Description
Delightful cranberry crumble pie bars blend sweet and tart flavors in a irresistible dessert that sings of holiday cheer. Buttery crumble layers and rich cranberry filling promise a memorable treat for family gatherings and festive celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
Base and Crumble Ingredients:
- 2 cups (480 ml) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Fruit Filling Ingredients:
- 3 cups (340 g) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the baking station by heating the oven to 350°F and lining a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Create a versatile crumble base by thoroughly blending dry ingredients, then incorporating melted butter until a loose, textured mixture forms.
- Carefully distribute and firmly press half of the crumble mixture into the pan’s bottom, creating an even, compact foundation for the bars.
- Transform cranberries into a rich filling by simmering with orange juice, vanilla, and cornstarch, gently cooking until berries burst and the mixture thickens to a jammy consistency.
- Artfully spread the vibrant cranberry mixture across the prepared crust, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
- Elegantly scatter the remaining crumble mixture over the cranberry layer, creating a rustic, textured topping that will become golden and crisp during baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, watching for a beautiful golden-brown color that signals the perfect doneness.
- Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, which helps them set and makes cutting into clean, precise squares easier.
Notes
- Swap out fresh cranberries for frozen if seasonal availability is limited, ensuring they’re thawed and drained before cooking.
- Reduce sugar content by using tart cranberries and adding a touch of honey or maple syrup for natural sweetness.
- Create gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with almond or oat flour for a nutty, textured alternative.
- Enhance flavor profile by adding warm spices like cinnamon or cardamom to the crumble mixture for deeper complexity.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 45 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg