Cranberry Bliss Bars are a harmonious blend of sweet white chocolate, tangy dried cranberries, and a buttery cookie base, finished with a luscious cream cheese frosting. These bars are a festive delight that perfectly capture the holiday spirit in every bite.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for the perfect homemade gift, these bars are sure to impress. Their vibrant cranberry topping and white chocolate drizzle make them as visually stunning as they are delicious. A true crowd-pleaser, ideal for any holiday table!
Full Recipe:
- Base Layer:
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon orange extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon orange extract
- 1/4 cup white chocolate, melted
- Topping:
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup white chocolate, melted (for drizzle)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, vanilla, and orange extract.
- Gradually mix in flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined. Fold in dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and orange extract until smooth. Spread evenly over the cooled bars.
- Sprinkle chopped dried cranberries over the frosting. Drizzle with melted white chocolate for a decorative finish.
- Chill for 30 minutes, then cut into bars.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 24 bars
Introduction to Cranberry Bliss Bars
Cranberry Bliss Bars are a classic, festive dessert that has become a staple in many households during the holiday season. These delightful bars are a harmonious blend of tangy cranberries, creamy white chocolate, and a buttery cookie base, all topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting. Their vibrant color and irresistible flavor make them the perfect treat for holiday gatherings, gift exchanges, or just a cozy night in with loved ones.
Originally popularized by coffee shops during the winter months, these bars have since gained a loyal following of home bakers who love recreating them in their kitchens. What sets them apart is not only their visual appeal but also their unique combination of flavors and textures. The sweetness of the white chocolate balances the tartness of the cranberries, while the soft, moist base provides the perfect foundation for the creamy frosting and decorative toppings.
A Seasonal Delight
Cranberry Bliss Bars are particularly celebrated for their connection to the holiday season. Cranberries, with their bright red hue and tangy flavor, are synonymous with Christmas and winter festivities. Incorporating them into a dessert like this adds a cheerful, festive touch that enhances the holiday spirit. The white chocolate and cream cheese frosting further contribute to the wintry aesthetic, evoking images of snow-covered landscapes and warm, festive gatherings.
These bars are also versatile in terms of presentation. Whether you cut them into traditional rectangles or opt for bite-sized squares, they always look elegant and inviting on a dessert platter. This makes them a favorite choice for holiday parties, where presentation often plays a key role in creating a memorable experience.
Perfect for Gifting
One of the best aspects of Cranberry Bliss Bars is their suitability for gifting. Packaged in decorative boxes or wrapped in cellophane with festive ribbons, these bars make thoughtful and delicious presents. Their long shelf life compared to other desserts also adds to their appeal, allowing recipients to savor them over several days. Whether you’re gifting to friends, neighbors, or coworkers, these bars are a sweet gesture that’s sure to bring smiles.
Adding a personal touch to the packaging, such as handwritten recipe cards or festive decorations, can elevate the gift even further. It’s a wonderful way to share the joy of baking and spread holiday cheer to those around you.
Nutritional Appeal
While Cranberry Bliss Bars are undeniably indulgent, they also have some surprising nutritional benefits. Cranberries, the star ingredient, are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, contributing to overall health and wellness. They’re known for their ability to boost immunity and improve digestion, making them a great addition to any dessert.
Additionally, the use of cream cheese provides a dose of calcium, and you can opt for lower-sugar variations of white chocolate or natural sweeteners to make the recipe a bit healthier. The bars are also easy to adapt for dietary preferences; gluten-free flour and dairy-free cream cheese alternatives can be used to make them suitable for various diets.
Customizing the Recipe
One of the joys of making Cranberry Bliss Bars is their adaptability. While the traditional recipe is a crowd-pleaser, there’s plenty of room for creativity. For instance, you could swap the dried cranberries for other dried fruits like cherries or apricots, or mix in nuts such as pistachios or pecans for added crunch. Adding a touch of spice, like cinnamon or nutmeg, to the base layer can give the bars a warm, aromatic twist.
For those who love citrus flavors, incorporating orange zest into the frosting or base can enhance the tangy profile of the cranberries and add a refreshing brightness. Similarly, drizzling dark chocolate over the bars instead of white chocolate creates a rich, decadent contrast for those who prefer less sweetness.
Baking Tips for Success
To ensure your Cranberry Bliss Bars turn out perfectly, there are a few key tips to keep in mind. First, don’t overmix the batter; doing so can lead to a dense base rather than the desired light and tender texture. Using room-temperature ingredients, especially butter and cream cheese, helps achieve a smooth consistency for both the base and the frosting.
When baking, keep a close eye on the bars to avoid overcooking. They should be golden around the edges but still slightly soft in the center, as they’ll continue to set as they cool. Allowing the bars to cool completely before frosting is crucial, as warm bars can cause the frosting to melt and slide off.
Pairing Ideas
Cranberry Bliss Bars pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages. A steaming cup of coffee or hot cocoa complements their sweetness and creaminess, while herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint provide a refreshing contrast. For an adult twist, consider serving the bars alongside mulled wine or a festive cocktail featuring cranberry juice.
If you’re serving the bars as part of a dessert spread, they pair well with other holiday treats like gingerbread cookies, spiced nuts, or chocolate truffles. Their vibrant appearance adds a pop of color to any dessert table, making them both a visual and culinary highlight.
Why You’ll Love Them
There’s a reason why Cranberry Bliss Bars have become a holiday favorite for so many. Their perfect balance of flavors, ease of preparation, and stunning presentation make them a must-try for both novice and experienced bakers. Whether you’re looking to impress guests, create a memorable holiday gift, or simply indulge in a cozy treat, these bars deliver on every front.
Their ability to be customized also means you can make them uniquely your own, tailoring the recipe to suit your preferences and experimenting with new flavor combinations. Plus, the joy of baking them is amplified by the anticipation of sharing them with others and seeing the smiles they bring.
Conclusion
Cranberry Bliss Bars are more than just a dessert; they’re a celebration of the holiday season, a symbol of togetherness, and a testament to the joy of baking. Their delightful flavor and festive appearance make them a standout treat that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday party, gifting them to loved ones, or enjoying them with family, these bars are sure to become a cherished tradition in your home.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the magic of Cranberry Bliss Bars bring a little extra bliss to your holidays!