There’s a certain joy that comes from recreating a beloved treat in the comfort of your own kitchen—especially when it’s something as festive as Cranberry Bliss Bars. I first discovered these delightful squares on a brisk holiday afternoon, their sweet and tangy aroma wafting down the street from a friendly neighbor’s home. Intrigued, I decided to craft my own version, blending the tartness of dried cranberries with the rich creaminess of white chocolate and a hint of orange zest.
With each bite of my homemade variation, the warmth of the buttery blondie base coupled with the fluffy cream cheese frosting brings back those cozy holiday memories. Not only are these bars a perfect treat for gatherings and parties, but they also offer an easy, crowd-pleasing option that never fails to impress. Grab a cup of coffee, and let’s dive into this simple yet delicious recipe that brings a taste of the season into your home!
Why are Cranberry Bliss Bars a must-try?
Irresistible, these bars capture all the flavors of the holiday season, combining tart cranberries with sweet white chocolate and a zesty orange twist. Foolproof preparation means anyone can whip these up, impressing family and friends alike. Versatile enough to customize with nuts or different chocolates, they cater to various tastes. Perfect for gatherings, these treats serve as a crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with coffee or cider. A cozy reminder of the holidays, every bite embodies warmth and nostalgia, making them a delightful addition to your festive dessert spread.
Cranberry Bliss Bars Ingredients
For the Blondie Base
• All-purpose flour – Provides structure; substitute with gluten-free flour for a tasty gluten-free option.
• Baking powder – Acts as a leavening agent; make sure it’s fresh for the best rise.
• Salt – Enhances flavor; opt for kosher salt for a cleaner taste.
• Ground cinnamon – Adds warmth; adjust the amount to suit your taste preferences.
• Ground cloves – Complements cranberries; can be omitted if unavailable.
• Salted butter – Brings richness and moisture; unsalted butter can be used with a pinch of added salt.
• Light brown sugar – Gives sweetness and moisture; white granulated sugar can be used but may change the texture.
• Large eggs – Binds the mixture; using room temperature eggs works best for easy blending.
• Vanilla extract – Enhances overall flavor; use pure extract for a more robust taste.
• Dried cranberries – Provides the essential tartness and texture; can substitute with raisins or dried cherries if needed.
• White chocolate – Adds sweetness; feel free to use either chips or chopped bars interchangeably.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
• Cream cheese – Adds creaminess; ensure it’s softened at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Powdered sugar – Sweetens frosting and lends a smooth texture; swap with a powdered sweetener for low-sugar alternatives.
• Grated orange zest – Infuses a fresh citrus note; if orange isn’t available, lemon zest works just as well.
For the Drizzle
• Melting white chocolate – Perfect for drizzling; ensure you melt carefully to prevent seizing.
Enjoy creating your own Cranberry Bliss Bars and taste the magic of holiday baking!
How to Make Cranberry Bliss Bars
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×11-inch baking pan to ensure your bars come out easily once baked.
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Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and cloves in a bowl; this forms your dry mix. Setting it aside will keep your ingredients organized.
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Melt the butter in a microwave or saucepan, then mix it with brown sugar until combined and slightly cooled. Beat in the eggs and vanilla for a rich flavor.
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Fold in the dry ingredients gradually until just combined—this prevents over-mixing and helps achieve a tender blondie base. Add in the cranberries and white chocolate chunks for sweetness.
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Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. A gentle flattening ensures even baking throughout the bars.
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Bake for 18-20 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool on a wire rack to ensure they set properly.
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Beat together the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth, then mix in the orange zest for a zesty kick. This frosting will bring a delightful creaminess to your bars.
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Spread the frosting over the cooled blondies; sprinkle additional dried cranberries on top for extra flair. Drizzle with melted white chocolate to finish off the treat beautifully.
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Chill for about 30 minutes to let the frosting set, then cut into squares or triangles. These treats can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.
Optional: Dust with a little extra powdered sugar for a festive touch before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Cranberry Bliss Bars?
Delight your taste buds and elevate your dessert spread with these perfect pairings for your homemade treat.
- Hot Spiced Cider: The warmth and spice of cider enhance the holiday flavors in the bars, creating a cozy ambiance.
- Rich Coffee: A steaming cup of coffee balances the sweetness of the bars, making them an excellent afternoon pick-me-up.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream adds a luscious contrast to the tartness of the cranberries and the sweetness of the frosting.
- Ginger Tea: The zing of ginger tea complements the citrus notes in the frosting wonderfully, providing a refreshing contrast.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of soft cheeses like Brie offers a rich creaminess that contrasts beautifully with the bars’ sweetness.
- Chocolate Fondue: Serve with chunks of fruit or marshmallows for dipping—a fun twist that pairs wonderfully with the flavors of the bars!
- Nutty Granola: A side of nutty granola lends a crunchy texture, making for an exciting pairing that’s both hearty and indulgent.
- Minty Sparkling Water: A refreshing, bubbly drink that brightens your palate, making it a lovely counterpoint to the richness of the bars.
Make Ahead Options
These Cranberry Bliss Bars are perfect for busy weeknights and holiday preparations! You can prepare the blondie base and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days before you frost and serve. Simply bake the bars, let them cool completely, and wrap them tightly to prevent drying out. The cream cheese frosting can also be made in advance and kept refrigerated for up to 2 days; just give it a quick stir before spreading. When you’re ready to enjoy, take the blondies out, frost them, and let them chill for about 30 minutes to set. With these make ahead options, you’ll have delicious, homemade Cranberry Bliss Bars ready to impress with minimal effort!
Storage Tips for Cranberry Bliss Bars
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Room Temperature: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They may soften slightly but will still be delicious.
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Fridge: To extend freshness, keep the bars in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week. Just let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the Cranberry Bliss Bars in an airtight container or wrap tightly for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying.
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Reheating: If desired, warm the bars slightly in the microwave, about 10-15 seconds, for a freshly-baked taste. Enjoy the creamy frosting and chewy blondie all over again!
Helpful Tricks for Cranberry Bliss Bars
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature butter, eggs, and cream cheese ensures better mixing and a smoother batter. This key step helps create luscious Cranberry Bliss Bars with the perfect texture.
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Mix Gently: Avoid over-mixing your batter. Mix just until combined to prevent tough bars; your goal is a tender, chewy blondie base.
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Cool Butter First: Make sure your melted butter is slightly cooled before mixing with sugar and eggs. Hot butter can cook the eggs, leading to unwanted scrambled bits in your batter.
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Taste as You Go: Feel free to adjust the chocolate-to-cranberry ratio in your bars! This tweak allows you to play with sweetness and tartness according to your taste preference.
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Proper Baking Time: Keep an eye on your bars while baking. Check for golden edges and a clean toothpick to ensure they don’t overbake, leading to dry bars.
Cranberry Bliss Bars Variations
Feel free to get creative and tailor these bars to fit your family’s taste buds! Here are some delightful ideas to personalize your treats.
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Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for delightful texture and an extra layer of flavor. The crunch complements the soft blondie base beautifully.
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Dark Chocolate Upgrade: Swap white chocolate for dark chocolate chips for a richer, more indulgent experience. This twist gives a decadent depth that pairs perfectly with the tart cranberries.
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Citrus Burst: Experiment with lemon zest in place of orange for a bright, tangy alternative in the frosting. If you love citrus, this will elevate your bars to a whole new level!
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Spicy Kick: Incorporate a dash of nutmeg or cardamom to bring out the warmth of the holidays. These spices add a cozy aroma that lingers in the kitchen.
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Dried Fruit Mix: Use a combination of dried cranberries, cherries, and apricots to provide a medley of flavors and textures in each bite. This fruit combo will surprise and delight!
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Vegan Bliss: Replace eggs with flax eggs and use dairy-free butter to create a completely vegan version. You won’t lose any of that comforting flavor – just warmth and happiness.
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Drizzling Delight: A drizzle of caramel sauce on top of the frosting adds a sweet twist that works wonders with the tart cranberries. It’s a treat that feels like a special occasion!
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Choco-Cream Cheese Blitz: For an extra-rich frosting, blend white chocolate into the cream cheese mix. This creates a velvety and luscious topping that everyone will adore.
Get ready to experiment and make these bars uniquely your own!
Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best dried cranberries for my bars?
Absolutely! Look for dried cranberries that are plump and moist, as they lend the best flavor and texture to your Cranberry Bliss Bars. Avoid those with dark, hard spots or overly dry texture. If you want a sweeter touch, you can opt for sweetened dried cranberries, but keep in mind they will increase the sugar content in the recipe.
What is the best way to store leftover Cranberry Bliss Bars?
For optimal storage, place leftover bars in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days without losing their delightful taste. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerating them will extend their freshness for about a week. Just let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to bring back that lovely, soft texture!
Can I freeze Cranberry Bliss Bars? If so, how?
Very much so! Freezing your Cranberry Bliss Bars is a straightforward process. Start by allowing them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, then serve – feel free to warm them a bit in the microwave for that fresh-baked taste!
What should I do if my bars turn out too dry?
If your bars end up a bit dryer than expected, don’t fret! This can happen sometimes if they were overbaked. Next time, ensure you keep an eye on them during baking, especially toward the end of the 18-20 minute mark. If you’re trying to bring moisture back, you can drizzle them with a bit of simple syrup or serve them with a dollop of whipped cream on the side that complements the flavor beautifully.
Are these bars suitable for special diets, like gluten-free or low-sugar?
Absolutely! You can easily make the Cranberry Bliss Bars gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour mix instead of regular flour, and they’ll still taste wonderful. For a lower sugar option, substitute the powdered sugar in the frosting with a powdered sweetener. Just be sure to check for specific dietary restrictions if you’re serving them to guests with allergies or food sensitivities!
Irresistible Cranberry Bliss Bars You Can Make at Home
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x11-inch baking pan.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and cloves in a bowl.
- Melt the butter and mix it with brown sugar, then beat in the eggs and vanilla.
- Fold in the dry ingredients, cranberries, and white chocolate until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, until edges are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool on a wire rack.
- Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth, then mix in orange zest.
- Spread the frosting on the cooled bars and drizzle with melted white chocolate.
- Chill for about 30 minutes, then cut into squares.