Cranberry Crumble Bars – Browned Butter Blondie are the ultimate dessert that marries sweet and tart in a delightful dance of flavors. Picture the buttery, nutty aroma wafting through your kitchen as you prepare these scrumptious bars, their warm, inviting scent beckoning everyone nearby to come and taste. savory cranberry and brie tartlets.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What can I substitute for cranberries in the bars?
- Can I make cranberry crumble bars ahead of time?
- How do I know when my bars are done baking?
- 📖 Recipe Card
These bars remind me of a chilly holiday afternoon when my family gathered around the table, eagerly anticipating that first bite. The vibrant cranberries burst with flavor while the crumbly topping adds just the right texture. Trust me; you’ll want to make these for every gathering or cozy night in. For more inspiration, check out this Raspberry Cheesecake Bars recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Cranberry Crumble Bars are easy to prepare, making them perfect for both novice and experienced bakers
- The unique flavor combination of tart cranberries and rich browned butter will have everyone asking for seconds
- Visually stunning with their golden crust and vibrant filling, they’re a feast for the eyes too
- Versatile enough to enjoy at breakfast, dessert, or whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up!
Family and friends rave about how these bars disappear before they even hit the table!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Unsalted Butter: Be sure to use high-quality butter for a rich flavor; browning it adds depth.
- Granulated Sugar: This will provide sweetness and help achieve that lovely golden crust.
- Brown Sugar: For that caramel-like flavor; light or dark works well. For more inspiration, check out this Chewy Caramel Cookies recipe.
- Large Eggs: Use fresh eggs for the best texture and flavor in your bars.
- All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure; sift it for lighter bars if you prefer.
- Baking Powder: A must-have leavening agent to ensure your bars rise perfectly.
- Cranberries: Fresh or frozen work; their tartness is essential for balance in this recipe.
- Oats: Added for texture; old-fashioned oats maintain a nice chewiness.
- Pecans or Walnuts (optional): For crunch; toast them lightly for an extra flavor boost.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Kitchen: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper. This makes clean-up super easy later on.
Brown the Butter: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until it turns golden brown and smells nutty. Swirl occasionally to avoid burning.
Create Your Batter: In a large bowl, combine browned butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar. Mix until creamy before adding eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in flour and baking powder until just combined. Don’t overmix; we want those bars soft! Fold in oats and nuts if using.
Layer It Up!: Spread half of your batter into the prepared pan evenly. Then sprinkle cranberries on top before dolloping the remaining batter over them like whimsical clouds.
Bake & Cool!: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges turn golden brown. Let cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares—if you can resist diving right in!
Enjoying Cranberry Crumble Bars – Browned Butter Blondie is like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket on a cold day. Each bite offers warmth from memories shared and laughter around the table. cozy fall pumpkin bars So grab your apron and let’s create something delicious together!
You Must Know
- Mastering cranberry crumble bars takes practice, but the rewards are worth it
- The buttery blondie base pairs perfectly with tart cranberries, creating a divine treat that’s hard to resist
- Enjoy the delightful aroma as they bake—your kitchen will smell like a bakery!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the butter for maximum flavor. Then, mix dry ingredients while cooling the butter. Assemble and bake until golden brown for perfect results.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture. You might also try different fruits like raspberries or blueberries for a twist on this classic recipe. fall chocolate covered oreo cookies chocolate thumbprint cookies.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover bars at room temperature in an airtight container for up to five days. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy warm again.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh cranberries for a tart punch; frozen ones may get mushy when baked
- Ensure your butter is browned properly—it adds depth
- Don’t skip chilling the batter before baking to enhance texture and flavors dramatically
Baking these cranberry crumble bars always brings back memories of family gatherings; my cousin once devoured half the batch before dinner!
FAQ
What can I substitute for cranberries in the bars?
You can use blueberries, raspberries, or even chopped apples for a delicious variation.
Can I make cranberry crumble bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! They store well and taste great even after a day or two.
How do I know when my bars are done baking?
Look for a golden brown top and slightly firm edges; a toothpick should come out clean.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Cranberry Crumble Bars – Browned Butter Blondie
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in these delicious Cranberry Crumble Bars, where the nutty aroma of browned butter combines with tart cranberries for an irresistible dessert. Perfect for any gathering or cozy night in, these bars are a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds. Easy to prepare and visually stunning, they make for a perfect sweet treat at breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until golden brown and nutty.
- In a large bowl, mix browned butter with granulated and brown sugar until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
- Gradually stir in flour and baking powder until just combined; fold in oats and nuts if using.
- Spread half the batter into the prepared pan, layer cranberries on top, then dollop remaining batter over them.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until edges are golden brown; cool completely before cutting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (60g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg





