Cranberry bliss bars are a delightful treat that combines sweet and tart flavors, perfect for any occasion. With a soft, chewy texture and creamy frosting, they are a popular choice during the holiday season and beyond. This recipe delivers a satisfying dessert that balances cranberries and white chocolate.
Why you’ll love this dish
These bars are easy to make and pack a flavorful punch. They’re great for holiday gatherings or as a sweet snack with coffee.
"These bars are a perfect blend of flavors; everyone loves them!"
Their combination of textures and taste makes them stand out.
How this recipe comes together
This recipe uses a simple base, topped with cranberries and white chocolate, then finished with a smooth cream cheese frosting. Baking is straightforward, requiring just a few basic steps.
Prep Time: 15 min | Cook Time: 25 min | Total Time: 40 min
What you’ll need
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- For the frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Sub any dried fruit for cranberries if desired.
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light.
- Add eggs and vanilla; mix well.
- Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in another bowl; add gradually to the creamed mixture.
- Fold in cranberries and white chocolate chips.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool completely before frosting.
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread frosting over cooled bars and slice into squares.
Best ways to enjoy it
Serve these bars on a dessert platter or with coffee. They pair well with hot tea or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.
Storage and reheating tips
Store bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. They can be frozen for up to three months; wrap well to prevent freezer burn.
Helpful cooking tips
- Soften cream cheese at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Use a spatula to evenly spread the frosting.
- Let bars cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling.
Creative twists
- Add nuts for crunch.
- Substitute milk chocolate for white chocolate.
- Drizzle caramel sauce on top for extra sweetness.
FAQ
Can I use fresh cranberries?
Yes, but they are tart. Add more sugar to balance the flavor.
How long do leftovers last?
Stored properly, they last about a week in the refrigerator.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
Cranberry Bliss Bars
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful cranberry bliss bars with a soft, chewy texture and creamy frosting, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Cream together the butter and brown sugar until light.
- Add eggs and vanilla; mix well.
- Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in another bowl; add gradually to the creamed mixture.
- Fold in cranberries and white chocolate chips.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool completely before frosting.
- Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth for the frosting.
- Spread frosting over cooled bars and slice into squares.
Notes
Store bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. They can be frozen for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: cranberry bliss bars, dessert, holiday treat, white chocolate