Cranberry Crumble Bars with Browned Butter Blondie Base

🎉 Introduction

These delicious Cranberry Crumble Bars are a delightful alternative to traditional pie, packed with a buttery shortbread crust that melts in your mouth. The tartness of the cranberries, combined with a hint of citrus, creates a refreshing filling that perfectly complements the sweet, nutty flavor of browned butter in the blondie layer. Finished with a drizzle of vanilla glaze, these bars are sure to be a hit at your next holiday gathering or simple family dessert night. Let’s dive into this easy yet impressive recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!

🧰 Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowl
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Parchment paper
• Saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling rack

🛒 Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons milk for glaze

👩‍🍳 Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it turns a golden brown color and has a nutty aroma, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 3: In a mixing bowl, combine the browned butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar, whisking until smooth.
Step 4: Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the mixture, whisking until fully incorporated.
Step 5: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Step 6: Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly over the bottom.
Step 7: In a saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange juice, and orange zest. Cook over medium heat until the cranberries start to burst and the mixture thickens (about 10 minutes). Remove from heat.
Step 8: Spread the cranberry mixture evenly over the batter in the baking dish.
Step 9: Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter over the cranberry layer, leaving some of the filling visible.
Step 10: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the top is set and lightly golden.
Step 11: Allow the bars to cool in the pan on a cooling rack for about 30 minutes before cutting into squares.
Step 12: To make the glaze, whisk powdered sugar with milk until smooth, then drizzle over cooled bars.

🍽️ Servings & Timing

Makes about 12-16 bars. Prep time: 20 minutes, Cook time: 35 minutes, Total time: 55 minutes.

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes if desired.

🥄 Variations

• Replace cranberries with blueberries or raspberries for a different berry flavor.
• Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter for added texture.
• Incorporate spices like cinnamon or nutmeg into the cranberry filling for a warm flavor.
• Drizzle with white chocolate instead of vanilla glaze for a sweeter touch.

❓ FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen cranberries?
A: Yes, you can use frozen cranberries directly in the recipe without thawing them.

Q: How do I know when the bars are done baking?
A: The bars are done when the top is set, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container.

Q: What can I substitute for brown sugar?
A: You can substitute brown sugar with an equal amount of granulated sugar, but it will slightly alter the flavor.

Q: Is it necessary to brown the butter?
A: Browning the butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the bars, but you can use melted butter if you prefer.

Q: Can I skip the glaze?
A: Yes, the glaze is optional, but it adds a nice finishing touch to the bars.

Q: What size pan can I use if I don’t have a 9×13 inch baking dish?
A: You can use an 8×8 inch or 10×15 inch pan, but adjust the baking time as needed.

Q: How can I make these bars gluten-free?
A: You can replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Q: Can I freeze the bars?
A: Yes, you can freeze them. Wrap them tightly and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Q: What can I serve these bars with?
A: These bars pair well with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

🏁 Conclusion

These Cranberry Crumble Bars with Browned Butter Blondie Base are not only an easy holiday dessert but also perfect for any gathering or sweet craving. The balance of flavors and textures will have you and your guests reaching for seconds. Enjoy making and sharing these delightful bars with your loved ones!

Cranberry Crumble Bars with Browned Butter Blondie Base

Cranberry Crumble Bars with Browned Butter Blondie Base

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons milk for glaze

Equipment

• 1 Mixing bowl
• 1 9x13-inch baking dish
• 1 Whisk
• 1 Spatula
• 1 Parchment paper
• 1 Saucepan
• 1 Measuring cups and spoons
• 1 Cooling rack

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it turns a golden brown color and has a nutty aroma, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the browned butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar, whisking until smooth.
4. Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the mixture, whisking until fully incorporated.
5. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
6. Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly over the bottom.
7. In a saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange juice, and orange zest. Cook over medium heat until the cranberries start to burst and the mixture thickens (about 10 minutes). Remove from heat.
8. Spread the cranberry mixture evenly over the batter in the baking dish.
9. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter over the cranberry layer, leaving some of the filling visible.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the top is set and lightly golden.
11. Allow the bars to cool in the pan on a cooling rack for about 30 minutes before cutting into squares.
12. To make the glaze, whisk powdered sugar with milk until smooth, then drizzle over cooled bars.

Notes

Storage & Reheating:
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes if desired.

Variations:
- Replace cranberries with blueberries or raspberries for a different berry flavor.
- Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter for added texture.
- Incorporate spices like cinnamon or nutmeg into the cranberry filling for a warm flavor.
- Drizzle with white chocolate instead of vanilla glaze for a sweeter touch.