Cranberry Bliss Bars are like little bites of heaven that dance on your taste buds and wrap you in a warm, cozy hug. Imagine the sweet-tart zing of cranberries mingling with creamy white chocolate, all resting on a soft, chewy base that’s as comforting as your favorite pair of sweatpants. The aroma wafting from the oven is enough to make even the grumpiest of cats perk up and take notice. These bars are not just a treat; they’re an experience that you’ll want to share with friends, family, or even the neighbor who always borrows your lawnmower.
Jump to:
- Ingredients for Cranberry Bliss Bars
- How to Make Cranberry Bliss Bars
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- FAQs :
- What are Cranberry Bliss Bars?
- How do I store Cranberry Bliss Bars?
- Can I make Cranberry Bliss Bars gluten-free?
- What occasions are best for serving Cranberry Bliss Bars?
- Conclusion for Cranberry Bliss Bars :
- 📖 Recipe Card
These delightful bars are perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy winter evenings, or even as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. I remember the first time I baked these; my kitchen smelled like a winter wonderland mixed with a bakery explosion. My friends couldn’t wait to dive in, and let me tell you, there wasn’t a crumb left behind! Get ready for a flavor journey that promises to be unforgettable.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Cranberry Bliss Bars are incredibly easy to make, so no need to stress about complicated techniques.
- The flavors blend perfectly, creating a unique profile that’s both sweet and tart.
- Their stunning appearance makes them an eye-catching addition to any dessert table.
- Enjoy them as a festive treat or an everyday snack; they fit every occasion!
Ingredients for Cranberry Bliss Bars
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of your bars; sift it for a lighter texture.
- Baking Powder: Helps the bars rise and achieve that fluffy texture we all adore.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances the sweetness and balances flavors beautifully.
- Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for easy mixing and rich flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the mix; adjust based on your taste preference.
- Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and depth to those deliciously chewy bars.
- Eggs: Bind everything together; use large eggs for best results.
- Dried Cranberries: The star ingredient! Choose good quality ones for maximum flavor.
- White Chocolate Chips: For that creamy sweetness that pairs perfectly with cranberries.
- Powdered Sugar: Used for making the luscious frosting that tops these bars.
- Cream Cheese: Adds tanginess to the frosting; make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Cranberry Bliss Bars
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking pan with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is essential because it ensures an even distribution of leavening agents throughout your batter.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In another bowl, cream together softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. You want this mixture to be airy; it’ll help your bars rise beautifully!
Step 4: Add Eggs and Mix
Add eggs one at a time into your creamed butter mixture. Beat well after each addition until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Gradually add your dry ingredients into the wet mixture while mixing on low speed until just combined. Fold in dried cranberries and white chocolate chips—this is where the magic happens!
Step 6: Bake It Up
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared baking pan. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let it cool before adding frosting!
To finish off these beauties, whip up some cream cheese frosting by blending softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth. Spread generously over cooled bars before slicing them into squares.
You’re now ready to indulge in these Cranberry Bliss Bars! Transfer them onto plates or keep them all for yourself—no judgment here! Enjoy every bite of this delightful treat!
You Must Know
- These Cranberry Bliss Bars are not just a seasonal treat; they are a delightful blend of sweet and tart that can elevate any holiday gathering.
- With their creamy frosting and chewy texture, they make for an irresistible dessert that everyone will love.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing your ingredients: chop the cranberries, mix the batter, and get your oven preheated. Bake until golden brown, then let them cool before adding the luscious cream cheese frosting on top.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out cranberries for cherries or blueberries for a twist! You can also change up the nuts; pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch to your bars.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them. If you need to reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds—perfectly gooey!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always let the bars cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Use fresh cranberries for a bolder flavor, and don’t skimp on the frosting—it’s what makes these bars special!
- Experiment with different toppings like white chocolate shavings for added flair.
Sharing my first experience making Cranberry Bliss Bars is like opening a time capsule of joy. My friends devoured them so quickly that I had to hide a few for myself—they were that good!
FAQs :
What are Cranberry Bliss Bars?
Cranberry Bliss Bars are delicious dessert squares that feature a rich, creamy base made with cream cheese and white chocolate, combined with tart dried cranberries. These bars are often topped with a delicate layer of frosting and garnished with more cranberries and orange zest, giving them a festive touch. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat any time of the year, these bars balance sweetness and tartness beautifully.
How do I store Cranberry Bliss Bars?
To keep your Cranberry Bliss Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last up to one week when properly stored. If you want to enjoy them later, consider freezing the bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight for the best texture.
Can I make Cranberry Bliss Bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make Cranberry Bliss Bars gluten-free by substituting traditional all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends. Many brands offer excellent gluten-free options that work well in baking. Be sure to check that all other ingredients, including baking powder and any additional toppings, are also gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy these delightful treats without worry!
What occasions are best for serving Cranberry Bliss Bars?
Cranberry Bliss Bars are perfect for various occasions, especially during the holiday season. They make great additions to Christmas parties, Thanksgiving gatherings, and potluck events. Their attractive appearance and festive flavors make them ideal for sharing with friends and family. You can also serve them at brunches or as a special dessert after dinner.
Conclusion for Cranberry Bliss Bars :
Cranberry Bliss Bars are a delightful treat that combines creamy flavors with tart cranberry notes. They are simple to make and versatile enough for many occasions throughout the year. By following proper storage techniques, you can keep these bars fresh and enjoyable for days or even freeze them for later enjoyment. With their appealing presentation and delicious taste, these bars will surely become a favorite among your friends and family!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Cranberry Bliss Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in these delightful Cranberry Bliss Bars, featuring a sweet-tart cranberry base topped with creamy frosting, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown; a toothpick inserted should come out clean. Cool completely before frosting.
- In a bowl, blend softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Once the bars have cooled, spread frosting generously over the top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (60g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
