Magical Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe: A Festive Sweet Delight

Creamy, dreamy cranberry bliss bars dance between decadent dessert and holiday magic.

Sweet memories flood back with each crumbly, tangy bite.

Starbucks inspired this delightful treat that brings warmth to chilly afternoons.

Soft white chocolate chips mingle with tart cranberries in a luscious combination.

Bakers adore how simple ingredients create such an impressive result.

Our recipe promises a melt-in-your-mouth experience that feels like a culinary hug.

You’ll want to savor every single crumb of this irresistible seasonal delight.

Cranberry Bliss Bars: The Sweet Bar Everyone Talks About

• Create Festive Delights: Perfect for holiday gatherings and special celebrations, these cranberry bliss bars bring a touch of magic to any dessert table.
• Master Baking with Ease: Beginner bakers can confidently tackle this recipe with simple steps and minimal technical skills, making it an excellent introduction to baking.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Sensation: Combines the tangy sweetness of cranberries with rich white chocolate, creating a irresistible treat that appeals to diverse taste preferences.
• Quick and Versatile Dessert: Requires basic ingredients and straightforward preparation, allowing you to prepare these bars quickly for unexpected guests or last-minute sweet cravings.

What Goes Into Those Irresistible Cranberry Bliss Bars

• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a tender texture.
• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and moisture to the blondies.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the bar's structure.
• Vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the dessert.

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the main structure of the blondies.
• Baking Powder: Helps the bars rise and become light.
• Salt, Cinnamon: Add depth and warmth to the flavor.

• Dried Cranberries, White Chocolate: Provide bursts of sweet and tart flavor throughout the bars.

• Cream Cheese, Powdered Sugar: Create a smooth and creamy topping.
• White Chocolate: Adds richness and decorative drizzle to the bars.

Making Cranberry Bliss Bars Is Easier Than You Think

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Butter Base

Zap butter in the microwave until melted. Stir in brown sugar until well combined.

Let the mixture cool down in a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

Grab an electric mixer and blend in eggs and vanilla extract.

Whip until the mixture looks smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, stirring until just combined.

Step 5: Add Delicious Mix-Ins

• Dried cranberries
• Chopped white chocolate

Spread the batter evenly across the prepared baking dish.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 18-21 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely.

Step 7: Whip Up Creamy Frosting

Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until silky smooth. Gradually mix in half of the melted white chocolate.

Step 8: Decorate and Finish

Spread frosting over the cooled blondies. Scatter extra cranberries on top.

Drizzle remaining melted white chocolate for a stunning finish.

Step 9: Slice and Serve

Cut into 30 delightful bars.

Chill in the refrigerator until ready to enjoy this sweet treat.

Foolproof Tips for Perfect Cranberry Bliss Bars

• Swap dried cranberries with fresh ones for a zesty burst of flavor and extra moisture in your blondies.
• Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to create a smooth, lump-free frosting that spreads easily.
• Line the baking dish with parchment paper for effortless removal and cleaner cutting of bars.
• For a gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour with a 1: 1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain the same texture.
• Reduce white chocolate amount if you prefer a less sweet dessert, balancing the cranberry's tartness with the chocolate's richness.

Fun Ways to Remix Cranberry Bliss Bars

• Holiday Spice Infusion: Add ground nutmeg and ginger to the dry ingredients for a warm, festive flavor profile that enhances the cranberry notes.
• Orange Zest Cranberry: Mix in fresh orange zest to the batter and frosting for a bright, citrusy undertone that complements the white chocolate.
• Nutty Crunch Edition: Incorporate chopped pecans or almonds into the batter for added texture and a rich, toasted flavor that elevates the original recipe.
• Chocolate Drizzle Remix: Replace white chocolate drizzle with dark chocolate for a deeper, more intense chocolate experience that contrasts with the sweet cranberries.

What to Serve With Cranberry Bliss Bars for a Wow Factor

• Pair Creamy White Hot Chocolate: Complement the rich, sweet cranberry bliss bars with a velvety white hot chocolate that echoes the white chocolate notes in the dessert.
• Enhance with Cinnamon Spice Tea: Brew a warm, aromatic cinnamon tea that mirrors the subtle cinnamon undertones in the bars and provides a cozy, comforting counterpoint.
• Match with Sparkling Prosecco: Serve a chilled, slightly sweet prosecco that cuts through the richness of the cream cheese frosting and adds a festive, bubbly dimension to the dessert experience.
• Elevate with Vanilla Latte: Enjoy a smooth, creamy vanilla latte that harmonizes with the sweet white chocolate flavor and offers a warm, luxurious companion to the cranberry bliss bars.

How to Keep Cranberry Bliss Bars Tasting Bakery-Fresh

• Refrigerator Storage: Place bars in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days, maintaining freshness and preventing sticking.
• Freezer Storage: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 3 months, preserving texture and flavor.
• Countertop Thawing: Remove frozen bars and let sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to prevent texture changes.
• Reheating Option: Warm bars gently in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes, restoring slight crispness and enhancing flavor. Serve immediately after warming.

Got Cranberry Bliss Questions? Here’s the Scoop

• Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried cranberries?

No, fresh cranberries will make the bars too wet and change the texture. Dried cranberries work best for maintaining the right consistency and flavor in this recipe.

• Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure the blend is designed for baking to maintain the bar’s structure and texture.

• How do I prevent the white chocolate from burning when melting?

Use a double boiler or microwave in short 15-second intervals, stirring between each interval. This helps prevent scorching and ensures smooth melting.

• Can I freeze Cranberry Bliss Bars?

Absolutely! Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 36 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent cranberry bliss bars emerge as a delightful holiday treat, blending sweet and tangy flavors. Creamy white chocolate, zesty cranberries, and rich spices create a mouthwatering dessert you’ll crave all season long.

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Ingredients

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Blondie Base:

• 1.5 cups (340 grams) salted butter
• 1.5 cups packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 0.75 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2.25 cups all-purpose flour
• 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
• 0.25 teaspoons salt
• 0.125 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Main Ingredients:

• 0.5 cups dried cranberries
• 6 ounces (170 grams) white baking chocolate, coarsely chopped

Frosting Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
• 6 ounces (170 grams) white baking chocolate, melted
• 0.5 cups dried cranberries, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350°F and coat a 13×9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray for even release.
2. Microwave butter until melted, then blend with brown sugar in a large mixing bowl, allowing the mixture to cool slightly.
3. Incorporate eggs and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture using an electric mixer until well combined.
4. Separately whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon to create a uniform dry ingredient blend.
5. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just incorporated to prevent overmixing.
6. Carefully fold dried cranberries and white chocolate pieces into the batter, ensuring even distribution.
7. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish, smoothing the surface with a spatula for uniform thickness.
8. Bake for 18-21 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick that should emerge clean when inserted into the center.
9. Allow the blondies to cool completely on a wire rack, which helps set the texture and prevents soggy edges.
10. Prepare the frosting by beating cream cheese and powdered sugar until achieving a smooth, creamy consistency.
11. Gradually blend half of the melted white chocolate into the frosting, creating a rich and glossy topping.
12. Once cooled, spread the frosting evenly across the blondie surface using an offset spatula.
13. Garnish with additional dried cranberries and drizzle remaining white chocolate over the top for visual appeal.
14. Slice into 30 uniform bars, either as squares or triangles, and refrigerate until serving time.

Notes

• Check butter temperature carefully to ensure smooth blending without curdling when mixing with eggs.
• Use high-quality white chocolate for richer, more authentic flavor that elevates the entire dessert.
• Chop cranberries finely to distribute flavor evenly and prevent large chunks disrupting the bar’s texture.
• Adjust baking time by 1-2 minutes depending on your oven’s unique heating characteristics to prevent over or underbaking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 21 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg