Cranberry Bliss Bars are the delightful treat that can brighten even the dullest of days. Picture this: a soft, chewy bar packed with tart cranberries and rich cream cheese frosting that makes your taste buds do a happy dance. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, making you feel like a baking superstar, even if it’s just you and your cat judging your every move.
I remember the first time I made these bars; it was during a chilly winter evening when my friends came over for holiday movie marathons. As soon as they took their first bite, I could see their eyes light up—and not just because of the festive lights twinkling around us. It was pure bliss! These bars are perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy nights in, or simply when you need a sweet pick-me-up.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Cranberry Bliss Bars are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for beginner bakers
- Their sweet and tangy flavor profile is a crowd-pleaser at any event
- Visually stunning with their creamy frosting and bright cranberry bits, they elevate any dessert table
- Enjoy them as a snack or dessert; they fit right in at any occasion!
My sister still raves about these bars every time we gather for family events.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: For more inspiration, check out this delicious dessert recipes recipe.
- All-Purpose Flour: Use unbleached flour for better texture; it helps create that chewy base everyone loves.
- Baking Powder: This leavening agent ensures your bars rise perfectly so they don’t turn into flat pancakes.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness, while brown sugar gives a lovely depth of flavor.
- Dried Cranberries: Opt for plump cranberries—these beauties will burst with flavor in every bite.
- Butter: Unsalted butter works best here; it allows you to control the saltiness of the bars.
- Cream Cheese: For that luscious frosting, choose full-fat cream cheese for an indulgent finish.
- Vanilla Extract: This aromatic ingredient enhances all flavors and gives your bars that bakery-fresh scent.
- Pecans (optional): Chopped pecans add a delightful crunch; feel free to leave them out if nuts aren’t your thing!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal later on.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine flour and baking powder. Whisk until well blended—this step ensures an even rise and texture throughout.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In another bowl, beat softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until creamy. You want it airy enough to make you feel like you’re on cloud nine.
Add Eggs and Vanilla Extract: Beat in eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract until combined. The mixture should be smooth and luscious like velvet!
Fold in Cranberries and Nuts (if using): Gently fold in dried cranberries and chopped pecans to distribute them evenly throughout the batter without over-mixing.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Keep an eye out for those edges turning slightly crispy!
Prepare Frosting While Cooling: While the bars cool down completely, mix cream cheese with powdered sugar and more vanilla extract until fluffy. Spread this dreamy frosting on top of cooled bars like icing on the cake! For more inspiration, check out this more dinner ideas recipe.
Now you have those scrumptious Cranberry Bliss Bars ready to dazzle at any gathering or simply as an afternoon treat alongside your favorite hot beverage!
You Must Know
- These delightful cranberry bliss bars combine sweet and tart flavors, perfect for any occasion
- The creamy frosting and chewy texture make them irresistible
- Don’t be surprised if they disappear faster than you can say “holiday treats!”
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the base: mix butter, sugar, and eggs until fluffy. Fold in flour and cranberries for even distribution. Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes. While cooling, whip up your luscious frosting for a smooth finish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap cranberries with cherries or blueberries for a different flavor twist! You can also sprinkle in some chopped nuts or coconut flakes for added texture. Customizing keeps things exciting and personalizes your creation.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cranberry bliss bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to two weeks. Just bring them back to room temperature before enjoying.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh cranberries for a bright, zesty flavor that pops!
- Avoid overmixing the batter; this keeps your bars tender
- Always let them cool completely before frosting to prevent melting
- These little nuances ensure perfection every time!
I remember the first time I made cranberry bliss bars; my friends devoured them within minutes! Their smiles were worth every minute spent baking, and now they expect these beauties at every gathering.
FAQ
Can I use frozen cranberries for cranberry bliss bars?
Yes, frozen cranberries work well; just don’t thaw them before mixing.
How can I make these bars healthier?
Substitute half of the butter with applesauce or yogurt for a lighter version.
What’s the best way to cut these bars without making a mess?
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water; it cuts cleanly through the frosting and base.
Cranberry Bliss Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
Description
Cranberry Bliss Bars are a festive treat that perfectly balances sweet and tart flavors, making them the ideal addition to any dessert table. With a soft, chewy base studded with dried cranberries and topped with luscious cream cheese frosting, these bars will delight your taste buds and impress your guests. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or simply indulging in a cozy night at home, these bars are easy to make and utterly irresistible.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder.
- In another bowl, beat butter and both sugars until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time along with vanilla.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients followed by cranberries.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- While cooling, whip cream cheese with powdered sugar until fluffy. Frost cooled bars before cutting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (50g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg