Buttery crust and crumble sandwiched with sweet pears and tart cranberries, these Cranberry pear crumble bars are the perfect holiday treat.

Cranberry Pear Crumble Bars

Today I am joining my friend Sheri for our monthly series, “Sweet treats for your Sweet tooth.” Each month we share our favorite version of a sweet treat, everything from cookies, bars, cakes, puddings and more. If you don’t know Sheri she is a professional photographer and the writer of the Sheri Silver blog. Today I am sharing Cranberry Pear Crumble Bars and Sheri is sharing Cranberry Vanilla Coffee Cake both are delicious additions to your Fall, Winter and holiday dessert roundup.

Are you looking for a new dessert to add to your holiday menu? These cranberry pear crumble bars might just fit the bill. These bars combine the sweetness of pears with tart cranberries, all wrapped up in a buttery crust and crumble topping. Whether you’re making them on a cool weekend afternoon for a casual snack or a festive occasion, they bring a new fruity twist to classic crumble flavors.

Like Cranberries? Looking for more recipes? Try:

Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta with Cranberry Topping

Cranberry Walnut Bread with Crumb Topping

Homemade Cranberry Cordial

Cranberry Breakfast Cake

What You Will Love These Cranberry Pear Crumble Bars

They are made with pantry ingredients and season fruit.
The sweet tender pears and the tart flavor of the cranberries create the perfect flavor combination for these cozy bars.
A buttery topping and crust filled with a soft fruit filling.
A simple yet impressive fall or winter dessert. This recipe uses the same dough for the crust and the crumble.
Add these bars to your Thanksgiving, and Christmas dessert menu, holiday cookie platters and gifts for family and friends.

What You Need to Make Cranberry Pear Crumble Bars

Crust and Crumb Topping

1 cup plus 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup sugar, divided
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 large egg yolks
3 cups plus 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Cranberry Pear Filling
12 oz fresh cranberries
3 large ripe pears, peeled, cored and chopped
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cardamom

How to Make Cranberry Pear Crumble Bars

Line a 13×9-inch metal baking pan with foil, or parchment paper, leaving an overhang so you can lift the bars out after baking. Spray the pan and foil with nonstick cooking spray.
Add the butter to a medium saucepan set over medium-low heat. Melt the butter, swirling the pan frequently. Once the butter has melted, it will start to bubble and foam. Continue to cook (continuing to swirl the pan) until the butter turns brown and smells nutty. Be patient and it watch carefully, it can go from brown to burned quickly. Turn off the heat under the pan, and let the butter cool until lukewarm.

Crust

In a medium bowl, whisk together the butter, 3/4 cup of the sugar, and the salt. Beat in the egg yolks. Use a rubber spatula to stir in the flour until completely incorporated. The dough will be thick and stiff.
Transfer about 2 cups to the prepared pan and press into an even layer in the bottom of the pan. Prick the dough all over with a fork, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until firm.
Meanwhile, preheat oven to 325 F.
Bake the crust for about 20 minutes, or until it begins to set, but has not yet started to brown around the edges.

Crumb Topping

Combine the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon with the reserved dough. Use your fingers to mix until crumbly.

Filling

Combine the cranberries, pears, sugar, lemon juice, water and spices in a medium saucepan, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium, and continue boiling until the mixture is thick and syrupy, this will take about 5-8 minutes. Turn off the heat, and let cool for 5-10 minutes.
Spread the cranberry mixture in an even layer over the hot crust.
Sprinkle the streusel over the top.
Increase the oven temperature to 350 F, and bake on a rack placed in the top of the oven for about 25 minutes, or until the crumb topping is golden brown
Transfer the pan to a wire rack and cool for at least 1 hour. Once cool, use the foil handles to lift the bars out. Place on a cutting board, and cut into squares before serving. Store for up to a week in an airtight container at room temperature.

Recipe Variations

Add nuts, chopped walnuts or pecans tossed into the crumble add crunchy and a nutty flavor to these scrumptious bars.
A pinch of pumpkin pie spice or ginger in the topping or filling pairs beautifully with pear and cranberry.
Swap half the flour for old-fashioned oats in the crumble
Add a little almond extract to the filling.
Cut the bars into smaller, bite-sized pieces party platters and dessert tables.
Grate some fresh orange zest into the fruit filling and replace the lemon juice with orange juice.
Make a cinnamon powdered sugar glaze and drizzle it over the top of the cooled bars.
Or top the bars with a dusting of powdered sugar.

What To Serve With Cranberry Pear Crumble Bars

Lightly sweetened whipped cream.
Vanilla ice cream is delicious on warm bars.
Hot Tea or freshly brewed coffee.
Mulled Wine is perfect for seasonal gathering.

Freezing & Storing Leftovers

Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For best texture, bring to room temperature before serving.

Once baked and cooled, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a large freezer bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To eat, thaw at room temperature and reheat briefly if you like them warm.

FAQs

Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use maple syrup or coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a vegan-friendly version.

Are these bars freezer-friendly before baking?
You can assemble the bars and freeze them before baking. Just cover tightly and bake directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

How do I make the crumble topping extra crunchy?
Add a little more flour and sugar to the crumble to make the dough stiffer. Adding a handful of chopped nuts can boost the crunch factor too.

Can I use canned cranberries or cranberry sauce instead of fresh or frozen?
It’s not recommended to use canned cranberries or cranberry sauce. They are softer and sweeter, so they’ll change the texture and flavor of the filling. Fresh or frozen cranberries are preferred for the best flavor.

What’s the best way to store these bars to keep them fresh?
Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness. Avoid letting them sit uncovered to prevent the topping from drying out.

That’s All for Now

Cranberry pear crumble bars have a delicious combination of cozy flavors and comforting textures that are just right for the cool days of Fall and Winter. Their simple ingredients and easy preparation make them a sweet treat that anyone can make. Plus, this recipe offers plenty of room for you to add your own twist and flavor combinations. No matter how you prepare these bars they are sure to bring a little joy to your coffee break or holiday gatherings. Happy baking.

Don’t forget to visit Sheri to get the recipe for her Cranberry Vanilla Coffee Cake.

You can also keep up with me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook. And last but not least, if you like Pinecones & Acorns share it with a friend!

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The Best Cranberry Pear Crumble Bars Recipe

Cranberry Pear Crumble Bars