Cranberry Bliss Bars are like a sweet hug wrapped in a cozy blanket of cream cheese frosting. Imagine biting into that delightful combination of tart cranberries, rich white chocolate, and the perfect hint of orange zest. You can practically smell the holiday spirit wafting from your oven as these beauties bake to golden perfection. For more inspiration, check out this more dessert recipes recipe.
Growing up, my family always made Cranberry Bliss Bars for festive gatherings. Those warm, inviting flavors remind me of laughter and joy around the table. Whether it’s a cozy winter evening or a lively holiday party, these treats bring everyone together with their irresistible charm.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Cranberry Bliss Bars are incredibly easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion
- The flavor profile balances tartness and sweetness beautifully
- Visually, they are stunning with their vibrant colors and creamy frosting
- You can serve them as dessert or a snack, making them versatile for any gathering
I remember the first time I brought these to a potluck; everyone was asking for seconds before I even had my first!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Unsalted Butter: Use softened butter for easy mixing and a rich flavor in the bars.
- Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness while balancing the tartness from the cranberries.
- Cranberries: Fresh or dried cranberries work beautifully; they add that essential tangy bite.
- White Chocolate Chips: Opt for high-quality chips for that creamy texture and sweet contrast.
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure; make sure to measure precisely for best results.
- Baking Powder: This gives your bars that perfect rise while keeping them soft inside.
- Eggs: They bind everything together; use large eggs at room temperature for best results.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla adds depth to the overall flavor profile.
- Orange Zest: This brightens up the flavors and complements both cranberries and white chocolate perfectly.
- Cream Cheese: For that luscious frosting on top that makes these bars irresistible!
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens your frosting to perfection, creating a smooth finish.
- Milk: Just enough to thin out the frosting to your desired consistency.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
The Batter Preparation: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. In a large bowl, mix softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add in Eggs and Flavorings : Beat in two eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in vanilla extract and freshly grated orange zest for an aromatic touch.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients : Gradually add flour mixed with baking powder into your wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want those chewy textures!
Add Cranberries & White Chocolate : Gently fold in chopped cranberries and white chocolate chips using a spatula. The mixture should look colorful and inviting—like confetti in cake form!
Bake the Bars : Pour batter into your prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown around the edges and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Make That Frosting : While the bars cool down, whip together cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until you achieve a smooth consistency perfect for slathering.
Enjoy this delightful process as your kitchen fills with heavenly aromas! Don’t forget to sneak bites along the way—it’s all part of the experience!
You Must Know
- Cranberry Bliss Bars are a delightful treat, perfect for any occasion
- Their sweet-tart flavor combination and creamy frosting make them irresistible
- Plus, they’re easy to whip up and will impress your friends and family every time you serve them
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the cranberries while the oven preheats. Bake the base first, then cool it before adding frosting.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap dried cranberries for cherries or add white chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
Storing & Reheating
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. No need to reheat; enjoy them chilled!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the best texture, make sure your butter is softened but not melted
- Mixing thoroughly ensures even distribution of ingredients for a perfect bake
- Don’t skip chilling the bars before slicing; it helps achieve clean cuts and enhanced flavors
I remember making these bars for my friend’s birthday party. As soon as they were served, everyone was asking for seconds! That’s when I knew I had struck gold.
FAQ
What can I substitute for dried cranberries in Cranberry Bliss Bars?
You can use raisins, chopped cherries, or even chopped apricots as alternatives.
Can I freeze Cranberry Bliss Bars?
Yes, they freeze well! Just wrap them tightly and store them in an airtight container.
How long do Cranberry Bliss Bars last at room temperature?
They typically last about one week stored properly at room temperature.
Cranberry Bliss Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Cranberry Bliss Bars are the ultimate festive treat, combining tart cranberries, sweet white chocolate, and a hint of orange zest, all topped with creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy winter nights, these bars are sure to impress with their vibrant colors and delightful flavors.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries, chopped
- 3/4 cup white chocolate chips
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract and orange zest.
- Gradually mix in the flour and baking powder until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in cranberries and white chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly; bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- While cooling, prepare the frosting by mixing cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Spread over cooled bars.
- 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: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg