The dish is a delightful blend of tart cranberries and sweet, chewy blondie crust. It’s perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a comforting snack. These bars are enjoyable for their balance of flavors and textures, making them a great addition to any dessert table.
Why you’ll love this dish
These bars offer a balanced flavor profile that pairs sweet and tart beautifully. The toasted notes from the browned butter enhance the overall richness.
“The blend of flavors and textures is simply amazing. It’s become a favorite in our home!”
The combination of crumbly topping and chewy base is irresistible. It’s an easy recipe that can be made ahead to save time later.
The cooking process explained
This recipe combines the making of a blondie base with a cranberry filling, topped with a crumble. You’ll prepare the blondie, layer the cranberries, and finish with the crumble topping. The process is straightforward and rewards you with lovely bars to enjoy.
Prep Time: 15 min | Cook Time: 35 min | Total Time: 50 min
What you’ll need
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for cranberries)
- 1 cup oats
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Use unsalted butter for better control over saltiness.
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until browned. Remove from heat.
- In a bowl, mix the browned butter and brown sugar until combined. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
- Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined.
- Spread half of the blondie mix in the prepared pan.
- Toss cranberries with granulated sugar and layer evenly over the blondie base.
- Spoon remaining blondie batter over cranberries.
- Mix oats and nuts, sprinkle over the top as a crumble.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and set. Let cool before slicing.
Best ways to enjoy it
These bars can be served warm or at room temperature. Pair them with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of whipped cream. They also make for a great coffee companion.
Storage and reheating tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave as needed.
Helpful cooking tips
- Make sure the butter is browned but not burnt for the best flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter after adding the flour to keep the bars tender.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing for clean edges.
Creative twists
- Substitute blueberries or raspberries in place of cranberries for a different fruit flavor.
- Add a layer of cream cheese frosting on top for added richness.
- Swap in almond flour or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
FAQ
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, frozen cranberries work well. No need to thaw.
Can I make this egg-free?
You can use substitutes like applesauce or flaxseed meal for the eggs.
How do I know when the bars are done?
Look for a lightly golden top and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
Cranberry Blondie Bars
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful cranberry blondie bars featuring a chewy crust and a sweet-tart filling, perfect for sharing at gatherings or as a comforting snack.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for cranberries)
- 1 cup oats
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until browned. Remove from heat.
- Mix the browned butter and brown sugar until combined. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
- Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined.
- Spread half of the blondie mix in the prepared pan.
- Toss cranberries with granulated sugar and layer evenly over the blondie base.
- Spoon the remaining blondie batter over cranberries.
- Mix oats and nuts, sprinkle over the top as a crumble.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and set. Let cool before slicing.
Notes
Serve warm or at room temperature. Pair with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of whipped cream. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: cranberry bars, blondies, dessert, sweet treats, easy baking