There’s something magical about biting into a Cranberry Bliss Bar. Imagine the sweet, creamy frosting melting in your mouth, perfectly balanced with the tartness of cranberries and the crunch of white chocolate. It’s like a flavor party in your mouth that makes you want to dance. perfect pairing with desserts These delightful treats are not only delicious but also evoke memories of cozy holiday gatherings, where laughter fills the air and every moment feels just a bit sweeter. For more inspiration, check out this White Chocolate Raspberry Bundt Cake recipe.
I remember the first time I made these bars for my family during the holidays. The aroma wafting through the house had everyone wandering in like hungry little puppies, drawn by the scent of sugar and spice. healthy meal options As we gathered around the kitchen island, I felt a warm sense of connection with my loved ones, knowing these Cranberry Bliss Bars were about to bring us all together for another unforgettable memory.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Cranberry Bliss Bars are a breeze to prepare, making them perfect for busy holiday baking sessions
- Their sweet-tart flavor profile will have your taste buds dancing with joy
- Visually stunning with their vibrant colors, they make an impressive treat for any occasion
- Versatile enough to serve as dessert or a festive snack, they’re sure to please everyone at your gathering
One holiday season, I watched my cousin take her first bite of these bars. Her eyes widened in delight as she exclaimed they were “like Christmas wrapped in a cookie!” That reaction alone was worth every minute spent in the kitchen.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for a tender texture; it’s the base of our blissful bars.
Granulated Sugar: Sweeten those bars up! Adjust to taste if you prefer a less sugary treat.
Cranberries: Fresh or dried work well; their tartness complements the sweetness beautifully.
White Chocolate Chips: Choose creamy chips for that rich flavor; they melt perfectly into each bite.
Softened Cream Cheese: Essential for that dreamy frosting; let it soften at room temperature before mixing.
Powdered Sugar: For frosting sweetness; sift it to avoid lumps and achieve smooth results.
Cinnamon: A dash adds warmth and depth; don’t skip this aromatic spice!
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances overall flavor; opt for quality for best results.
Eggs: They bind everything together; use large eggs for consistency in baking.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan lightly with butter or cooking spray.
Mix Dry Ingredients Together: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. comfort food ideas This step ensures even distribution of flavors throughout your bars.
Add Wet Ingredients and Mix Well: Incorporate eggs and vanilla extract into your dry mixture. Stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix or your bars could become tough.
Add Cranberries and White Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in cranberries and white chocolate chips using a spatula. This step is crucial for an even distribution of those sweet bursts!
Bake to Perfection!: Pour the batter into your prepared pan evenly. Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
Prepare Frosting While Cooling: In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth. Spread this heavenly frosting over cooled bars once they’re ready!
Enjoy sharing these delightful Cranberry Bliss Bars with family and friends—after all, nothing says love quite like homemade treats made from the heart! crispy snacks to enjoy.
You Must Know
- These delightful cranberry bliss bars perfectly balance tartness and sweetness
- The creamy frosting elevates them from simple to spectacular, making them the perfect treat for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoons at home
- The aroma while baking is simply irresistible!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by making the base first, then prepare the frosting while it cools. This sequence ensures everything flows smoothly and saves time.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap cranberries for dried cherries or add white chocolate chips for extra sweetness. Personalize these bars to suit your taste!
Storing & Reheating
Store cranberry bliss bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Reheat briefly in the microwave if desired.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To make your cranberry bliss bars extra special, let them cool completely before frosting for a neat finish
- Avoid overmixing the batter to keep them tender and delicious
- Lastly, use fresh ingredients for the best flavor and texture in every bite!
Creating these cranberry bliss bars reminds me of my first holiday baking marathon with friends. We laughed, burned a few batches, but ultimately nailed it—and those bars became our signature treat! For more inspiration, check out this Greek Yogurt Muffins Recipe recipe.
FAQ
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of dried?
Yes, but thaw and drain them well before using to avoid excess moisture.
How can I make these bars gluten-free?
Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1: 1 gluten-free blend for delicious results.
What’s the best way to cut these bars?
Use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts for neat squares every time.
Cranberry Bliss Bars
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the festive flavors of our delightful Cranberry Bliss Bars, featuring a perfect blend of tart cranberries and creamy white chocolate, all topped with silky cream cheese frosting. These bars are not just a treat; they embody the spirit of holiday gatherings, bringing loved ones together with every bite. Easy to prepare, they will make your holiday baking a joy!
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup cranberries (fresh or dried)
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 4 oz softened cream cheese
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients; mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in cranberries and white chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- While cooling, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth. Spread frosting over cooled bars.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: - For added flavor, substitute cranberries with dried cherries or mix in extra white chocolate chips. - Allow bars to cool completely before frosting for best presentation. - Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.