Introduction to Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars
When life gets hectic, finding time to whip up desserts can feel overwhelming. That’s where homemade Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars come into play—they’re a delightful solution for busy young professionals. These bars not only provide a comforting taste of home but also harness the power of meal prep. By making a batch on your day off, you set yourself up for sweet treats throughout the week without the fuss of daily baking.
Homemade desserts stand out because they allow you to control the ingredients, making them as healthy or indulgent as you desire. Plus, there’s something truly satisfying about turning simple pantry staples into a tasty masterpiece. Did you know that baking can also be a great stress reliever? The act of measuring, mixing, and even the enticing aroma wafting through your kitchen can provide a comforting break from a busy day.
So, grab your apron and let’s dive into these delicious Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars. Perfectly balanced with a buttery shortbread crust and a tart cranberry filling, these treats not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also make for impressive snacks to share with friends and loved ones. Ready to get baking? Let’s go!
For more baking tips and ideas, check out Bon Appétit’s site or America's Test Kitchen.
Ingredients for Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars
When you're ready to whip up a batch of Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars, having the right ingredients on hand is essential. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you gather everything you need for this delightful dessert!
Essential Ingredients for the Crumble Crust and Topping
- All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups (375g) for a sturdy base.
- Granulated Sugar: 1 cup (200g) to add sweetness.
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon, for that fluffy texture.
- Salt: ¼ teaspoon, to enhance flavor.
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon, for warmth and spice.
- Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (226g), cubed and cold, to create a buttery crumble.
- Egg: 1 large, for binding.
- Milk: ¼ cup (60ml), whole milk recommended.
- Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons, for a lovely aroma.
- (Optional) Sliced Almonds: ⅓ cup (30g) to sprinkle on top for extra crunch.
Ingredients for the Cranberry Filling
- Cranberries: 4 cups (400g), fresh or frozen (don’t thaw!).
- Granulated Sugar: ¾ cup (150g) to sweeten the tart cranberries.
- Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon, to thicken the filling.
- Orange Zest: 2 teaspoons, for a bright citrus note.
- Fresh Orange Juice: 1 tablespoon (15g) to complement the cranberries.
Optional Ingredients for the Orange Icing
For an extra touch of sweetness, consider adding an orange icing:
- Fresh Orange Juice: 2 tablespoons (30ml).
- Confectioners’ Sugar: 1 cup (120g) for that classic icing texture.
By gathering these ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious batch of Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars that will impress friends and family alike! Curious about the process? Check out Sally's Baking Addiction for more tips and tricks!
Preparing Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars
Baking is not just about mixing ingredients; it's about creating memories and enjoying the process. These Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars make for a delightful treat that embodies the spirit of the season. Let's dive into how you can prepare these delicious bars with ease!
Prepping the oven and baking pan
First thing's first: preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). While that's heating up, grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. This will make it a breeze to lift out your bars later for easy cutting. Be sure to leave some extra parchment hanging over the edges—this little trick makes all the difference when it’s time to serve!
Making the crumble mixture
Next, let’s whip up the crumble mixture, which will serve as both your crust and topping. In a large bowl, whisk together:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Then, add 1 cup of cold, cubed unsalted butter. Use a pastry cutter or two forks to cut the butter into the dry mixture until you achieve a crumbly texture resembling peas. This process should take about 5 minutes. For a visual guide, check out this helpful video.
Mixing the wet ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together a large egg, ¼ cup of milk, and 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract. This mixture adds richness and moisture, so don’t skip it! Pour it over your crumble mixture, and gently mix until it looks like moist, crumbly sand.
Assembling the crust and filling
Now, you have about 6 cups of that scrumptious mixture. Set aside 2 cups for the topping, and pour the remaining quantity into your prepared pan. Flatten it down using your hands or a spatula to create an even crust, making it slightly crumbly is perfectly fine!
For the filling, combine 4 cups of cranberries (fresh or frozen), ¾ cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 2 teaspoons orange zest, and 1 tablespoon of fresh orange juice in a bowl. Spread this delicious mixture over your crust evenly.
Adding the crumble topping
Time to sprinkle that reserved crumble mixture over the cranberry filling! If you’re feeling a bit fancy, toss in ⅓ cup of sliced almonds for added crunch and flavor.
Baking to perfection
Place your pan in the oven and let it bake for about 40-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is lightly browned and a toothpick comes out mostly clean. Once baked, allow the bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack—patience pays off!
Drizzling with icing and cutting into squares
While the bars cool, mix together 2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice with 1 cup of confectioners’ sugar for a delightful icing. Drizzle this over your beautifully cooled bars before cutting them into squares.
And there you have it—Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars that not only taste heavenly but also look stunning. Enjoy sharing these treats with family and friends or savor them solo with your favorite cup of tea!
Variations on Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars
Swap in Different Fruits for a Unique Twist
While the classic cranberry crumble pie bars are delightful, consider experimenting with other fruits to create exciting variations! Substitute cranberries with tart cherries, blueberries, or even sliced peaches for a fruity adventure. If you're looking for a tropical flair, mango or pineapple chunks can add a refreshing touch. Just remember, adjusting the sugar level may be necessary depending on the sweetness of your chosen fruit. For inspiration, check out this fruit pie guide.
Try a Nut-Free Version
If you’re cooking for someone with nut allergies, it's easy to make cranberry crumble pie bars nut-free. Simply omit the sliced almonds in the topping or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for added crunch. You can also enhance the texture by using oats in the crumble mixture. This adjustment maintains that beloved crumbly topping while ensuring everyone can indulge! For more nut-free baking tips, visit this nut-free baking resource.
Cooking Tips and Notes for Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars
How to Achieve the Best Texture
For Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars with the perfect balance of crisp and soft, ensure your butter is cold when mixing the crust. This helps create that flaky texture we all love! When cutting in the butter, aim for pea-sized crumbs. Remember, overmixing can lead to dense bars, so mix just until everything is combined.
Tips for Storing Leftovers
These delightful bars can be stored easily! Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week. If you freeze leftovers, layer them carefully with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Thaw overnight in the fridge for the best taste.
For more on baking tips, check out King Arthur Baking.
Serving Suggestions for Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars
Pairing with Coffee or Tea
These Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars are delightful when paired with your favorite cup of coffee or tea. The tartness of the cranberries complements the rich flavors of a dark roast coffee or the soothing notes of green tea. A splash of milk or a sprinkle of cinnamon can elevate this experience even further. Think about serving your bars with a chai latte or an herbal tea for a cozy finish!
Creative Plating Ideas for Gatherings
For gatherings, presentation is everything! Cut your Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars into elegant squares and use a colorful platter to display them. Consider garnishing with fresh cranberries or a dusting of powdered sugar for added flair. Adding small decorative tags with the ingredients can give a personal touch. Lastly, don’t forget to pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a fun twist that your guests will love! Share the love and creativity by inviting friends to take part in the dessert-making process.
These tips not only enhance the experience of enjoying these delicious bars but also make your gatherings a little more special!
Time Breakdown for Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars
Preparation time
Get your kitchen ready for deliciousness! The preparation time for these Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars is about 15 minutes. Gather your ingredients, and don’t forget to preheat your oven to get the baking started.
Baking time
The baking process takes roughly 40-50 minutes. Keep an eye on your bars as they turn golden brown, and enjoy the aroma filling your home!
Total time
Including cooling time, the total time to whip up these delightful bars comes to around 3 hours. While that may seem long, the wait is worth it for that perfect jammy cranberry filling and buttery crumble topping. So settle in, chat with a friend, or enjoy a calming cup of tea while your dessert takes shape in the oven!
Nutritional Facts for Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars
Calories per serving
These delightful Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars pack a tasty punch with around 180 calories per serving. This makes them a delicious yet guilt-free treat perfect for any time of day.
Carbohydrates and protein
Each serving offers approximately 26 grams of carbohydrates and 2 grams of protein, making these bars a satisfying sweet snack that balances well with your daily nutrition.
Dietary information
These bars are suitable for vegetarians and can be modified for a gluten-free option by substituting with gluten-free flour. For those watching their sugar intake, consider using a sugar alternative. Remember, they provide a lovely burst of seasonal fruit benefits thanks to the cranberries! Enjoy responsibly!
FAQ about Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work perfectly in these Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars. Just use them straight from the freezer—there's no need to thaw. This keeps them nice and tart, adding that delightful jammy filling you’ll love.
How do I make these bars gluten-free?
To enjoy these bars gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. There are many great options available, such as Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur Flour, which provide excellent results and flavor without compromising the texture of your crumble.
What's the best way to store the bars?
Once your Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars are baked and cooled, you can store them at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, wrap them tightly and refrigerate for up to a week. If you’d like to save some for later, these bars freeze beautifully—just layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container.
For more baking tips, check out Sally's Baking Addiction for inspiration!
Conclusion on Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars
Try making these delightful Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars at home—they're easier than you think! With their buttery crust and jammy filling, these bars will surely impress your friends and family. No need for fancy baking skills; just a little love and patience will lead to rewarding results!
Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars
Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking pan
- large bowl
- Small Bowl
- Whisk
- Pastry cutter
- flat spatula
- wire rack
Ingredients
Base and Topping
- 3 cups all-purpose flour spooned & leveled
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup milk preferred whole milk
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup sliced almonds optional
Cranberry Filling
- 4 cups cranberries fresh or frozen, do not thaw
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons orange zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
Orange Icing (Optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line the bottom and sides of a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
- Whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon together in a large bowl. Cut in the cubed butter until mixture resembles pea-sized crumbles.
- Whisk the egg, milk, and vanilla together in a small bowl. Pour over the flour/butter mixture and gently mix until it resembles moist crumbly sand.
- Set aside 2 cups of the crust/crumble mixture. Press the remaining mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust.
- Mix all cranberry filling ingredients together and spread over the crust. Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture and optionally the almonds on top.
- Bake for about 40-50 minutes or until the top is lightly browned. Allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Whisk the icing ingredients together and drizzle over cooled bars before cutting into squares.
- Store leftover cranberry bars at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
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