top just before serving for an elegant finish.
Presentation Ideas for Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars
- Individual Plates: Place each bar on a dessert plate with a drizzle of raspberry sauce or a swirl of whipped cream for a more formal presentation.
- Holiday Decor: If serving these around the holidays, garnish the plate with fresh cranberries or small sprigs of rosemary for a festive touch.
- Buffet-Style: Arrange the bars on a tiered tray or cake stand for a dessert buffet, allowing guests to help themselves.
Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead: You can make these bars a day in advance. Simply store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Freezing: These bars freeze beautifully! Store them in an airtight container, separated by parchment paper, for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Add Nuts: For a bit of crunch, try adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble mixture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use frozen cranberries?
A: Yes! Frozen cranberries work just as well. No need to thaw them before cooking the filling, but you may need to extend the cooking time slightly.
Q: Can I substitute another fruit for cranberries?
A: Absolutely! While cranberries give the bars a tangy flavor, you can substitute other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or a mix of both.
Q: How do I store leftover bars?
A: Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the fridge for up to a week.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes, you can easily double this recipe. Just use a larger baking pan and adjust the cooking time as needed.
Conclusion
Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars are the perfect balance of sweet and tart, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking them for a family gathering, holiday dessert, or just because you have a craving for something delicious, these bars are sure to impress. By following the step-by-step instructions and incorporating your own personal twists, you’ll have a batch of delicious, beautiful bars ready to enjoy. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and start baking today!
PrintCranberry Crumble Pie Bars Recipe
These cranberry crumble pie bars feature a tart cranberry filling sandwiched between a buttery crust and crumbly topping. Ideal for a festive dessert, the bars offer a delicious combination of sweet and tart flavors. Easy to prepare, they're perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a delightful treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- Fresh cranberries
- Sugar
- Flour
- Butter
- Brown sugar
- Oats
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan.
- Prepare the crumble by combining flour, oats, sugar, brown sugar, and baking powder. Cut in cold butter until crumbly.
- Press half of the crumble mixture into the pan to form a base.
- In a separate bowl, mix cranberries, sugar, and a bit of flour. Spread the cranberry mixture over the base.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumble over the cranberry layer.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the topping is golden brown.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen cranberries for the filling.
- Add a splash of orange zest to enhance flavor.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 90mg
Leave a Reply