Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe

Introduction

Cranberry Bliss Bars are a delightful treat that combine tangy cranberries with creamy white chocolate and smooth cream cheese frosting. Perfect for the holiday season or any time you want a sweet and festive dessert.

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Spread the mixture evenly into a greased baking pan to form the base.
2. Step 2: Bake the base for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely before frosting.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Fold in the white chocolate chips gently.
4. Step 4: Spread the cream cheese and white chocolate mixture evenly over the cooled base. Sprinkle dried cranberries over the top.
5. Step 5: Refrigerate the bars for at least one hour to let the frosting set before cutting into squares and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For added texture, sprinkle chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts on top before refrigerating.
• Substitute dried cranberries with dried cherries or raspberries for a different fruity twist.
• Use white chocolate chunks instead of chips for a chunkier, richer bite.

Storage

Store Cranberry Bliss Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To serve chilled or room temperature, remove from the fridge about 15 minutes before enjoying. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, they can be prepared and refrigerated a day in advance, making them a great option for busy holiday gatherings.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Fresh cranberries are much more tart and contain more moisture, which can affect the texture. It’s best to use dried cranberries for this recipe to maintain the perfect balance.

Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 82 reviews

Cranberry Bliss Bars are a festive, sweet treat combining a buttery brown sugar base with tangy cranberries and a creamy white chocolate cream cheese frosting. Perfect for holidays or any special occasion, these bars deliver a delightful balance of tart and sweet flavors wrapped in a soft, chewy texture.

• Author: Mick
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Base

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Toppings

• 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries
• 3.5 oz white chocolate, chopped or white chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Prepare the base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt, then gradually add it to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
2. Bake the base: Spread the batter evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
3. Make the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
4. Frost the bars: Once the bars have cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
5. Add toppings: Sprinkle the cranberries evenly over the frosted bars. Melt the white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the cranberries for a decorative finish.
6. Set and serve: Refrigerate the bars for at least 30 minutes to allow the frosting and toppings to set. Cut into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

• Use fresh cranberries for a tart contrast or dried cranberries for a sweeter flavor.
• You can substitute cream cheese frosting with a simple vanilla glaze if preferred.
• Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• For easier cutting, warm a knife under hot water and dry before slicing.

Keywords: Cranberry Bliss Bars, holiday bars, cream cheese frosting bars, white chocolate bars, festive dessert