Cranberry Bliss Bars

Cranberry Bliss Bars are a delightful treat that bring together the festive flavors of cranberries and white chocolate. Perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy family dinners, or simply indulging yourself, these bars are easy to make and incredibly satisfying. With their rich texture and balanced sweetness, they stand out as a favorite dessert. Whether served at a party or enjoyed with a cup of coffee, these bars will surely impress everyone who tries them.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Base
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting
• How to Make Cranberry Bliss Bars
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare the Batter
• Step 3: Bake
• Step 4: Make the Frosting
• Step 5: Assemble
• Step 6: Slice and Serve
• How to Serve Cranberry Bliss Bars
• Pair with Coffee
• Add Whipped Cream
• Serve with Ice Cream
• Garnish with Fresh Cranberries
• Enjoy with Hot Chocolate
• How to Perfect Cranberry Bliss Bars
• Best Side Dishes for Cranberry Bliss Bars
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Cranberry Bliss Bars
• Reheating Cranberry Bliss Bars
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
• How should I customize my Cranberry Bliss Bars?
• What is the best way to serve Cranberry Bliss Bars?
• Can I double the recipe for larger gatherings?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require advanced baking skills, making it perfect for beginners.
• Delicious Flavor Combination: The blend of tart cranberries and sweet white chocolate creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual get-together, these bars fit right in.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With 30 servings, you’ll have plenty to share with friends and family.
• Versatile Treat: These bars can be enjoyed on their own or dressed up with toppings like whipped cream or ice cream.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Cranberry Bliss Bars effortlessly, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• A 13×9-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Electric mixer

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking Dish: A good-quality baking dish ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
• Electric Mixer: This tool saves time when creaming butter and sugar together, ensuring a smooth batter.

Ingredients

For the Base

• ¾ cup (1½ sticks) salted butter, (cubed)
• 1½ cups packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• 6 ounces white baking chocolate, (coarsely chopped)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 ounces cream cheese, (at room temperature)
• 1 cup powdered sugar, (sifted)
• 6 ounces white baking chocolate, (melted)
• ½ cup dried cranberries, (chopped)

How to Make Cranberry Bliss Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

1. In a mixing bowl, cream together the cubed butter and packed brown sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined.
6. Fold in the dried cranberries and chopped white chocolate.

Step 3: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly using a rubber spatula. Bake in preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

While the base is cooling, beat together the cream cheese and powdered sugar until creamy. Gently fold in melted white chocolate until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Assemble

Once cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting over the baked base. Top with additional chopped dried cranberries for garnish.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Cut into bars and serve! Enjoy your homemade Cranberry Bliss Bars with friends or just indulge yourself!

How to Serve Cranberry Bliss Bars

Cranberry Bliss Bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or enjoying them as a sweet snack, here are some great serving suggestions.

Pair with Coffee

• A warm cup of coffee complements the sweetness of the bars perfectly.

Add Whipped Cream

• Top each bar with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra creamy texture.

Serve with Ice Cream

• Vanilla or caramel ice cream pairs well, creating a delicious contrast of flavors.

Garnish with Fresh Cranberries

• Adding fresh cranberries not only enhances presentation but also adds a burst of tartness.

Enjoy with Hot Chocolate

• For a cozy treat, serve these bars alongside a rich cup of hot chocolate.

How to Perfect Cranberry Bliss Bars

Creating the perfect Cranberry Bliss Bars involves attention to detail and some helpful techniques. Here are some tips to ensure your bars turn out wonderfully every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for better blending.
• Avoid Overmixing: Mix just until combined to keep your bars soft and chewy.
• Chill Before Cutting: Let the bars cool completely and then chill them before slicing for cleaner cuts.
• Experiment with Toppings: Try adding nuts or different types of chocolate for unique flavor variations.

Best Side Dishes for Cranberry Bliss Bars

Cranberry Bliss Bars can be enjoyed alongside various side dishes that enhance their sweetness. Here are some excellent options to consider when serving these delightful treats.

1. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, such as brie or goat cheese, balances the sweetness of the bars.
2. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad adds a refreshing element that contrasts nicely with the richness of the bars.
3. Nut Mix: A simple nut mix provides crunch and savory notes that complement the sweet flavors.
4. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These indulgent treats pair beautifully, enhancing the dessert experience.
5. Mini Pastries: Assortments of mini pastries offer variety and keep guests coming back for more.
6. Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and berries makes for a light side that pairs well with the bars’ richness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes will help ensure your Cranberry Bliss Bars turn out perfectly. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:

• Using cold ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can lead to uneven mixing. Always use room temperature ingredients for better consistency.
• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can make the bars dense rather than fluffy. Mix just until combined for the best texture.
• Skipping the baking powder: Forgetting this essential ingredient means your bars won’t rise properly. Double-check your ingredients list!
• Not checking for doneness: Relying solely on cooking time can result in undercooked or overcooked bars. Use a toothpick to check; it should come out slightly moist.
• Neglecting to cool before cutting: Cutting too soon can cause the bars to crumble. Allow them to cool completely in the pan before slicing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store your Cranberry Bliss Bars in an airtight container.
• item They will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Cranberry Bliss Bars

• item Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• item Store in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating Cranberry Bliss Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350 degrees F and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat one bar at a time for about 15-20 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Place a bar in a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making and enjoying Cranberry Bliss Bars.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

You can use fresh cranberries, but they may alter the flavor and moisture content of your bars. Dried cranberries provide sweetness and chewiness that complement the recipe well.

How should I customize my Cranberry Bliss Bars?

Feel free to add nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch, or swap white chocolate with dark chocolate for a richer flavor profile.

What is the best way to serve Cranberry Bliss Bars?

These bars are delightful served chilled or at room temperature. For added flair, drizzle melted white chocolate on top before serving!

Can I double the recipe for larger gatherings?

Absolutely! Just increase all ingredient amounts accordingly and use a larger baking dish. Adjust baking time as needed.

Final Thoughts

These Cranberry Bliss Bars are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them with different mix-ins or toppings based on what you have at home. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy these sweet treats any time of year!