Cranberry Bliss Bars

Cranberry Bliss Bars are sweet, chewy, and slightly tangy dessert bars that are perfect for any occasion. Imagine a soft, buttery blondie base topped with tart dried cranberries, white chocolate chunks, and a delicious cream cheese frosting drizzle. These bars are popular during the holidays but are so tasty that they can be enjoyed all year round. They have the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors, making them a favorite among kids and adults alike.

Cranberry Bliss Bars

These bars are easy to make, and the combination of cranberries and white chocolate gives them a unique taste that you won’t get from regular brownies or cookies. They are perfect for sharing with friends, bringing to parties, or even enjoying as a special treat after school.

You Should Try the Cranberry Bliss Bars

Cranberry Bliss Bars are not only delicious, but they are also fun to make! The recipe is simple, and even young bakers can help with mixing, spreading, and decorating the bars. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a family gathering, or just because, these bars are sure to be a hit.

The recipe uses common ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, and eggs, along with dried cranberries and white chocolate to make the bars extra special. Once baked, the cream cheese frosting adds a creamy texture that makes every bite irresistible. The best part is that they stay soft and chewy, so you don’t have to worry about them drying out quickly.

Ingredients for Cranberry Bliss Bars

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this Cranberry Bliss Bars

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups dried cranberries
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips

For the cream cheese frosting:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Extra white chocolate and dried cranberries for topping

How to Make Cranberry Bliss Bars

Step One

First, preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

Step Two

Now, in a large bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar, stirring until smooth. Then, whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step Three

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until well combined. Gradually fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.

Step Four

Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step Five

While the cookies are baking, make the cream cheese frosting by beating the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until creamy and fluffy.

Step Six

Let the cookies cool completely, then spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the tops. Sprinkle with more white chocolate and dried cranberries for decoration, then cut into squares or rectangles and enjoy!

Cranberry Bliss Bars

Kitchen Equipment Needed :

To make these Cranberry Bliss Bars, you’ll need:

  • Large mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk or electric mixer
  • Spatula
  • 9×13 inch baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Cooling rack

Tips for Making Cranberry Bliss Bars

Make sure the butter is melted but not too hot when mixing with sugar. This helps achieve a soft and chewy texture.

Do not overmix the batter; overmixing can make the bars tough.

Let the bars cool completely before frosting to prevent the cream cheese frosting from melting.

You can swap dried cranberries for other dried fruits like cherries or blueberries if you like.

Serving Suggestion

I like to serve this cake with various drinks such as tea or coffee, and sometimes I like to serve it with refreshing drinks such as fruit juice or any refreshing beverage.

Cranberry Bliss Bars

Frequently Asked Question

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried ?

Fresh cranberries are too tart and add extra moisture, which can change the texture. Dried cranberries work best.

Can I use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate ?

Absolutely! Dark or milk chocolate chips will give a different flavor but still taste delicious.

Can I add nuts to the bars ?

Yes, walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch and complement the flavors.

Can I make these bars nut free ?

Yes, just leave out any optional nuts and ensure your chocolate chips don’t contain nuts.

Cranberry Bliss Bars

Recipe by Emily RiceCourse: Dessert, SnacksCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

12

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

30

minutes
Calories

350

kcal
Total time

45

minutes

Soft, chewy blondie bars topped with tart cranberries, white chocolate, and creamy frosting a perfect sweet treat for holidays or any time.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted

  • 2 cups light brown sugar

  • 2 large eggs

  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

  • 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1 1/2 cups dried cranberries

  • 1 cup white chocolate chips

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 2 cups powdered sugar

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • Extra white chocolate and dried cranberries for topping

Directions

  • First, preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  • Now, in a large bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar, stirring until smooth. Then, whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until well combined. Gradually fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.
  • Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • While the cookies are baking, make the cream cheese frosting by beating the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until creamy and fluffy.
  • Let the cookies cool completely, then spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the tops. Sprinkle with more white chocolate and dried cranberries for decoration, then cut into squares or rectangles and enjoy!

Notes

  • Measure flour carefully; too much can make the bars dense.
  • Toast the dried cranberries lightly for extra flavor.
  • Use high quality white chocolate for a richer taste.
  • Don’t overmix the batter mix until ingredients are just combined.

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