Okay, friends, let me tell you about these Cranberry Bliss Bars. They’re like if a blondie and a cranberry scone had a baby, and that baby was then drizzled in the most addictively tangy Cream Cheese Frosting. I swear, the first time I made them, I ate half the pan standing right there at the counter. They’re so soft, chewy, and that little zing from the cranberries just cuts through the richness perfectly. It’s sweet, it’s tart, it’s the perfect little pick-me-up any time of day. If you love those white chocolate cranberry cookies from Starbucks, you are absolutely going to flip for this Cranberry Bliss Bar Recipe! Seriously, consider this your new holiday (or any day!) baking staple.
What is Cranberry Bliss Bar?
Think of a Cranberry Bliss Bar as a leveled-up blondie, but instead of chocolate chips, we’re talking tart and juicy cranberries. They’re baked to golden perfection, then slathered with a luscious Cream Cheese frosting (the real star, if you ask me!), and finally, get a sprinkle of more cranberries and a white chocolate drizzle for extra pizzazz. It’s essentially holiday cheer in bar form, but honestly, I make these year-round. My family loves them, and they’re surprisingly easy to throw together when you need a sweet treat. The name just screams bliss, and honestly, that’s exactly what you get with every single bite!
Why do I love this recipe?
Alright, let’s dive into why this Cranberry Bliss Bar Recipe is about to become your new favorite. First off, the flavor is insane! The combination of the sweet blondie base with the tart cranberries and that creamy, tangy frosting? Forget about it! It’s a symphony in your mouth.
And honestly, the best part is how easy these are to make. Seriously, don’t let the fancy look fool you. This is a one-bowl kind of situation (praise be!), and you probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. Plus, cranberries are surprisingly affordable, especially if you buy them frozen! I actually prefer using frozen cranberries because they don’t get smushed as easily.
What I love most about this is how versatile they are. You can serve them for breakfast (don’t judge!), bring them to a potluck, or just have them as a late-night snack (guilty!). They’re always a hit, no matter the occasion. I’ve made similar recipes before, but there’s something about this particular combination of ingredients and textures that just blows everything else out of the water. My family goes absolutely crazy for them, and that’s the best validation of all!
How do I make Cranberry Bliss Bar?
Quick Overview
Making these cranberry bliss bars is surprisingly simple! We’re basically making a blondie batter, folding in cranberries, baking until golden, and then topping it with a dreamy Cream Cheese frosting. The secret is to not overbake the bars – you want them to be soft and chewy, not dry and crumbly. The frosting is also key; make sure it’s nice and tangy to balance out the sweetness of the bars. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s actually soft, not melted! * 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that chewy texture. * 1/4 cup packed light Brown Sugar: Adds a little more depth of flavor and moisture. * 2 large eggs: Binds the batter together. * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A must for that classic blondie flavor! * 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: 1 1/4 cups. How do I make a bar of 1 teaspoon baking powder? * 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances out the sweetness.
For the Filling: How do you
* 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, roughly chopped: Frozen works just as well! * 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Adds a nice crunch and nutty flavor.
For the Glaze:
* 4 ounces Cream Cheese, softened: The base of our tangy frosting. * 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness to the frosting. * 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thicken the frosting. * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: What’s the best way to make a frosting? To adjust the consistency of the frosting. * 1/4 cup white chocolate chips, melted: 1 cup icing sugar. What is that extra touch of decadence?
What are the Step-
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch Baking Pan. If you want to clean a sheet of paper, you can use parchment paper. I always leave a little overhang of parchment on the sides to use as handles later – makes life so much easier.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. How do you make sure you don’t end up with pockets of baking powder in your pantry? No one wants that!
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and Brown Sugar until light. Set aside. Beat the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Combine
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. How do I avoid overmixing a bar? When you see flour disappearing, stop mixing.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
Gently fold in the chopped cranberries and nuts (if using). Do not overmix the cranberries in the batter. Make sure they are evenly distributed. I like to toss the cranberries with a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the batter – this is the best way to make it. How do I prevent my shoes from sinking to the bottom?
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
How do I spread the batter in a baking pan? I don’t do any swirling with this particular recipe, but if you are making something like brownies, you should. What is the best way to swirl filling in?
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist spots. What are the crumbs Should the edges be golden brown? Keep a close eye on them towards the end of the baking time to prevent them from overbaking. Every oven is different, so adjust the baking time accordingly.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting. While the bars are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat together the Cream Cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Remove from heat and chill. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Once the bars are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Drizzle with melted white chocolate and sprinkle with additional chopped cranberries, if desired.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
What are the best ways to cut bars into squares and serve. What are some good side dishes to serve chilled, but they’re also good at room temperature? What are some great additions to a dessert platter?
What should I serve it with?
What are some ideas for making Cranberry Bliss Bars? How can I take my business to the next level?For Breakfast:Pair them with a steaming cup of coffee. The sweetness of the bars is a perfect complement to roasted coffee. Is it safe to crumble bananas over yogurt with granola?For Brunch:Arrange them on a platter with fresh fruit, like orange slices and grapes. Add a mimosa or sparkling cider to your drink for sexiness. A little goes a long way with presentation, especially for brunch.As Dessert:Serve them after dinner with a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream or whipped cream. A glass of dessert wine or a cup of herbal tea would also be great additions. If you’re feeling extra fancy, you could drizzle them with caramel sauce.For Cozy Snacks:Enjoy them with a glass of milk or hot chocolate. What are some comfort food recipes for a cold winter day? My family tradition is to bake these while watching holiday movies, creating the warmest, coziest and most delicious desserts.
How do I make a Cranberry Bliss Bar?
How do you take Cranberry Bliss Bars from good to amazing? What are some of the best tips and tricks I have learned over the years?Butter Softening:How can I make a huge difference? If your butter isn’t properly softened, your batter won’t cream together properly, resulting in a thick batter. I usually leave my butter out for about an hour before I start baking. Is this a good idea? Can you microwave it for a few seconds?Mixing Advice:Is it okay to overmix? Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough bars. Is it safe to mix flour and sugar until just combined? If you feel the batter get resistant, you are already overmixing.Cranberry Prep:If you’re using fresh cranberries, give them a good rinse and make sure to remove any stems or leaves. What are bruised I like to chop them so they’re not too big. Frozen cranberries can be used straight from the freezer, no need to thaw.Ingredient Swaps:If you don’t have pecans or walnuts on hand, you can use any other type of nut, or even leave them out. Is it possible to Can you substitute White Chocolate chips for dark chocolate? I tested this with almond milk once and it actually made it even creamier!Baking Tips:Don’t open the oven door too often while the bars are baking. Why does the temperature fluctuate and result in uneven baking? The bars are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with some moist crumbs.Glaze Variations:If you want a more intense cranberry flavor, you can add 1 tablespoon of graham juice to the frosting. Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to eat for spiciness. I like to use a piping bag to drizzle the melted white chocolate over the bars for an extra special touch. What is a professional Sometimes I just use a plastic sandwich bag with the corner snipped off!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Want to make these Cranberry Bliss Bars ahead of time? Here’s how to store them to keep them fresh and delicious!
Room Temperature: You can store the bars at room temperature for up to 2 days. Just make sure to cover them tightly to prevent them from drying out. I usually store them in an airtight container.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can store the bars in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Again, make sure to cover them tightly. The frosting might harden a bit in the fridge, but it will soften up as it comes to room temperature.
Freezer Instructions: These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply place them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
Glaze Timing Advice: I recommend frosting the bars right before serving for the best flavor and texture. If you’re freezing them, it’s best to freeze them unfrosted and then add the frosting after thawing. This will prevent the frosting from becoming soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my absolute favorite Cranberry Bliss Bar Recipe! I truly believe that everyone should have this recipe in their back pocket. It’s easy, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of sweet, tart, and creamy is just irresistible. And honestly, the best part is sharing them with the people you love! If you love these, you might also want to try my lemon bars or my chocolate chip cookies – they’re just as easy and delicious! I hope you give this recipe a try and let me know what you think in the comments below! Happy baking, friends! Can’t wait to see how yours turn out!
Cranberry Bliss Bar Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter cut into cubes
- 1 cup cranberries fresh or frozen
- 0.5 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Combine flour and powdered sugar in a bowl. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press half of the crust mixture into the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes.
- Spread cranberries evenly over the crust. Sprinkle with remaining crust mixture. Bake for 15 more minutes.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely before adding white chocolate chips.
