Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cranberry Bliss Bars are like a cozy hug on a chilly day. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy square filled with tart cranberries and sweet white chocolate, topped off with a decadent cream cheese frosting. These bars make the perfect treat and brighten even the darkest of winter days.
Whether you’re planning a family brunch, a bake sale at school, or just need a little something special to share with neighbors, these bars will steal the show. Their delightful balance of flavors and textures—sweet, tart, creamy, and chewy—will have everyone reaching for seconds. Plus, they’re easy to make, which is a huge bonus when life gets busy.
Let’s gather our ingredients and dive into this delightful baking adventure. I promise, when your kitchen fills with that warm, sweet scent of baking, you’ll be glad you did!
how to make cranberry bliss bars
Making Cranberry Bliss Bars is a straightforward process that even the busiest of parents can master. Follow along closely, and you’ll have these scrumptious treats ready in no time.
Ingredients
You’ll need a few simple ingredients for this recipe:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- Extra dried cranberries and white chocolate for garnish
Having everything ready makes baking more enjoyable, so take a moment to measure out your ingredients.
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take out your favorite baking dish and grease it lightly. This ensures your bars won’t stick, making for an easy cleanup later.
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In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt together. This will be your dry mixture, and whisking it helps combine everything evenly.
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In a separate bowl, using an electric mixer or a sturdy wooden spoon, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Enjoy the sweet aroma wafting up!
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Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix well until everything is combined.
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Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. You don’t want to overmix. Once combined, gently fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips. Imagine biting into those chewy cranberries and creamy chocolate – truly heavenly!
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Spread the mixture evenly in your prepared baking pan. It should look a bit like a thick batter, and that’s just fine.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Don’t forget to keep an eye on it, as ovens can vary! The smell will be irresistible, tempting you to sneak a taste.
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Allow to cool completely in the pan. Patience is key here – it’s tough, but worth it!
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For the frosting, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until it’s smooth and creamy. It should be spreadable but not too runny.
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Spread the frosting over the cooled bars, letting it gently cover every corner. Garnish with extra dried cranberries and white chocolate on top. This extra touch makes it look extra special!
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Cut into squares and serve. Feel free to enjoy one (or two) right away while the bars are still slightly warm.
how to serve cranberry bliss bars
These delicious bars are perfect for any occasion. Serve them at a family gathering, packed in lunches, or even at a cozy book club meeting. Just cut them into squares and place them beautifully on a platter.
They also pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Imagine sitting by the fireplace, enjoying a warm drink while savoring a sweet Cranberry Bliss Bar. It’s a simple pleasure that can brighten your day or someone else’s.
For an extra special touch, consider placing each square in a small cupcake liner. This makes serving easy and adds a cute presentation at any gathering.
how to store cranberry bliss bars
If you somehow have leftovers (though I doubt that will be the case), storing these bars is easy. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
For longer storage, you can refrigerate them. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before enjoying, as the flavors truly shine when they’re not too cold. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer bag. Easy peasy!
tips to make cranberry bliss bars
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Don’t Overmix: When adding flour to your mixture, stir just until combined. Overmixing can result in dense bars instead of the light and chewy texture we love.
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your baking soda and powder aren’t expired. Fresh ingredients can make a significant difference in the outcome. Trust me, it’s worth the extra check!
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Cool Completely: Allow the baked bars to cool completely before adding the frosting. This ensures that the frosting doesn’t melt and gives a beautiful, neat finish.
variation (if any)
These bars are wonderfully adaptable! Consider adding a handful of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch. You can also swap the white chocolate chips with butterscotch or dark chocolate chips if that’s more your flavor. Feel free to experiment with different dried fruits, like cherries or apricots, for a unique twist.
Pro Tips for Success
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Use Quality Chocolate: The flavor of your white chocolate will really shine through in these bars. Choose a high-quality brand that you love because it makes all the difference in taste.
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Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best mixing results, make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature. This helps them blend smoothly and gives you that delightful fluffiness in the texture.
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Chill the bars before cutting: If you want neat edges when cutting, consider chilling the entire pan in the fridge for about an hour after frosting. This makes slicing so much easier and keeps the frosting intact.
Serving Ideas
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Brunch Events: Serve these at your next brunch alongside some fruit salad and mimosas. They’ll be a sweet counterbalance to savory dishes.
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Gift Giving: Cut into neat squares, place them in a decorative tin, and give them as a sweet gift to neighbors or friends. It’s a wonderful way to spread joy during the holiday season.
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Baking with Kids: Get your family involved! Kids love sprinkling on cranberries or helping to mix ingredients. It makes the process even more fun, and you’ll create beautiful memories together.
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
A: Fresh cranberries would be too tart for this recipe, as they add more moisture. Stick with dried cranberries for the best results.
Q: What if I don’t have cream cheese?
A: You can substitute with mascarpone cheese or even a store-bought frosting if you’re in a pinch. Just make sure it’s a flavor that complements the bars!
Q: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend, and you’ll be good to go. Just ensure your other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Q: How long do these bars last?
A: If stored properly in an airtight container, they can last up to three days at room temperature or about a week in the fridge.
Quick Recap
In just one bake, you can create a delightful treat that warms hearts and bellies alike. These Cranberry Bliss Bars are a joy to make and share, bringing a little sweetness to your everyday life. So, grab those ingredients and whisk your worries away! Bake this weekend, and you’ll be grateful you did!
Cranberry Bliss Bars
Ingredients
For the bars
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened Make sure it's at room temperature for easier mixing.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup white chocolate chips Use high-quality chocolate.
For the frosting
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened Make sure it's at room temperature.
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- to taste Extra dried cranberries and white chocolate for garnish Optional but adds a nice touch.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt together.
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until combined.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking pan.
Baking
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool completely in the pan.
Frosting
- Beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the frosting over the cooled bars and garnish with extra cranberries and white chocolate.
- Cut into squares and serve.