Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe

If you are on the hunt for a treat that perfectly blends tart cranberries with sweet white chocolate, then you absolutely need to try these Cranberry Bliss Bars. They boast a tender, buttery base kissed with warm cinnamon and bright orange zest, which makes every bite a celebration of flavor and texture. The luscious cream cheese frosting topped with crunchy dried cranberries and silky white chocolate drizzle makes these bars irresistible and perfect for sharing or savoring all to yourself.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet crucial for creating the scrumptiously rich and flavorful Cranberry Bliss Bars. Each one plays a vital role—whether it’s adding moistness, spice, tang, or bursts of sweetness that harmonize beautifully in every bite.

• Unsalted butter: Using softened butter ensures a silky and smooth batter, contributing to the bars’ tender crumb.
• Brown sugar: Packed brown sugar adds moisture and a caramel-like depth to enhance the flavor.
• Large eggs: Room temperature eggs help bind the ingredients and provide structure.
• Vanilla extract: A classic flavor booster that rounds out the overall taste.
• Orange zest: This infusion of citrus brightens and complements the tart cranberries perfectly.
• All-purpose flour (and optional cake flour): The base for the bars, offering both structure and tenderness when cake flour is included.
• Ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, subtle spice that balances the sweetness beautifully.
• Baking powder: Helps with the light rise for a soft yet sturdy texture.
• Salt: Enhances all the sweet and tart flavors, providing contrast.
• Dried cranberries: These little bursts of tartness are the star ingredient, giving the bars their signature flavor.
• White chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate: Their creamy sweetness blends flawlessly with the tartness of cranberries.
• Cream cheese: For the frosting, creating a luscious, tangy topping that’s perfectly balanced.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting to a silky smooth finish.
• Optional orange juice or zest: Adds an extra citrus punch in the frosting for even more flavor harmony.
• Additional dried cranberries and melted white chocolate: For garnishing, they give the bars a gorgeous, festive appearance and tempting textures.

How to Make Cranberry Bliss Bars

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your bars won’t stick and lets you lift them out easily once cooled, making cutting hassle-free and clean.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a mixer on medium-high speed, beat the softened butter and packed brown sugar for 2 to 3 minutes until pale and fluffy. This process aerates the mixture, setting the stage for a soft and tender bar texture.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Flavorings

Incorporate the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully mixed in before adding the next. Then stir in vanilla extract and the zesty orange. These flavor infusions will brighten the dense batter beautifully.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. This dry mix brings warmth and balance to the bars, ensuring the perfect crumb without overpowering the cranberry’s boldness.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Overmixing here can cause toughness, so be gentle to keep the bars tender and soft.

Step 6: Fold in Cranberries and White Chocolate

Carefully fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips to evenly distribute these delicious mix-ins without deflating the batter.

Step 7: Bake the Bars

Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan and bake for 22 to 25 minutes. You want the edges to turn golden while the center is just set, indicating a moist and chewy interior.

Step 8: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat the softened cream cheese until silky smooth. Then add powdered sugar, vanilla, and optional orange juice or zest for a refreshing kick. Whip until creamy and lump-free to create a dreamy frosting that complements the bars perfectly.

Step 9: Frost and Garnish

Once the bars have cooled completely, spread the frosting generously on top. Sprinkle with chopped dried cranberries and drizzle with melted white chocolate for an elegant and tasty finishing touch.

Step 10: Chill and Slice

Refrigerate the frosted bars for at least one hour to firm up the layers. This chilling step ensures clean slices, whether you cut them into classic squares or festive triangles.

How to Serve Cranberry Bliss Bars

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra dried cranberries and a delicate drizzle of melted white chocolate not only enhance the look but add an exciting texture contrast and flavor pop. If you’re feeling fancy, a tiny sliver of fresh orange zest on top can bring a fresh brightness that guests will adore.

Side Dishes

Cranberry Bliss Bars pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, spiced tea, or a warm latte. For dessert occasions, consider a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side to make each bite feel even more indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving these bars on a rustic wooden board with fresh cranberries scattered around for a festive touch. Alternatively, stack smaller bar pieces in a clear glass jar for gifts or party favors. Wrapping each bar individually in parchment paper tied with twine also makes a charming presentation for any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Cranberry Bliss Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 5 days, making them an easy grab-and-go snack or dessert option throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to keep these bars on hand longer, freeze them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag. They freeze well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving to preserve their soft texture and creamy frosting.

Reheating

While these bars are typically enjoyed chilled, if you prefer a slightly warm treat, remove the bars from the fridge and let them come to room temperature, or microwave a piece briefly for about 10 seconds. This softens the bars just enough without melting the frosting completely.

FAQs

Can I substitute fresh cranberries for dried?

Fresh cranberries are quite tart and contain more moisture, which can change the texture of the bars and make them soggy. Dried cranberries are ideal because they add concentrated flavor and chewy texture without excess moisture.

What if I don’t have cake flour?

If you don’t have cake flour, simply use all-purpose flour for the entire amount. The bars will still turn out delicious, though the texture might be slightly denser but perfectly enjoyable.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help with structure. The bars might have a slightly different texture but will still be tasty.

How long should I chill the bars before slicing?

Chilling for at least one hour is essential for clean slicing. The frosting firms up nicely, preventing it from smearing and making cutting a neat and easy task.

Are these bars suitable for holiday gifts?

Absolutely! Cranberry Bliss Bars make wonderful homemade gifts. Their festive flavors, beautiful presentation, and perfect balance of sweet and tart make them a thoughtful and delicious treat to share with family, friends, or coworkers.

Final Thoughts

These Cranberry Bliss Bars truly are a little slice of happiness, marrying flavors and textures that delight every bite. Once you make them, you’ll find yourself reaching for them during every holiday season or any time you need a special sweet moment. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and create your own blissful memories with every bar you bake.

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