why make this recipe
Cranberry Bliss Bars are sweet, tart, and creamy. They bring holiday flavors in an easy bar. You can make them fast and share them at a party or give them as a gift. If you like white chocolate and cranberries, you will enjoy these bars.
introduction
This recipe uses basic pantry items and a simple cream cheese frosting. It fits a 9×9 inch pan and takes about 35–45 minutes total. For another easy cranberry snack to serve with these bars, try baked cranberry brie bites for a simple holiday plate.
how to make Cranberry Bliss Bars
Follow the steps below to make the bars. Work in simple steps and use room temperature butter and eggs for best mix.
Ingredients :
1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 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 cream cheese, softened, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract for frosting, Zest of 1 orange (optional)
Directions :
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9 inch baking pan.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan.
- For the frosting, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Spread over the cooled bars.
- Optionally, sprinkle with orange zest. Cut into squares and serve.
how to serve Cranberry Bliss Bars
Cut the bars into squares. Serve them on a plate at room temperature. They go well with coffee or tea. For a mix of sweet and savory on your table, add a tray of Christmas cranberry meatballs nearby.
how to store Cranberry Bliss Bars
Let the bars cool fully and keep them in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can freeze them for up to 2 months; wrap pieces in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
tips to make Cranberry Bliss Bars
- Use room temperature butter and eggs so the batter mixes well.
- Do not overmix the batter. Stop when the dry ingredients are just combined.
- Spread the batter evenly in the pan for even baking.
- Cool fully before frosting so the frosting does not melt.
- Add orange zest on top for a fresh flavor.
variation (if any)
- Swap dried cranberries for chopped dried cherries for a different tart note.
- Use milk chocolate chips instead of white chocolate if you prefer a sweeter bar.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon orange extract to the frosting for extra citrus taste.
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh cranberries?
A: Fresh cranberries are more tart and add moisture. If you use fresh, chop them and toss lightly in flour so they do not sink.
Q: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
A: Yes. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
Q: Do I need to refrigerate these bars?
A: Yes, because of the cream cheese frosting. Keep them in the fridge in an airtight container.
Q: Can I make the batter ahead?
A: You can mix the dry ingredients ahead, but mix wet and dry just before baking for best rise.
Conclusion
These Cranberry Bliss Bars are simple and festive. For another popular copycat take and more tips, see the Belle of the Kitchen copycat guide at Belle of the Kitchen Cranberry Bliss Bars copycat recipe. For an alternate classic version and a visual guide, check the Recipe Girl Cranberry Bliss Bars page at Recipe Girl Cranberry Bliss Bars.
Cranberry Bliss Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9 inch baking pan.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan.
- For the frosting, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Spread over the cooled bars.
- Optionally, sprinkle with orange zest. Cut into squares and serve.