Cranberry Bliss Bars are the perfect holiday treat that captures the essence of the festive season in a single bite. These delightful bars blend tart cranberries with creamy frosting and a hint of orange, making them a tempting dessert that everyone will love. Ideal for gatherings, parties, or just a sweet indulgence at home, these bars are sure to impress your family and friends.
Why Make This Cranberry Bliss Bars: 1 Dreamy Holiday Treat
Cranberry Bliss Bars are not just another dessert; they are a celebration of flavors that scream holiday cheer. With layers of moist cake, rich cream cheese frosting, and a beautiful garnish of cranberries, these bars are visually stunning and delicious. The combination of sweet and tangy elements, paired with the creamy texture, creates a dessert experience that is simply out of this world. Whether you are hosting a festive gathering or looking for a sweet gift idea, these bars are your go-to recipe that evokes the spirit of the season.
How to Make Cranberry Bliss Bars: 1 Dreamy Holiday Treat
Making Cranberry Bliss Bars is surprisingly straightforward, even for beginners in the kitchen. With just a few steps, you can whip up a batch that looks and tastes like it came from a bakery. This recipe combines simple ingredients that are often staples in your pantry, which makes it easy to prepare. The hands-on time is minimal, and the rewards are significant—there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of pulling a pan of delicious bars fresh from the oven!
Ingredients:
For the Bars:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
For the Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips, melted (for topping)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries (for topping)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the orange juice. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in the dried cranberries and 1/2 cup white chocolate chips.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
- While the bars are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until well combined.
- Add the milk and vanilla extract, and beat until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
- Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
- Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the frosting and immediately sprinkle with the remaining dried cranberries.
- Chill the bars for at least 30 minutes to allow the frosting and chocolate to set before cutting and serving.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (1 bar – assuming 16 servings):
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 80mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 36g
- Dietary Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugars: 22g
- Protein: 3g
How to Serve Cranberry Bliss Bars: 1 Dreamy Holiday Treat
Cranberry Bliss Bars not only look gorgeous but they also taste fantastic served in a variety of ways. They make a wonderful centerpiece for your dessert table during holiday gatherings. You can slice them into small squares, making them easy to grab and enjoy alongside a cup of coffee or tea. Alternatively, consider serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent finish that warms both the heart and soul.
How to Store Cranberry Bliss Bars: 1 Dreamy Holiday Treat
To keep your Cranberry Bliss Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for about 4-5 days, although they rarely last that long! If you want to make them ahead of time, you can freeze the un-frosted bars. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing them in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw in the fridge and frost them just before serving.
Expert Tips for Perfect Cranberry Bliss Bars: 1 Dreamy Holiday Treat
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother frosting texture.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh cranberries when possible! If you want a little more tartness, consider adding some fresh ones alongside the dried cranberries.
- Chilling Time: Allow enough time for the frosted bars to chill. This helps the frosting set correctly and enhances the flavor.
Delicious Variations
- Nutty Touch: Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for extra crunch and flavor.
- Spiced Up: Experiment by adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the flour mixture for a warmer cinnamon flavor.
- Fruity Twist: Mix in some orange zest to the frosting for a fresh citrus kick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute the white chocolate chips?
Absolutely! You can use dark chocolate chips or even butterscotch chips as an alternative if you prefer a different flavor profile.How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the bars. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they are done. If it has wet batter on it, they need more time.Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
You can use fresh cranberries, but it’s wise to add a little extra sugar to balance the tartness. You may need to chop them coarsely to mix uniformly in the batter.
Conclusion
Cranberry Bliss Bars are an easy yet impressive holiday treat that combines delightful flavors and festive spirit into every bite. They’re versatile enough for any occasion, easy to prepare, and perfect for sharing. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll see how quickly they become a cherished favorite among family and friends. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your delicious results with us!
Cranberry Bliss Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the orange juice. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in the dried cranberries and 1/2 cup white chocolate chips.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
- While the bars are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until well combined.
- Add the milk and vanilla extract, and beat until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
- Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
- Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the frosting and immediately sprinkle with the remaining dried cranberries.
- Chill the bars for at least 30 minutes to allow the frosting and chocolate to set before cutting and serving.