why make this recipe
Cranberry Bliss Bars are sweet, creamy, and bright. They work well for holidays, potlucks, or a simple treat at home. They use common ingredients and bake fast. If you like cranberry flavors with white chocolate, you will enjoy these bars.
introduction
This easy recipe gives soft blondie bars topped with cream cheese frosting and white chocolate drizzle. The bars mix dried cranberries and white chocolate chips for a sweet-tart bite. They cool and slice easily, so you can make them ahead for a party. For a savory-sweet holiday menu idea, try pairing with a cranberry meatball recipe like these holiday cranberry meatballs.
how to make Cranberry Bliss Bars
Follow these simple steps and you will have tasty bars in about an hour.
Ingredients :
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup white chocolate, melted (for drizzling)
Directions :
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Fold in the dried cranberries, white chocolate chips, and walnuts if using.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.
- In a small bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Spread over the cooled cranberry bars.
- Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the top and cut into squares before serving.
how to serve Cranberry Bliss Bars
Serve bars at room temperature or chilled. They go well with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. For a full plate, serve with a warm side like a rich cream pasta or a savory item such as rich cream tortellini.
how to store Cranberry Bliss Bars
Keep bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Place parchment between layers to stop sticking. You can freeze cut bars in a single layer on a tray, then move to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
tips to make Cranberry Bliss Bars
- Soften butter and cream cheese at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Do not overmix the batter; stop when flour is just combined.
- Press the batter evenly in the pan for even baking.
- Let the bars cool fully before frosting to keep the frosting smooth.
variation (if any)
- Add orange zest to the batter for a citrus note.
- Swap walnuts for pecans or leave nuts out for a nut-free treat.
- Use white chocolate chunks instead of chips for bigger pockets of chocolate.
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
A: Fresh cranberries are very tart and add moisture. If you use fresh, chop them small and pat dry. You may need a little extra sugar.
Q: Can I make the bars gluten-free?
A: Yes. Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour mix and check texture. Some mixes absorb more liquid.
Q: How do I get a smooth frosting?
A: Beat cream cheese until very smooth, then add powdered sugar slowly. Use room-temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps.
Q: Can I make these ahead for a party?
A: Yes. Make bars, frost them, and store in the fridge. Cut just before serving for neat squares.
Conclusion
These Cranberry Bliss Bars make a bright, sweet treat for many occasions. For a similar copycat take, see this detailed version from Belle of the Kitchen’s Cranberry Bliss Bars copycat. For more tips and another recipe idea, check Recipe Girl’s Cranberry Bliss Bars.
Cranberry Bliss Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Fold in the dried cranberries, white chocolate chips, and walnuts if using.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.
- In a small bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Spread over the cooled cranberry bars.
- Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the top and cut into squares before serving.