These delightful Cranberry Bliss Bars are a perfect treat for any occasion! With their rich, buttery base complemented by tangy dried cranberries and creamy white chocolate, they’re sure to satisfy both your sweet tooth and your festive cravings. Whether you serve them during holiday gatherings or enjoy them as an afternoon snack, these bars are as beautiful as they are delicious. Plus, they’re simple enough for bakers of all levels to whip up!
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 16 bars
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 180 calories
- Protein: 2 grams
- Carbohydrates: 23 grams
- Fat: 9 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Sugar: 12 grams
- Sodium: 90 mg
Why Make This Mouthwatering Cranberry Bliss Bars
Cranberry Bliss Bars are a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making them a hit among friends and family. The sweetness of brown sugar and white chocolate pairs perfectly with the tartness of dried cranberries. The rich cream cheese frosting adds a decadent finish, turning a simple bar into an elegant treat. They’re easy to make, and with their irresistible taste, these bars are bound to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
How to Make Mouthwatering Cranberry Bliss Bars
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking dish to prevent the bars from sticking.
Step 2: Mixing Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Mixing Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy. Next, beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combining Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Spreading the Batter
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth the top for an even bake.
Step 6: Baking to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
Step 7: Making the Frosting
For the cream cheese frosting, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth and creamy.
Step 8: Finishing Touch
Once the bars have cooled completely, spread the frosting generously over the top. Cut into squares and serve.
How to Serve Mouthwatering Cranberry Bliss Bars
Cranberry Bliss Bars are perfect for serving at holiday gatherings, parties, or even as a delightful snack with coffee or tea. You can arrange them on a festive platter and garnish with a sprinkle of extra cranberries or white chocolate shavings for added appeal. Don’t forget to cut them into bite-sized squares for easy sharing!
How to Store Mouthwatering Cranberry Bliss Bars
To keep your Cranberry Bliss Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. They will last at room temperature for about 3-4 days. If you want to extend their life, refrigerate them, where they will last for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months! Just thaw them in the fridge before enjoying.
Expert Tips for Perfect Mouthwatering Cranberry Bliss Bars
- Ingredient Substitutions: You can use dried cherries if you prefer a different dried fruit, or swap white chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips for a more intense flavor.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for the best texture in both the bars and the frosting.
- Even Baking: For uniform baking, use a light-colored baking pan. Dark pans can lead to over-browning.
- Adjusting Sweetness: If you like a less sweet treat, reduce the powdered sugar in the frosting to your taste.
Delicious Variations
- Nutty Surprise: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for added crunch.
- Spiced Delight: Incorporate a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the batter for a warm spice flavor.
- Tropical Twist: Replace some cranberries with shredded coconut or dried pineapple for a tropical spin.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries are more tart and have a higher moisture content, so it’s best to stick with dried for this recipe to maintain the texture and sweetness. - What can I use if I don’t have cream cheese?
You can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt. The texture will change slightly, but it will still be delicious! - How can I make these bars gluten-free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Be sure to check that your other ingredients are gluten-free as well. - Is it possible to double the recipe?
Yes, you can double this recipe! Just be sure to use a larger baking dish and increase baking time as needed. - How do I know when the bars are done?
The bars are done when they’re golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached, not wet batter.
Conclusion
Mouthwatering Cranberry Bliss Bars are a scrumptious treat that combines sweet and tart flavors with creamy frosting. Their ease of preparation and delightful taste make them an excellent choice for any gathering or a cozy night at home. So why not give this recipe a try? Your family and friends will love them, and you might just rediscover your passion for baking!
Print
Mouthwatering Cranberry Bliss Bars
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful Cranberry Bliss Bars with a rich buttery base, tangy cranberries, and creamy white chocolate.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely in the pan.
- For the frosting, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth.
- Once the bars have cooled, spread the frosting over the top, cut into squares, and serve.
Notes
These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
