Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe

Introduction

Cranberry Bliss Bars are a delightful treat combining sweet white chocolate, tart cranberries, and a creamy frosting. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you want a festive, homemade dessert that’s easy to make and sure to impress.

Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• ¾ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 ⅓ cups all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup white chocolate chips
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ⅓ cups powdered sugar
• ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Milk, to thin frosting if needed
• ⅛ teaspoon finely grated orange zest (optional)
• ¼ cup white chocolate chips, melted (for topping)
• ¼ cup dried cranberries (for topping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8×11 inch pan with foil and grease the foil to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and brown sugar together until well combined, about one minute. Add the egg and vanilla extract, whisking until fully mixed.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir the dry mixture into the wet ingredients using a rubber spatula just until combined.
4. Step 4: Fold in ½ cup dried cranberries and ½ cup white chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter.
5. Step 5: Spoon and spread the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface. To get an even layer, moisten your palm with water and gently press the batter down.
6. Step 6: Bake for 18-22 minutes. The bars should puff slightly, turn very light brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. They may seem slightly underdone but will firm as they cool. Avoid overbaking.
7. Step 7: Let the bars cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
8. Step 8: For the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter with a mixer until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and orange zest if using, then continue beating until combined. Add a splash of milk if the frosting is too thick, or more powdered sugar if it’s too thin.
9. Step 9: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars.
10. Step 10: Sprinkle dried cranberries on top of the frosting, then drizzle the melted white chocolate over the berries for a finishing touch.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh orange zest instead of dried for a more vibrant citrus flavor in the frosting.
• Swap dried cranberries with dried cherries for a different tartness.
• Make the bars in a square 9×9 inch pan for thicker bars; adjust baking time accordingly.
• If you prefer a less sweet frosting, reduce the powdered sugar slightly and add a pinch of salt.
• For easier clean-up, let the melted white chocolate set on parchment paper before drizzling.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving for the best texture. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge overnight and frost or drizzle with melted white chocolate after thawing, if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup for cup. Ensure your baking powder is gluten-free as well.

Can I use regular chocolate instead of white chocolate?

Absolutely! Dark or milk chocolate chips can be used in place of white chocolate for a different flavor profile, though it will change the classic look and taste of the bars.

Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 149 reviews

Delight in these festive Cranberry Bliss Bars featuring a buttery, tender base studded with tart dried cranberries and sweet white chocolate chips, topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting, extra cranberries, and a drizzle of melted white chocolate for a perfect holiday treat.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bars:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• ¾ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 ⅓ cups all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup white chocolate chips

Frosting:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ⅓ cups powdered sugar
• ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• milk, to thin
• ⅛ teaspoon finely grated orange zest (optional)

Topping:

• ¼ cup white chocolate chips, melted
• ¼ cup dried cranberries

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×11 inch baking pan with foil and grease the foil to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until well combined and slightly thickened, approximately one minute. Then add the egg and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth and combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this flour mixture to the wet ingredients and gently stir with a rubber spatula until just combined to avoid overmixing.
4. Add Cranberries and Chocolate Chips: Fold in ½ cup dried cranberries and ½ cup white chocolate chips evenly into the batter.
5. Press Batter into Pan: Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and spread it into an even layer. To create an even surface, moisten the palm of your hand with water and gently press the batter down.
6. Bake the Bars: Bake for 18-22 minutes until the bars have puffed slightly, turned light brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The bars may appear slightly underbaked, but will firm up as they cool. Avoid overbaking to keep them moist.
7. Cool Completely: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
8. Prepare Frosting: Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and orange zest if using, mixing until combined. Add a splash of milk if the frosting is too thick; add more powdered sugar to thicken if needed.
9. Frost the Bars: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars.
10. Add Toppings: Scatter the remaining dried cranberries over the frosting. Drizzle melted white chocolate chips over the cranberries for garnish and added sweetness.

Notes

• To melt the white chocolate chips, use a microwave in short bursts of 15 seconds, stirring in between to avoid burning.
• If you prefer a thicker frosting, add additional powdered sugar gradually; for a thinner spread, add milk sparingly.
• Use fresh dried cranberries for best texture and flavor—avoid overly dry or hard cranberries.
• Letting the bars cool completely ensures the frosting adheres well and prevents melting.
• These bars store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Keywords: cranberry bliss bars, white chocolate bars, cream cheese frosting bars, holiday dessert bars, cranberry dessert