Cranberry Bliss Bars are the ultimate treat that brings joy and comfort to any gathering. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy bar topped with a creamy frosting, bursting with tangy cranberries and hints of orange zest. The aroma alone can transport you to a cozy café during the holiday season, where laughter mingles with the scent of freshly baked goodies.
Every time I make these bars, I’m reminded of my friend Sarah’s annual Christmas party where they have become a staple. The look on everyone’s face when I bring them out is priceless—it’s like unwrapping a gift that you didn’t even know you wanted!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Cranberry Bliss Bars are super easy to prepare, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings
- Their delightful flavor combines sweet and tart notes that everyone loves
- Visually appealing with their vibrant colors, they are sure to impress your guests
- Plus, they’re versatile enough for any occasion—whether holiday parties or casual get-togethers!
I remember the first time I made these Cranberry Bliss Bars; my family devoured them in minutes and begged for more.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for the best texture; it forms the base of these delightful bars.
- Dried Cranberries: Opt for plump cranberries that add chewiness and a tart kick to each bite.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal; it helps control the overall saltiness of your bars.
- Brown Sugar: The rich flavor of brown sugar adds moisture and depth to the sweetness.
- White Chocolate Chips: Use high-quality white chocolate for a creamy topping that complements the tartness beautifully.
- Orange Zest: Freshly grated zest brightens up the bars with its citrusy aroma and flavor.
- Powdered Sugar: Essential for making that luscious frosting that takes these bars over the top.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal later. For more inspiration, check out this delicious dessert recipes recipe.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This ensures an even rise in your bars.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, cream softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step introduces air into your mixture for wonderful texture.
Add Eggs and Zest: Beat in eggs one at a time along with orange zest. This will infuse your batter with that delightful citrus flavor.
Fold in Cranberries and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in dried cranberries and white chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout your batter.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top and a toothpick comes out clean.
Prepare Frosting While Cooling: While your bars cool, whip together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. This will be your dreamy topping!
Frost and Chill Before Serving: Once cooled completely, spread frosting over the top of your bars. Cut them into squares or rectangles for serving—and try not to eat them all at once!
These Cranberry Bliss Bars are not just another dessert; they are an experience filled with laughter, warmth, and sweet indulgence. So gather around friends or family because once you make these bars, they’ll be begging you to bake more! For more inspiration, check out this more dessert options recipe.
You Must Know
- These delectable cranberry bliss bars are a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors
- Their soft, chewy texture combined with the creamy topping makes them irresistible
- Perfect for holiday gatherings or as an afternoon treat, they are sure to impress your friends and family!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix the dry ingredients first, then blend in the wet ones for a smooth batter. Bake until golden brown for about 20-25 minutes for perfect results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap dried cranberries with cherries or blueberries for a fun twist. You can also add chopped nuts or a sprinkle of coconut on top for extra texture and flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store cranberry bliss bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, refrigerate them; simply enjoy cold or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh cranberries if possible; they enhance flavor and texture significantly
- Don’t overmix the batter; it makes the bars dense instead of fluffy
- Allow bars to cool completely before cutting; this prevents crumbling and ensures clean edges
The first time I made these cranberry bliss bars, my grandma declared them “the best dessert ever.” She still asks me to whip them up every holiday season!
FAQ
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Yes, but make sure to sweeten them as fresh cranberries are quite tart.
How do I prevent my bars from becoming too dry?
Avoid overbaking; check for doneness a few minutes before the time is up.
What’s the best way to cut these bars?
Use a sharp knife and ensure they are completely cooled for neat slices.
Cranberry Bliss Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful experience of Cranberry Bliss Bars, a perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors topped with creamy frosting. These soft, chewy treats are ideal for holiday gatherings, casual get-togethers, or simply as an afternoon pick-me-up. With their vibrant colors and irresistible taste, they promise to be a crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and joy to any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time along with the orange zest.
- Fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips gently.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- While cooling, whip together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract for frosting.
- Once cooled, frost the bars and cut into squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (50g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg