Cranberry Bliss Bars are a delightful treat that perfectly encapsulate the warm and cozy flavors of the holiday season. These tender, chewy bars are packed with tart cranberries and sweet white chocolate, all topped with a creamy frosting that just ties everything together. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a festive gathering or simply treating yourself during a quiet afternoon at home, these bars are a slice of heaven with every bite. In my experience, baking a batch of Cranberry Bliss Bars never fails to bring smiles and stampede of family and friends to the kitchen!
Why you’ll love this dish
These bars are not only incredibly delicious but also quite simple to whip up. They make for a great option when you’re short on time but want to serve a treat that looks and tastes gourmet. Perfect for holiday potlucks, office parties, or cozy get-togethers, Cranberry Bliss Bars resonate with everyone, blending the sweetness of white chocolate with the tang of cranberries in every delicious bite. Plus, they’re completely customizable, so you can make them your own!
“These bars are a holiday staple at my family gatherings. Everyone goes crazy for them!”
The cooking process explained
Making Cranberry Bliss Bars is a straightforward yet rewarding process that yields a delightful dessert. You’ll start by creaming your butter and sugars together, then incorporate eggs and vanilla for a rich base. The dry ingredients are mixed in next, followed by a generous folding of cranberries and white chocolate chips. Finally, the batter is spread into a baking pan and baked to perfection. It’s that simple!
What you’ll need
To make this delightful treat, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup of dried cranberries
- 1 cup of white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger
- Cream cheese frosting for topping
Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate or nuts to suit your taste!
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next, followed by the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground ginger. Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
- Gently fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even bake.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
- Once cooled, generously frost with cream cheese frosting, slice into bars, and serve.
Best ways to enjoy it
These bars shine as a stand-alone treat, but there are numerous ways to elevate your serving experience. Consider serving them alongside a steaming cup of chai or spiced coffee for a cozy afternoon snack. You can plate them on festive platters garnished with mint leaves or drizzle with extra melted white chocolate for a stunning presentation.
Storage and reheating tips
To keep your Cranberry Bliss Bars fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you’d like to extend their shelf life, you can keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer-term storage, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature before serving.
Helpful cooking tips
- Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for the best texture when creaming. This ensures you get that light and fluffy result.
- Don’t skimp on the cooling time before frosting; this prevents the cream cheese from melting into the bars.
- An electric mixer can make the creaming process faster, but you can also use a good old-fashioned whisk if you prefer a workout!
Creative twists
Feel free to experiment with different flavor combos! Try adding some chopped pecans for a nutty bite or swap out the cranberries for dried cherries or apricots for a unique twist. For a spiced version, incorporate a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter. You could also experiment with different frostings, such as a maple cream or a chocolate ganache.
Common questions
How long does it take to make these bars?
The preparation and baking time is approximately 1 hour, making it a quick and easy dessert option.
Can I substitute the white chocolate chips?
Certainly! You can use milk chocolate chips or dark chocolate for a deeper flavor profile.
How do I know when they are done baking?
They are perfect when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be cautious not to overbake, as this can lead to dry bars.
What if I don’t have cream cheese for frosting?
You can create a simple buttercream frosting with butter, powdered sugar, and a splash of milk as an alternative to cream cheese frosting.
Print
Cranberry Bliss Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These delightful bars combine tart cranberries and sweet white chocolate, topped with creamy frosting, perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of dried cranberries
- 1 cup of white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger
- Cream cheese frosting for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next, followed by the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground ginger. Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
- Gently fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
- Once cooled, generously frost with cream cheese frosting, slice into bars, and serve.
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the refrigerator for a week. For longer storage, freeze for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American