Cranberry Bliss Bars

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as delightful to taste as it is beautiful to serve, you’ve come to the right place! These Cranberry Bliss Bars are a true gem, bringing together the rich creaminess of white chocolate and the tartness of cranberries. This recipe has become a staple in my home, and I just know it will find a special place in your heart too!

Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, these bars are quick to whip up and even better when shared with loved ones. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just want a sweet treat after dinner, these bars deliver on both flavor and nostalgia. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll be your new go-to dessert!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With simple steps and minimal fuss, you’ll have these delicious bars ready in no time.
• Family-friendly appeal: Everyone loves the creamy sweetness of white chocolate paired with tangy cranberries—it’s a crowd-pleaser!
• Make-ahead convenience: Bake them ahead of time and store them for when you need a quick dessert fix.
• Deliciously festive flavor: The combination of cranberries and white chocolate makes these bars perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is part of the fun! For these Cranberry Bliss Bars, you won’t need anything fancy—just some simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully.

For the Base

• ¾ cup (1½ sticks) salted butter, cubed
• 1½ cups packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• 6 ounces white baking chocolate, coarsely chopped

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
• 6 ounces white baking chocolate, melted
• ½ cup dried cranberries, chopped

Variations

One of the best things about these Cranberry Bliss Bars is how flexible they can be! You can easily customize them to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Use different fruits: Try swapping out cranberries with dried cherries or blueberries for a fun twist.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend.
• Top with citrus zest: A sprinkle of orange or lemon zest in the frosting adds a bright flavor boost!

How to Make Cranberry Bliss Bars

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. This step is crucial because it ensures that your bars bake evenly. While it’s warming up, spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. This will help prevent sticking and make serving easier later.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

In a large bowl, combine your cubed butter and brown sugar. Beat them together until smooth and creamy. Next, add in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract. Mixing well after each addition will incorporate air into your batter, giving your bars that wonderful light texture.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; overmixing can lead to dense bars! Fold in those lovely dried cranberries and chopped white chocolate for bursts of flavor throughout.

Step 4: Bake It Up

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown around the edges. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean—it’s essential not to overbake to maintain that soft texture we love!

Step 5: Make the Frosting

While your bars cool down completely, beat together cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Then slowly mix in melted white chocolate until everything is well combined. This rich frosting adds that signature touch.

Step 6: Assemble and Enjoy!

Spread the cream cheese frosting over cooled bars and top with more chopped dried cranberries for decoration. Cut them into squares and serve! You’ll find they disappear quickly at any gathering. Enjoy every blissful bite!

Pro Tips for Making Cranberry Bliss Bars

Making these delightful Cranberry Bliss Bars can be a joyful experience! Here are some tips to ensure your bars turn out perfectly every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your eggs and cream cheese to room temperature helps them blend more easily, creating a smoother batter that bakes evenly.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Gently fold in the dry ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense bars rather than the light and fluffy texture we all love.
• Chill the bars before cutting: Allowing the baked bars to cool completely and chilling them in the fridge for a bit makes them easier to slice into perfect squares without crumbling.
• Opt for high-quality chocolate: Using good quality white baking chocolate will enhance the flavor of your bars. It adds richness that elevates the overall taste!
• Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to mix in some chopped nuts or different dried fruits for added texture and flavor. Just remember to keep the balance so that cranberries remain the star!

How to Serve Cranberry Bliss Bars

These Cranberry Bliss Bars make a lovely addition to any dessert table or gathering. Their beautiful presentation and delightful flavors can impress even the pickiest of eaters!

Garnishes

• Cream Cheese Frosting: A dollop of cream cheese frosting on top adds an extra layer of creaminess and enhances their sweetness.
• Fresh Cranberries: Place a few fresh cranberries on top for a pop of color and a hint of tartness that complements the sweetness of the bars.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside these bars creates a delicious contrast, balancing out their richness with creamy goodness.
• Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits provides a light, tangy side that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the bars.
• Coffee or Tea: Serving these bars with a cup of coffee or tea not only complements their flavors but also makes for a cozy treat during afternoon gatherings.
• Whipped Coconut Cream: For a dairy-free option, whipped coconut cream is an excellent choice. Its lightness matches well with the dense texture of the bars.

Now that you have all these serving suggestions, there’s nothing stopping you from enjoying your homemade Cranberry Bliss Bars! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Cranberry Bliss Bars are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch in advance and enjoy them throughout the week or save them for a special occasion.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the bars to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate them; they will last up to a week.

Freezing

• Cut the bars into squares before freezing for easy serving.
• Wrap each square individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container, and freeze for up to three months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen bars in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
• If you’d like to warm them up slightly, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• Enjoy them at room temperature or slightly warmed for that freshly baked taste!

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Cranberry Bliss Bars.

Can I substitute the white chocolate in Cranberry Bliss Bars?

Absolutely! If you prefer not to use white chocolate, you can try using dairy-free chocolate chips or even a drizzle of melted coconut butter for sweetness and flavor.

How do I make my Cranberry Bliss Bars more festive?

To add a festive touch, consider sprinkling extra chopped cranberries or decorative sprinkles on top of the melted chocolate before it sets. You could also dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish!

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried in my Cranberry Bliss Bars?

While fresh cranberries can be used, they will change the texture and moisture content. Dried cranberries provide sweetness and chewiness that complements these bars perfectly.

How long do Cranberry Bliss Bars last?

When stored properly, your Cranberry Bliss Bars will last about three days at room temperature, up to a week in the refrigerator, or three months if frozen.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find as much joy in making these delicious Cranberry Bliss Bars as I do! They bring together the perfect balance of sweetness and tangy flavor, making them a delightful treat any time of year. Enjoy sharing them with friends and family, or keep them all to yourself—they’re that good! Happy baking!