Cranberry Bliss Bars are a delightful treat that perfectly combines sweet and tart flavors, making them ideal for family gatherings or cozy evenings at home. These bars bring a festive flair to any occasion, thanks to the vibrant cranberries and creamy frosting. Personally, they remind me of holiday celebrations with loved ones, where they quickly become the star of the dessert table.
Why Make This Recipe
There are so many reasons to try Cranberry Bliss Bars. First, they are incredibly easy to make, which is a huge plus for busy families wanting delicious desserts in no time. The combination of dried cranberries and white chocolate offers a luscious balance that leaves everyone wanting more. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or just a sweet treat after dinner, these bars are versatile and loved by both kids and adults.
"This cake disappeared in minutes at our family gathering, definitely a keeper," says a happy home baker.
How to Make Cranberry Bliss Bars
Making Cranberry Bliss Bars is a straightforward process that results in a delicious treat the whole family will enjoy. You’ll begin by mixing your dry ingredients, then blending in the softened butter, sugars, and egg to create a creamy batter. Next, fold in the cranberries and white chocolate chips for that signature flavor. Once this mixture is spread into a prepared baking pan, it’s baked until golden brown. After cooling, you’ll whip up a quick frosting and spread it over the bars. Finally, garnish with extra cranberries and white chocolate before cutting them into squares.
Ingredients
To make your own Cranberry Bliss Bars, gather these items:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup white chocolate chips
1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Extra dried cranberries and white chocolate for garnish
If you’re short on any specific ingredients, feel free to use alternatives like light brown sugar instead of dark brown, or even substitute the cranberries with raisins or cherries for a different twist.
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan.
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients until combined, then fold in the cranberries and white chocolate chips.
- Spread the mixture in the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Spread frosting over cooled bars and garnish with extra cranberries and white chocolate.
- Cut into squares and serve.
How to Serve Cranberry Bliss Bars
Cranberry Bliss Bars can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Serve them as a delightful afternoon snack with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a comforting treat. For festive occasions, pair them with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to make a lovely dessert. You can also easily package them for gift-giving during the holidays, sharing the joy of baking with friends and family.
How to Store
To keep your Cranberry Bliss Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll last for about 3 to 4 days. If you need to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. For even longer storage, consider freezing them. Just wrap them well in plastic wrap and foil, and they can last in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving.
Tips to Make
For perfect Cranberry Bliss Bars, make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing. Don’t overmix the batter after adding the flour, as this can result in tougher bars. If you prefer a thicker frosting, simply add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency. Additionally, when garnishing, consider toasting the extra white chocolate chips slightly for added flavor.
Variations
Feel free to get creative with your Cranberry Bliss Bars! You might try substituting the white chocolate with dark chocolate for a richer taste. For a nutty addition, fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans along with the cranberries. If you’re looking for a healthier version, you could also swap out half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour and reduce the sugar slightly.
FAQs
What are Cranberry Bliss Bars?
Cranberry Bliss Bars are delicious, cake-like bars made with dried cranberries and white chocolate, topped with cream cheese frosting.
Can I freeze Cranberry Bliss Bars?
Yes, you can freeze them! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil and store them in the freezer for up to three months.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
It’s best to use dried cranberries in this recipe as fresh cranberries can add too much moisture and acidity.
For More Recipe Inspiration
If you’re looking for other tasty treats, check out our delicious Cottage Cheese Chocolate Mousse or try your hand at making Mini Bento Cakes. These recipes are perfect for any occasion and deliver family-friendly flavors.
Visit us on Pinterest for more bright ideas:
https://www.pinterest.com/quickcakes/