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Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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