When the holiday season rolls around, it’s the perfect time to add a touch of festivity to your dessert table. If you’re searching for a sweet treat that blends seasonal flavors with a delightful texture, look no further than Cranberry Walnut Pie Bars. These bars combine the tangy pop of cranberries with the rich crunch of walnuts, creating a dessert that is as visually appealing as it is delicious. Here’s everything you need to know to make this holiday showstopper.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Filling:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping:
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
How to Make Cranberry Walnut Pie Bars
1. Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. This will make removing the bars easier once they’re done.
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Mix until the ingredients form a dough-like consistency. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish and bake for 15 minutes or until the crust is lightly golden.
2. Make the Cranberry Filling
While the crust is baking, start preparing the filling. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, and water over medium heat. Stir and cook until the cranberries soften and begin to release their juices. Add the cornstarch to the mixture, stirring until it thickens. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract for an added touch of warmth.
3. Prepare the Walnut Topping
In a small bowl, mix together the chopped walnuts, brown sugar, flour, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture forms a crumbly texture that will add the perfect crunch to the bars.
4. Assemble and Bake
Pour the cranberry filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly to cover the base. Next, sprinkle the walnut topping over the cranberry layer.
Place the baking dish back in the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is set.
5. Cool and Serve
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. This step is crucial to ensure the filling sets properly and makes slicing easier.
Tips for Success
- Lining the pan with parchment paper will prevent the bars from sticking and make them easier to lift out.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting; this helps maintain their shape and avoids a messy presentation.
- For an extra festive touch, consider adding a light dusting of powdered sugar on top before serving.
Why You’ll Love These Bars
The contrast of tangy cranberries, buttery crust, and the nutty walnut topping creates an irresistible flavor profile. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or simply indulging in a sweet snack at home, Cranberry Walnut Pie Bars are bound to be a hit.
So, go ahead and bring a bit of holiday magic to your kitchen with these simple yet impressive bars. Your friends and family will thank you!
Cranberry Walnut Pie Bars
Description
Delight in the delectable combination of tangy cranberries and crunchy walnuts with these Cranberry Walnut Pie Bars. Perfect for the holiday season or as a festive treat, these bars offer a unique twist and are sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Filling:
– 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping:
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. To prepare the crust, mix together flour, butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
3. In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and water. Cook over medium heat until cranberries start to soften. Stir in cornstarch and cook until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
4. For the topping, mix walnuts, brown sugar, flour, and melted butter until crumbly.
5. Pour the cranberry mixture over the pre-baked crust. Spread evenly.
6. Sprinkle the walnut topping over the cranberry layer.
7. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden brown.
8. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.