Rich, fudgy chocolate brownies infused with the sweetness of cranberries and the crunch of pecans are a delightful and unconventional dessert perfect for the holiday season’s indulgent treats.
For nearly two decades, I’ve been a loyal participant in the holiday tradition of baking cranberry brownies, often serving them plain but also indulging in the decadence of topping them with ice cream and rich hot fudge sauce. Without exception, every single person who has had the pleasure of savoring these treats has been utterly thrilled by their delectable flavors.
Cranberry Brownies
For decades, I’ve remained devoted to the rich, velvety brownie base that forms the foundation of this treasured recipe. This quick and easy saucepan recipe is ready in under 10 minutes, making it an ideal snack option at any time of day.
A burst of tangy sweetness, the cranberries provide a refreshing contrast to the indulgent richness of the fudgy brownies. With their unique twist on traditional flavors, these sweet treats are sure to delight both kids and adults alike at any gathering or celebration. Falling head over heels for the harmonious union of sweet and tangy flavors, these decadent brownies are poised to win your heart – if you’re not already a devotee of the fruit and chocolate combination, that is.
Who wouldn’t adore a decadent, gooey brownie as the perfect indulgent treat? With a stash of frozen cranberries set aside for the annual Cranberry Christmas Cake, I’ve had to get creative and repurpose them to give these brownies an extra boost of flavor this holiday season.
Fresh Cranberry Recipes
Beyond the familiar tang of cranberry sauce on the Thanksgiving table lies a world of untapped potential in these small, round fruits. The sweet and tangy fusion of flavors begins with a satisfying crunch from the sugar-kissed crust, which yields to a tart and luscious cranberry filling before giving way to the tender, flaky layers of cake on top – a culinary haven that embodies the essence of Nantucket’s festive charm.
This addictive sweet and spicy cranberry jalapeño dip is impossible to resist once you take a bite. Multiply the amount to ensure there’s enough for everyone. A medley of tart cranberries and sweet apples is expertly baked within a crunchy brown sugar and oat crisp, yielding a sublime dessert that eschews excessive sweetness.
Weekend mornings are made sweeter by the tantalizing aroma of tangy cranberry pancakes, infused with the rich flavor of maple syrup, making it that much more effortless to rise and shine. As the holiday season begins to unfold, I find myself craving these fluffy buttermilk pancakes on the first weekend of December?
These tender Cranberry Christmas Cookies are overflowing with a generous helping of tangy, fresh cranberries, delightfully tempered by the richness of butter and sweetness. Richly flavored with sweet cranberries, tangy apples, plump raisins, and aromatic spices, this delectable chutney is poised to become a beloved staple at your holiday gatherings.
With their perfect balance of chewy texture and tangy sweetness, these cranberry oatmeal bars burst with juicy cranberries and crisp apple, crowned by a crunchy layer of brown sugar and oatmeal crumbs. Indulge in the sweet union of fresh cranberries and a hint of tangy lemon zest, perfectly balanced within a sumptuously moist brown sugar streusel-infused Cranberry Coffee Cake that’s sure to delight.
And finally, a harmonious blend of tart cranberries and fiery peppers converges in the delightful sweetness and spiciness of Cranberry Pepper Jelly. The instant allure of this sizzling spread is undeniable – it’s a flavor frenzy that ignites the senses from the very first taste! A sweet and tangy cranberry orange relish makes the perfect addition to a Christmas charcuterie board.
Pecan Brownies
I revel in the velvety texture and deep flavor of a perfectly baked batch of brownies, studded with crunchy nuts that add delightful contrast to each satisfying bite. While my top choice for adding texture and flavor to brownies is a generous sprinkling of pecans, I’m not picky when it comes to nuts – walnuts, hazelnuts, or even pistachios are all welcome additions.
Rich and decadent Almond Joy Brownies abound with velvety chocolate, crunchy almonds, and toasted coconut flakes, resulting in a delightful harmony of textures and flavors. Rich and fudgy chocolate brownies, infused with the deep flavors of nuts, are a treat in themselves – whether made with the earthy sweetness of pecans or the rich, buttery taste of walnuts. And, as an added benefit, these indulgent treats just so happen to be gluten and dairy free, making them accessible to everyone.
- butter
- semi-sweet chocolate
- light brown sugar
- vanilla extract
- eggs
- all-purpose flour
- kosher salt
- fresh or frozen cranberries
- pecans
COOK’S NOTE: For optimal freshness, store these rich brownies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they’ll remain deliciously moist and flavorful for several days. Alternatively, seal them airtight and store in the freezer for up to three months. To ensure optimal flavor and texture, thaw frozen foods at room temperature before serving.
Cranberries that have been frozen to preserve their flavor and texture prove a suitable addition to this dish. I immediately store the bag of fresh cranberries in the freezer once I purchase them. Frozen cranberries can be seamlessly incorporated into the recipe without requiring prior thawing.
Fruit and Chocolate
Indulge in rich and velvety smooth chocolate fondue, whipped up in mere minutes! What’s not to love?? Presented with an abundance of fresh fruit, delicate cream puffs, crunchy graham crackers, and savory pretzels, this Dessert Fondue Board offers a visually stunning and delightfully indulgent experience that will satisfy every sweet tooth.
Indulge in the harmonious union of luscious fresh blueberries, subtly coated with rich dark chocolate, yielding a scrumptious treat that effortlessly serves as both a satisfying snack and a convenient dessert option. My sister is always the beneficiary of my chocolate-covered blueberry batches, which I meticulously prepare and freeze for her enjoyment?
As soon as I lifted my fork to take that initial bite, I was certain that I would adore these rich Dark Chocolate Raspberry Brownies – the tantalizing aroma wafting from the oven had already piqued my interest. However, it was the bold raspberry flavor, expertly woven throughout each morsel, that truly surprised and delighted me. Don’t you think that the union of rich, velvety chocolate and tart, luscious raspberries is nothing short of sublime?
If you’re a fan of indulging in sweet and tangy treats like chocolate-covered strawberries, then you owe it to yourself to explore the delightful combination of rich chocolate and citrusy orange slices. These unique desserts are truly one-of-a-kind, captivating the hearts of everyone in my household.
Here’s a sweet indulgence that transforms your favourite trail mix into an ultimate candy bar: Fruit and Nut Chocolate Bark combines velvety swirls of white and dark chocolate with a medley of dried fruits and crunchy nuts. A medley of textures and flavors harmonize in this versatile and delightful holiday confection.
*Gluten-Free Alternative:
