Cranberry Crumble Bars - Browned Butter Blondie

When it comes to desserts that encapsulate the essence of comfort and warmth, Cranberry Crumble Bars stand out as a perfect choice. This delightful treat combines the rich, nutty flavor of browned butter with the tartness of fresh cranberries, all nestled beneath a crunchy, crumbly topping. The result is a dessert that is not only visually appealing but also a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate with every bite. Whether you are hosting a festive gathering or simply want to indulge in a sweet treat at home, these bars offer a versatile option that can be enjoyed year-round.

Cranberry Crumble Bars - Browned Butter Blondie

Indulge in the deliciousness of Cranberry Crumble Bars featuring the rich flavor of browned butter and tart cranberries. This delightful dessert combines a buttery blondie base, a zesty cranberry filling, and a crunchy crumble topping for a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Ideal for any occasion, these bars are easy to make and a joy to share. Dive into this comforting treat that everyone will love! #CranberryCrumble #DessertRecipes #BakingJoy #SweetTreats #ComfortFood

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Ingredients

For the Browned Butter Blondie Base:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Cranberry Filling:

2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon lemon zest

For the Crumble Topping:

1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) cold unsalted butter, diced

Instructions

Make the Browned Butter:

- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the butter turns a deep golden brown and has a nutty aroma (about 5-7 minutes). Be careful not to burn it. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Prepare the Blondie Base:

- In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined.

- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Cranberry Filling Preparation:

- In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Cook over medium heat until the cranberries start to burst and the mixture begins to thicken (about 5-10 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool.

Prepare the Crumble Topping:

- In a mixing bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the cold diced butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Assemble the Bars:

- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

- Spread half of the blondie batter evenly in the bottom of the prepared pan.

- Spoon the cranberry filling over the blondie batter, spreading it evenly.

- Top with the remaining blondie batter in dollops followed by the crumble topping.

Bake:

- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the blondie portion comes out clean. The crumble should also be golden on top.

Cool and Serve:

- Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes. Use the parchment paper to lift the bars out, and then let them cool completely on a wire rack before slicing into bars.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 12 bars