Introduction to Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars
When it comes to homemade desserts, there's something truly special about creating them in your own kitchen. For young professionals balancing busy schedules, making your own treats, like Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars, can be a game-changer. Not only do you control the ingredients, ensuring freshness and quality, but you also get to enjoy the therapeutic process of baking. Plus, studies show that baking can reduce stress and foster creativity, making it a fantastic way to unwind after a long workday.
Imagine walking into your home and being greeted by the sweet aroma of buttery shortbread and tangy cranberries. This delightful fusion of flavors and textures is exactly what these pie bars bring to the table. They’re simple to prepare, allowing you to whip them up in just a short amount of time while still impressing friends and family with your culinary skills.
Need a quick dessert for a gathering? These bars make excellent shareable treats, and they’re perfect for potlucks or holiday celebrations. You’ll not only save money but also enjoy the satisfaction of crafting something delicious from scratch. So, why not give these Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars a try? You’ll never want store-bought again!
Ingredients for Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars
Basic Ingredients for the Crust and Topping
To create the delightful base and crumbly topping of your Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars, you’ll need a few simple staples:
- All-purpose flour: 3 cups (375g) to give your crust structure.
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup (200g) for sweetness.
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon to help it rise.
- Salt: ¼ teaspoon for balanced flavor.
- Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon for a warm, inviting aroma.
- Cold unsalted butter: 1 cup (226g) adds richness and flakiness.
- Large egg: 1 large egg binds it all together.
- Milk: ¼ cup (60ml) enhances moisture.
- Optional: Sliced almonds (⅓ cup or 30g) for extra crunch.
Key Ingredients for the Cranberry Filling
For the jammy cranberry filling, these ingredients are essential:
- Fresh or frozen cranberries: 4 cups (400g) deliver that tart, refreshing flavor.
- Granulated sugar: ¾ cup (150g) balances the tartness.
- Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon thickens the filling beautifully.
- Orange zest: 2 teaspoons adds a zesty kick.
- Fresh orange juice: 1 tablespoon enhances the flavor depth.
Optional Ingredients for the Orange Icing
While your Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars are delicious on their own, a drizzle of icing can take them to the next level. Consider adding:
- Fresh orange juice: 2 tablespoons for a hint of citrus.
- Confectioners’ sugar: 1 cup (120g) for sweetness and texture.
With these ingredients, you’re on your way to creating a scrumptious dessert that’s sure to impress! For tips on measuring baking ingredients accurately, check out Sally's Baking Addiction. Enjoy baking!
Step-by-Step Preparation of Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars
Let’s dive into the delightful process of creating your Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars! Not only are they a feast for the eyes, but they also pack a flavor punch that’s sure to impress. Follow this easy guide for a successful bake, and you’ll soon have these delicious bars ready to share (or keep all to yourself!).
Preheating the oven and preparing the pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). While the oven warms, grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. Be sure to allow some overhang on the sides—this will make it much easier to lift the finished bars out when they’re cool!
Creating the crumble mixture for crust and topping
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Then, add cold, cubed butter into the mix. Using a pastry cutter or two forks, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbles. Don’t rush this part; it can take about five minutes, but it’s vital for achieving that perfect texture.
Whisking together the wet ingredients
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and pure vanilla extract. Once blended, pour this mixture into your crumble mixture. Stir gently until the dough resembles moist crumbly sand. This step is crucial for ensuring that both your crust and topping have that delightful buttery flavor.
Setting aside the crumble mixture
You’ll end up with about 6 cups of crumble mixture. Set aside 2 cups of it for topping later. Press the remaining mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan to create an even crust. It doesn’t have to be perfect—just make sure it covers the bottom evenly.
Mixing the cranberry filling
For the cranberry filling, combine fresh or frozen cranberries (no need to thaw) with sugar, cornstarch, orange zest, and orange juice. Mix until the cranberries are well coated. Spread this vibrant mixture over your pre-baked crust, and it’s about to get really exciting!
Assembling the bars and baking
Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture over the cranberry filling. For an extra touch, you can scatter some sliced almonds on top. Bake in the oven for 40-50 minutes or until the top is lightly browned. Use a toothpick to check—the texture should be mostly clean with a few sticky cranberry specks. Allow the bars to cool entirely in the pan, and then they’re ready to be sliced into irresistible squares!
As you can see, making Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars is an incredibly rewarding process. It’s not just about baking; it’s about creating something delicious with love and care. Enjoy your baking adventure!
Variations on Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars
Adding nuts for extra crunch
Enhance the texture of your Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars by incorporating nuts! Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch that pairs beautifully with the tartness of cranberries. Simply mix them into the crumble topping or sprinkle them over the cranberry filling before baking. Not only do they provide a satisfying crunch, but they also bring a rich, nutty flavor that elevates these bars to a whole new level.
Experimenting with different fruits
While cranberries shine in this recipe, feel free to explore other fruits! Think about using diced apples or pears for a cozy flavor twist, or even mixed berries for a summer-inspired treat. Just keep the proportions similar to ensure your Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars maintain their delicious structure. Mixing in fruits can also make it a great year-round dessert.
Alternative toppings beyond icing
If you want a different finish for your bars, consider alternatives to the traditional icing. A simple dusting of powdered sugar can be just as appealing while letting the natural flavors shine through. Or how about a drizzle of chocolate or a smear of whipped cream? These alternatives enhance the experience while keeping it simple and delightful. Which variation will you try first?
Cooking Tips and Notes for Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars
Creating your delicious Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars can be a joy! Here are some handy tips to elevate your baking experience:
- Chill Your Butter: Ensure your butter is cold and cubed; this helps achieve that flaky texture in your crust.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh cranberries when available. Their unique tartness enhances the flavor superbly.
- Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to tweak the sugar in the cranberry filling based on your taste. If you enjoy a more tart flavor, slightly reduce the sugar.
- Customize the Topping: Incorporate nuts or oats into the crumble for added texture. Not a fan of almonds? Try pecans or walnuts instead!
These simple tweaks can help you create the perfect batch of Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars!
Cranberry Crumble Pie Bars
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- mixing bowl
- Whisk
- pastry cutter
- Cooling Rack
Ingredients
Base and Topping
- 3 cups all-purpose flour [spooned & leveled](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/how-to-measure-baking-ingredients/)
- 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 *
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup sliced almonds optional
Cranberry Filling
- 4 cups fresh or frozen cranberries 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 to lift the finished bars out.
- Make the crumble mixture for the crust and topping: Whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon together in a large bowl. Add the cubed butter and cut in until the 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 2 cups of the crust/crumble mixture aside. Pour the remaining into the prepared pan and flatten down to form an even crust.
- Mix all cranberry filling ingredients together. Spread over the crust. Then sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture and almonds over the cranberries.
- Bake for about 40-50 minutes or until lightly browned and a toothpick comes out mostly clean. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Make the icing by whisking the icing ingredients together. Drizzle over cooled bars, then cut into squares.
- Cover and store leftover bars at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
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