Brandied Cranberry Apricot Bars
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Brandied Cranberry Apricot Bars, a decadent treat that combines the tartness of dried cranberries and apricots with the warm, aromatic notes of brandy. These bars boast a buttery, golden crust and a moist, fruit-studded interior, making them the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Quick to prepare in just 20 minutes, this recipe showcases a unique technique of simmering dried fruit in brandy for a rich depth of flavor. Finished with a dusting of powdered sugar, these bars are a crowd-pleasing dessert for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or anytime you crave an elegant, homemade treat. Perfectly portioned into 16 servings, they’re as delightful to serve as they are to savor!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Dried cranberries
- 1 cup Dried apricots, diced
- 3 tablespoons Brandy
- 1 cup Unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup Brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
- 2 Eggs
- 1.5 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 2 tablespoons Powdered sugar (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
In a small saucepan, combine the dried cranberries, diced dried apricots, and brandy. Cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the fruits have absorbed most of the liquid. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and well combined.
Add the vanilla extract and eggs to the bowl and whisk until the mixture is creamy and fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
Fold in the brandied cranberry-apricot mixture, ensuring the fruits are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 28-32 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper, if used, and transfer to a cutting board. Slice into 16 squares or bars.
Dust the bars with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
294 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 13.0 g | 17% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.0 g | 40% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 56 mg | 19% | |
| Sodium | 111 mg | 5% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 40.5 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.4 g | 5% | |
| Total Sugars | 29.9 g | ||
| Protein | 2.4 g | 5% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 17 mg | 1% | |
| Iron | 0.8 mg | 4% | |
| Potassium | 125 mg | 3% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
