blondies

Bready or Not Original: Toffee Blondies

Posted by on Jan 22, 2025 in Blog, blondies, Bready or Not, chocolate, cookies | 0 comments

Why have a candy bar when you can have a chewy, luxurious treat that’s filled with candy bar pieces? These Toffee Blondies are a glorious combination of textures and sweetness.

Bready or Not Original: Toffee Blondies

If you can find it, use an 8 ounce bag of Heath Bits that include chocolate. All is not lost if that is unavailable, though. You can chop up normal Heath Bars, or use an all-toffee bag and add separate chocolate.

Bready or Not Original: Toffee Blondies

The result is a thick, chewy bar with crunchy little bits of toffee and pockets of chocolate. These things keep for days, too.

Bready or Not Original: Toffee Blondies

Bready or Not Original: Toffee Blondies

These are like big, chewy candy bars! If you can’t find the Heath bag that includes chocolate, you can buy candy bars and chop them up, or use the toffee bits and supplement with extra chocolate.
Course: Dessert
Keyword: bars, chocolate, cookies
Author: Beth Cato

Equipment

  • 9×13 pan
  • aluminum foil
  • nonstick spray

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups brown sugar packed
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick) melted and cooled
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 8 ounces Heath Bits with Chocolate

Instructions

  • Preheat oven at 350 degrees. Line a 13×9 pan with foil and apply nonstick spray.
  • In a bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, beat the butter, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients. Fold in about 2/3 of the Heath Bits.
  • Scoop the thick batter into the prepared pan and level out with an uneven spatula. Sprinkle the rest of the Heath pieces over the top.
  • Bake for 24 to 27 minutes. Middle should be set and pass the toothpick test. Cool to room temperature, speeding the process in the fridge if desired.
  • Use the foil to lift onto cutting board to slice into bars. Store in a sealed container at room temperature. They will keep for up to 3 days.

OM NOM NOM!

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    Bready or Not: Gingerbread Cookie Cheesecake Bars

    Posted by on Dec 18, 2024 in Blog, blondies, Bready or Not, breakfast, cheese galore, cookies | 0 comments

    If you love both gingerbread cookies and cheesecake, oh boy, do I have the recipe for you. These Gingerbread Cookie Cheesecake Bars are dense, rich, and outright divine.

    Bready or Not: Gingerbread Cookie Cheesecake Bars

    The creation process also dirties a lot of dishes, but hey, sometimes that’s what is required to make something that truly comes across as special. This recipe makes a 9×13 pan of thick bars, so bake this to feed a crowd!

    Bready or Not: Gingerbread Cookie Cheesecake Bars

    Modified from Holiday Cookies magazine 2019.

    Bready or Not: Gingerbread Cookie Cheesecake Bars

    Bready or Not: Gingerbread Cookie Cheesecake Bars

    Not gonna lie: these bars take some effort and dirty a lot of dishes, but the result is a thick, sumptuous dessert that is perfect for winter. Make these for a crowd! Modified from Holiday Cookies Magazine 2019.
    Course: Dessert
    Keyword: bars, cheese, cookies, gingerbread
    Author: Beth Cato

    Equipment

    • 9×13 pan
    • aluminum foil
    • nonstick spray
    • uneven spatula

    Ingredients

    Gingerbread

    • 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter (3 sticks) softened
    • 1 1/4 cups white sugar
    • 3/4 cup brown sugar packed
    • 1/2 cup molasses
    • 2 large eggs room temperature
    • 4 cups all-purpose flour
    • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
    • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
    • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
    • 1/8 teaspoon allspice
    • 1/8 teaspoon cloves
    • 3 Tablespoons minced candied ginger

    Cheesecake

    • 16 ounces cream cheese (2 blocks) softened
    • 1 cup white sugar
    • 1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour
    • 2 large eggs room temperature
    • 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven at 350 degrees. Line a 13×9-inch pan with aluminum foil. Apply nonstick spray.
    • In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugars until fluffy. Add the molasses, mixing until no streaks remain. Add eggs, one at a time, scraping the bottom of the bowl on occasion.
    • In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, ground ginger, salt, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet. Fold in the candied ginger.
    • Measure out 2 cups of the dough and set it aside.
    • Press the remainder of the dough into the pan, forming an even layer.
    • Time to make the cheesecake layer. Beat the cream cheese until creamy. Add the sugar and flour. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla. The mixture should be fairly consistent in color and texture, but it’s okay if there are some small lumps.
    • Use an uneven spatula to spread the cheesecake into an even layer. Crumble the reserved topping over it.
    • Bake for 50 to 60 minutes; the middle should not look jiggly and should pass the toothpick test. If the top is browning too much, cover with foil.
    • Cool at room temperature for about an hour, then place in fridge to completely chill for a few hours. Use foil to lift onto cutting board to slice into small pieces. Store in fridge in a sealed container.

    OM NOM NOM!

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      Bready or Not Original: Earl Grey Shortbread Bars

      Posted by on Nov 13, 2024 in Blog, blondies, Bready or Not, breakfast, british | Comments Off on Bready or Not Original: Earl Grey Shortbread Bars

      Whether you are coping with cold weather right now or psychologically easing into winter (something I know well from my time in Arizona), these Earl Grey Shortbread Bars will make you feel warm and cozy. Also, caffeinated.

      Bready or Not Original: Earl Grey Shortbread Bars

      These bars are dense, soft, and a touch crumbly, the flavor of warm spice throughout. The drizzle of glaze adds sweetness and prettiness.

      Bready or Not Original: Earl Grey Shortbread Bars

      The tea flavor is quite strong here–it actually seemed to get bolder after a day–so the 1/4 cup amount is best made for people who like Earl Grey. I used Bigelow bags, but the amount of tea likely varies across brands. If you want a milder flavor, use less tea.

      Bready or Not Original: Earl Grey Shortbread Bars

      Bready or Not Original: Earl Grey Shortbread Bars

      Soft, chewy texture and warm spices makes these shortbread bars a perfect treat!
      Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
      Keyword: bars, tea
      Author: Beth Cato

      Equipment

      • 9×13 pan
      • spice grinder or mortar and pestle
      • wax paper or plastic wrap
      • heavy glass or other weight
      • piping bag or freezer bag

      Ingredients

      Dough

      • 1/4 cup Early Grey tea leaves about 4-5 Bigelow bags
      • 4 cups all-purpose flour
      • 1/2 teaspoon salt
      • 2 cups unsalted butter (4 sticks) room temperature
      • 2 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
      • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

      Glaze

      • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
      • 1 1/2 Tablespoons milk or half & half

      Instructions

      • Preheat oven at 350 degrees. Line a 9×13 baking pan with aluminum foil and apply nonstick spray or butter.
      • Use a spice grinder or a mortar and pestle to grind the Earl Grey leaves down a bit more, but not fully to powder. Move the tea to a medium bowl and stir with the flour and salt.
      • In a large bowl, beat the butter until fluffy. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, followed by the vanilla. Beat until smooth. Gradually beat in the flour mixture to incorporate.
      • Dollop the dough into the prepared pan. Use a piece of wax paper or plastic wrap to spread out the dough, then use something like a heavy glass to evenly compress the dough into the pan.
      • Bake until shortbread is firm with golden edges, about 40 to 45 minutes. Cool in pan on rack.
      • After the pan comes to room temperature, mix the glaze ingredients. Transfer them to a piping bag or to a freezer bag. Snip the corner to pipe the glaze in stripes over the pan. Let set for an hour, then use foil to lift contents onto a cutting board to slice into bars.
      • Store in sealed container at room temperature. Bars will keep for an least 2 days.

      OM NOM NOM!

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        Bready or Not Original: Cranberry-Date Bars

        Posted by on Oct 16, 2024 in Blog, blondies, Bready or Not, breakfast | Comments Off on Bready or Not Original: Cranberry-Date Bars

        These Cranberry-Date Bars are thick, hearty and delicious, perfect for dessert, a snack, or as a breakfast bar.

        Bready or Not Original: Cranberry-Date Bars

        I used fresh cranberries for this recipe, as I had them in-season. I washed and thoroughly dried the cranberries. For the dates, I didn’t use precut, crusty date bits, but freshly chopped up dates that I had purchased at Costco. I much prefer eating those–they are soft, pliable, and especially sweet.

        Bready or Not Original: Cranberry-Date Bars

        The dates provide a beautiful counterbalance to the tart cranberries. They also act as glue to hold everything together.

        Bready or Not Original: Cranberry-Date Bars

        The bright red filling makes these especially pretty for the holiday time, too.

        Bready or Not Original: Cranberry-Date Bars

        These thick and hearty fruit-filled bars are great as a dessert, snack, or breakfast bar!
        Course: Breakfast, Snack
        Cuisine: American
        Keyword: bars, cranberries, dates
        Author: Beth Cato

        Equipment

        • medium saucepan
        • 9×13 pan
        • foil
        • nonstick spray

        Ingredients

        • 16 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries
        • 8 ounces chopped dates
        • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
        • 2 cups all-purpose flour
        • 2 cups quick oats
        • 1 1/2 cups brown sugar packed
        • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
        • 1/4 teaspoon salt
        • 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks) melted

        Instructions

        • Place cranberries and dates in a medium saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring often, until the berries pop. Remove pan from heat to stir in vanilla. Set aside.
        • Preheat oven at 350 degrees. Line a 13×9 pan with foil and apply nonstick spray or butter.
        • In a mixing bowl, place flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Pour in butter and stir until it forms a crumbly mixture. Press about half into the prepared pan, compressing to form an even layer.
        • Bake for 8 minutes. Pull pan from oven. Dollop cranberry-date mixture over top, gently spreading out to create a layer. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the top. Put back in oven to bake for 20 to 25 minutes; the top should be golden brown with the crumbs set in the middle.
        • Cool to room temperature, speeding the process in the fridge, if desired. Use foil to lift contents from pan onto a cutting board to slice into bars. Store at room temperature in a sealed container.

        OM NOM NOM!

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          Bready or Not Original: Nutella-Swirled Blondies

          Posted by on Aug 28, 2024 in Blog, blondies, Bready or Not, cookies, nutty | Comments Off on Bready or Not Original: Nutella-Swirled Blondies

          These Nutella-Swirled Blondies are quick to make and delicious, making it a fantastic go-to recipe when you need to make a moderately-sized batch of goodies without a lot of fuss.

          Bready or Not Original: Nutella-Swirled Blondies

          The amount of Nutella called for here is 12 ounces. You can use more than that, if you want, but don’t use less or it’ll be challenging to spread the layer to the edges.

          Bready or Not Original: Nutella-Swirled Blondies

          Look for this base recipe used again in the coming months, too. I first experimented with this format using a fresh cranberry filling, but I won’t share that version until the timing is more seasonal. A Nutella filling has no such restrictions.

          Bready or Not Original: Nutella-Swirled Blondies

          Bready or Not Original: Nutella-Swirled Blondies

          Simple, delicious blondies with a core of Nutella. Delicious and easy to make!
          Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
          Author: Beth Cato

          Equipment

          • 13×9 pan
          • aluminum foil
          • nonstick spray
          • uneven spatula

          Ingredients

          • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
          • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
          • 1/2 teaspoon salt
          • 3/4 cup unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks) softened
          • 1 1/4 cups white sugar
          • 1 1/4 cups brown sugar packed
          • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
          • 3 large eggs room temperature
          • 12 ounces Nutella or similar hazelnut spread

          Instructions

          • Preheat oven to 350-degrees. Line 13×9 pan with wide aluminum foil and apply nonstick spray or butter.
          • In a small bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
          • In a mixing bowl, beat together the butter, both sugars, and vanilla to create a smooth batter. Beat in eggs, one at a time, followed by the flour mixture. Dollop about 2/3 of the dough in the pan; dough will be sticky, making it tricky to even out without smearing away the nonstick coating.
          • Spread Nutella on top and to the edges. Add dollops of remaining dough. Use a knife to swirl layers together.
          • Bake until evenly golden brown and set in the middle, 28 to 32 minutes. Cool completely at room temperature or chill before cutting. Blondies keep for up to 3 days in a room temperature sealed container.

          OM NOM NOM!

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            Bready or Not: Gingerbread Cookie Bars

            Posted by on Jul 24, 2024 in Blog, blondies, Bready or Not, cookies | Comments Off on Bready or Not: Gingerbread Cookie Bars

            I suppose I could try to justify the timing of these Gingerbread Cookie Bars with a line like “It’s five months until Christmas!” but nah. Good food is good food, and should be enjoyed at any time of year.

            Bready or Not: Gingerbread Cookie Bars

            I don’t care that it’s the middle of summer. Gingerbread Bars are awesome. If your house gets hot, bake these up early in the day or late at night, then enjoy a cool-weather-vibe treat in the days ahead.

            Bready or Not: Gingerbread Cookie Bars

            This is a very straightforward recipe that makes a lot of bars that keeps for many days. A perfect recipe for a large gathering or a cookie exchange, this is a great version of a classic treat.

            Bready or Not: Gingerbread Cookie Bars

            Bready or Not: Gingerbread Cookie Bars

            This big batch gingerbread bar recipe is perfect to feed a crowd, and even better, it keeps beautifully for days! Modified from Better Homes & Gardens Christmas Cookies 2021 Magazine.
            Course: Dessert, Snack
            Keyword: gingerbread
            Author: Beth Cato

            Equipment

            • 15×10 pan (jelly roll pan)
            • aluminum foil
            • nonstick spray

            Ingredients

            • 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
            • 4 teaspoons ground ginger
            • 2 teaspoons baking soda
            • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
            • 1/4 teaspoon salt
            • 1 1/2 cups shortening
            • 2 cups white sugar
            • 2 eggs
            • 1/2 cup molasses
            • 1/2 cup coarse sugar such as turbinado sugar

            Instructions

            • Preheat oven at 350 degrees. Line the jelly roll pan with wide foil and apply nonstick spray.
            • In a mixing bowl, combine flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
            • In a large bowl, beat together the shortening and sugar until they are fluffy. Scrape the bowl as needed. Beat in the eggs and molasses. Slowly add the dry ingredients; if using a stand mixer, it may be necessary to stop doing so at the end to finish mixing by hand. Pat the dough into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the coarse sugar across the top and lightly press it in.
            • Bake for 18 to 20 minutes. The edges should be turning golden. Cool in pan on wire rack. Use the foil to lift it onto a cutting board for easy slicing. In a sealed container, keeps up over five days at room temperature.

            OM NOM NOM!

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