Cranberry Bliss Bars are cherished by many, especially during the holiday season. These bars combine the delightful flavors of sweet cranberries, creamy white chocolate, and a rich base that is reminiscent of blondies.
Why We Love This Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe
What makes this Cranberry Bliss Bars recipe so special? It’s the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. The soft, chewy base, enhanced by the tartness of cranberries and the richness of white chocolate, can satisfy your sweet cravings any time of the year. These bars are incredibly simple to make, and the ingredients are easy to find. Not to mention, they make a stunning dessert for holiday parties or gatherings. The addition of cream cheese frosting gives them a luscious, decadent finish. Moreover, you can customize the decorations with extra cranberries or a drizzle of melted chocolate, enhancing both taste and visual appeal.
Get ready to dive into the outstanding world of Cranberry Bliss Bars!
Ingredients for Cranberry Bliss Bars
To whip up a batch of these mouthwatering bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 3/4 cup salted butter, cubed
- 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 6 ounces white baking chocolate, coarsely chopped
- 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 6 ounces white baking chocolate, melted
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1 tablespoon grated orange zest (optional)
How to Make Cranberry Bliss Bars Directions
Creating these delicious Cranberry Bliss Bars is a delightful process that will showcase your baking skills. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 13×9-inch baking dish by spraying it with nonstick spray, ensuring that your bars won’t stick.
Next, melt the salted butter. You can do this by placing the cubed butter in a microwave-safe bowl and melting it for just one minute. Once melted, stir in the packed light brown sugar until well combined. It’s important to let this mixture cool down to room temperature before proceeding to the next step, as this helps achieve the perfect texture for your bars.
Once cooled, grab an electric mixer and beat in the two large eggs and the vanilla extract, mixing until the ingredients blend seamlessly. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture. You want to blend these ingredients gently, so they come together without over-mixing.
Now it’s time to fold in the dried cranberries and coarsely chopped white baking chocolate. Stir these delicious add-ins into the blondie batter carefully, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan, leveling it out for uniform baking. Place the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 21 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the bars; if it comes out clean, they are ready!
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let your Cranberry Bliss Bars cool completely on a wire rack. As they cool, you can prepare the delectable cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sifted powdered sugar until they are well blended. Gradually add half of the melted white baking chocolate, yielding a smooth and creamy frosting.
Now, it’s time to frost your cooled bars generously with the cream cheese mixture. For added flair, sprinkle the bars with some chopped dried cranberries and drizzle the remaining melted white chocolate over the top. Cut the bars into 30 delightful pieces, and then store them in the refrigerator until it’s time to serve.
How to Serve Cranberry Bliss Bars
Serving your Cranberry Bliss Bars is as enjoyable as making them! First, present them on a beautiful platter or cut them into individual serving sizes in cute dessert containers. This is an excellent way to use them as part of a dessert table for gatherings or festive events. Consider pairing them with a warm beverage, such as hot chocolate or spiced tea, especially during the chilly months when everyone loves a cozy treat.
You can also sprinkle some extra orange zest on top of the bars for a zesty kick, enhancing their flavor and presentation. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your serving suggestions—these bars can be enjoyed on their own or complemented with fresh fruit for a refreshing balance.
Expert Tips for Perfect Cranberry Bliss Bars
Creating the perfect Cranberry Bliss Bars requires careful attention to detail, and a few expert tips can elevate your baking experience:
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth frosting. It helps avoid lumps and blends perfectly with the powdered sugar.
Chill Before Serving: If you prefer a firmer texture, consider chilling the bars in the refrigerator before cutting them into pieces. This allows the frosting to set nicely.
Watch the Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the baking time as ovens may vary. Once they look golden and a toothpick comes out clean, they are ready!
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add your own twist by incorporating nuts or different dried fruits into the blondie batter.
Serving Fresh: For the best taste experience, enjoy them fresh but store the extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How to Store Cranberry Bliss Bars
Properly storing your Cranberry Bliss Bars is essential to keep them fresh and flavorful. After cutting the bars into pieces, place them in an airtight container. You can layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be refrigerated for up to a week, preserving their texture and taste. If you’d like to enjoy them later, consider freezing them. Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap or foil, and then store them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy a piece, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight for the best results.
Variations of Cranberry Bliss Bars
While the classic Cranberry Bliss Bars are entirely delicious, there are a few variations you can try to switch it up a bit! Consider the following ideas:
Nutty Delight: Add some chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that enhances the overall experience.
Spicy Twist: Include a pinch of nutmeg or more cinnamon for a spiced version that works wonderfully during the autumn and holiday season.
Fruit Fusion: Mix in chopped fresh orange segments or other dried fruits like apricots for a unique taste that complements the cranberries.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to cater to those with dietary restrictions, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this delightful treat.
Vegan Version: Replace butter with coconut oil and the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative for a vegan-friendly rendition of these irresistible bars.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cranberry Bliss Bars
What are Cranberry Bliss Bars?
Cranberry Bliss Bars are sweet dessert bars made primarily with a blondie base, featuring dried cranberries, white chocolate, and a creamy frosting. They are loved for their delightful flavors and chewy texture.
How do I store leftover Cranberry Bliss Bars?
You should store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze them.
Can I freeze Cranberry Bliss Bars?
Yes, you can freeze them! Wrap each bar tightly and place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
How do I enhance the flavor of my Cranberry Bliss Bars?
You can enhance the flavor by adding nuts, using additional spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or incorporating fresh fruit like orange zest for a citrusy touch.
What occasions are perfect for serving Cranberry Bliss Bars?
These bars are excellent for holiday parties, family gatherings, or cozy evenings at home. They also make for delightful gifts during the holiday season!
Cranberry Bliss Bars
Equipment
- 13×9 inch baking dish
- Mixing Bowl
- Electric Mixer
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup salted butter cubed
- 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar packed
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 6 oz white baking chocolate coarsely chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese at room temperature
- 1 cup powdered sugar sifted
- 6 oz white baking chocolate melted
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries chopped
- 1 Tbsp grated orange zest optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 13×9 inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Melt the salted butter in a microwave-safe bowl for about 1 minute. Stir in the brown sugar until well combined and let cool to room temperature.
- Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract using an electric mixer until blended.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add to the butter mixture, mixing gently.
- Fold in the dried cranberries and chopped white chocolate. Spread the batter evenly in the baking dish.
- Bake for 18 to 21 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
- For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Gradually add half of the melted white chocolate, mixing until creamy.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled bars, then sprinkle with chopped dried cranberries and drizzle with remaining melted white chocolate.
- Cut into 30 pieces and refrigerate until ready to serve.
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