Cranberry Bliss Bars

why make this recipe

Cranberry Bliss Bars are a delightful treat that brings a taste of the holiday season any time of year. They combine sweet and tart flavors, with creamy frosting and the comforting touch of white chocolate. These bars are perfect for gatherings, gift-giving, or simply enjoying at home. Their unique flavors and beautiful presentation make them a favorite among family and friends.

how to make Cranberry Bliss Bars

Ingredients :

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 tsp orange zest
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 cups + 2 tbsp Bob’s Red Mill All Purpose Flour (spooned and leveled)
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 3/4 cup dried cranberries
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1 1/2-2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries (chopped)
• 1/2 cup melted white chocolate chips

Directions :

1. Preheat oven to 350˚F and line a 9×13” baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Add butter to a small pot and melt over low heat.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar and melted butter.
4. Add the eggs, orange zest, and vanilla, then whisk until smooth.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the ginger, baking powder, salt, and flour.
6. Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Stir in the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries.
7. Spread the dough into the prepared pan in an even layer and bake for 22-24 minutes, until light golden brown around the edges. (Don’t over-bake! They should still be fairly pale on top.)
8. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese for 1 minute. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until smooth. Adjust the powdered sugar for desired consistency.
9. Spread the frosting on top of the cooled bars, then sprinkle with chopped cranberries and drizzle with melted white chocolate.
10. Slice into triangles and enjoy! Store in the refrigerator.

how to serve Cranberry Bliss Bars

Cranberry Bliss Bars are best served chilled or at room temperature. You can slice them into triangles or squares for easy serving. They make a lovely addition to a dessert platter or can be packaged for a thoughtful gift. Feel free to add a sprinkle of additional chopped cranberries or a drizzle of white chocolate on top for a beautiful presentation.

how to store Cranberry Bliss Bars

To keep your Cranberry Bliss Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Wrap the bars well in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

tips to make Cranberry Bliss Bars

• Make sure to measure your flour properly. Spoon and level it in the measuring cup for the best results.
• Don’t overbake the bars; they should be soft and chewy!
• If the frosting is too thick, add a little milk or cream to reach your desired consistency.
• Consider adding some chopped nuts for extra texture if you like.

variation

You can customize Cranberry Bliss Bars by adding nuts like pecans or walnuts. For a more festive twist, try adding some orange juice to the frosting for an extra burst of flavor. You can also substitute dried cranberries with other dried fruits, like cherries or blueberries, for a different taste.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried ones?
While fresh cranberries are tart and might not be as sweet, you can use them as a substitute. Just be aware that they may change the overall sweetness of the bars.

2. How can I make the frosting thicker?
To make the frosting thicker, simply add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.

3. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to make these bars gluten-free. Make sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Cranberry Bliss Bars

Delightful sweet and tart bars with creamy frosting and white chocolate, perfect for any gathering or gift-giving.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 24 minutes mins

Total Time 44 minutes mins

Servings: 12 bars

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Bars

• 1 cup unsalted butter Melted
• 1.5 cups brown sugar
• 2 pcs eggs
• 2 tsp orange zest
• 1.5 tsp vanilla extract
• 0.25 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 2 cups Bob's Red Mill All Purpose Flour Spoon and leveled
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 3/4 cup dried cranberries

For the Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese Softened to room temperature
• 1.5-2 cups powdered sugar Adjust for desired consistency
• 0.25 tsp vanilla extract
• 0.5 cup dried cranberries Chopped
• 0.5 cup melted white chocolate chips

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350˚F and line a 9×13” baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Add butter to a small pot and melt over low heat.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar and melted butter.
4. Add the eggs, orange zest, and vanilla, then whisk until smooth.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the ginger, baking powder, salt, and flour.
6. Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Stir in the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries.
7. Spread the dough into the prepared pan in an even layer and bake for 22-24 minutes, until light golden brown around the edges.
8. Don’t over-bake! They should still be fairly pale on top.

Frosting and Serving

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese for 1 minute.
2. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until smooth.
3. Adjust the powdered sugar for desired consistency.
4. Spread the frosting on top of the cooled bars, then sprinkle with chopped cranberries and drizzle with melted white chocolate.
5. Slice into triangles and enjoy!

Notes

Serve chilled or at room temperature. Can be packaged for gifts. Keep bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.