Cranberry Bliss Bars – The Girl Who Ate Everything’s Favorite Treat!

Introduction to Cranberry Bliss Bars – The Girl Who Ate Everything

As the holiday season approaches, I find myself craving something sweet yet comforting. That’s where these Cranberry Bliss Bars come in! They’re not just a treat; they’re a delightful way to bring joy to your family and friends. With a rich cream cheese frosting and a burst of tart cranberries, these bars are perfect for busy days when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a staple in your dessert repertoire, making every gathering feel a little more special.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Bliss Bars

These Cranberry Bliss Bars are a dream come true for busy moms and professionals alike. They come together quickly, making them a perfect last-minute dessert for any occasion. The combination of sweet and tart flavors, along with the creamy frosting, creates a taste sensation that’s hard to resist. Plus, they’re easy to cut into squares, making serving a breeze. You’ll love how they brighten up your holiday gatherings!

Ingredients for Cranberry Bliss Bars

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful Cranberry Bliss Bars. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Unsalted butter: This adds richness and moisture to the bars. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
• Brown sugar: It gives a deep, caramel-like flavor that pairs beautifully with the tart cranberries.
• Granulated sugar: This adds sweetness and helps create a lovely texture in the bars.
• Large eggs: They bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the bars.
• Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the overall flavor, making it more aromatic.
• All-purpose flour: This is the base of the bars, providing the necessary structure.
• Baking powder: It helps the bars rise, giving them a light and fluffy texture.
• Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
• Dried cranberries: These are the star of the show! They add tartness and a chewy texture.
• White chocolate chips: They bring a creamy sweetness that complements the cranberries perfectly.
• Orange zest: A hint of citrus brightens the flavors and adds a festive touch.
• Cream cheese: This is the key ingredient for the luscious frosting that tops the bars.
• Powdered sugar: It sweetens the frosting and gives it that smooth, creamy texture.
• Additional dried cranberries: These are for garnishing, adding a pop of color and flavor on top.

For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Feel free to get creative! You can substitute white chocolate chips with dark chocolate if you prefer a richer taste. Enjoy the process of making these bars as much as you will enjoy eating them!

How to Make Cranberry Bliss Bars

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it well. You can use butter or cooking spray for this. A well-prepared pan ensures your Cranberry Bliss Bars come out easily and don’t stick. Trust me, you want to avoid the heartbreak of losing a bar to the pan!

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream them together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air, making your bars light and tender. The sweet aroma will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist sneaking a taste!

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add in the two large eggs and the vanilla extract. Mix everything together until well combined. The eggs will help bind the ingredients, while the vanilla adds a lovely depth of flavor. It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds! Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to get every bit mixed in.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour. It’s a simple yet important step that helps your Cranberry Bliss Bars rise perfectly. Plus, it keeps the texture light and fluffy, which is exactly what we want!

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine! Overmixing can lead to dense bars, and we want them to be soft and chewy. This is where the magic starts to happen, and you can already imagine how delicious they’ll be!

Step 6: Fold in Add-ins

Time to fold in the star ingredients: chopped dried cranberries, white chocolate chips, and orange zest. Use a spatula to gently mix them into the batter. This step adds bursts of flavor and texture to your bars. The cranberries provide tartness, while the white chocolate adds sweetness. It’s a match made in dessert heaven!

Step 7: Bake the Bars

Spread the batter evenly in your prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on them, as every oven is different. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible!

Step 8: Cool and Frost

Once baked, let the bars cool completely in the pan. This is crucial for easy frosting. While they cool, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a splash of vanilla extract until smooth. The frosting is the cherry on top, adding a creamy finish to your Cranberry Bliss Bars.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

After the bars have cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. For a beautiful finish, sprinkle additional dried cranberries on top. Cut the bars into squares and serve them up! They’re perfect for sharing, but I won’t judge if you keep a few for yourself. Enjoy every bite!

Tips for Success

• Make sure your butter is softened for easy creaming.
• Don’t overmix the batter; a few lumps are okay!
• Use a toothpick to check for doneness; it should come out clean.
• Let the bars cool completely before frosting for a smooth finish.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Equipment Needed

• 9×13 inch baking pan: A glass or metal pan works well; just ensure it’s greased.
• Mixing bowls: Use a large bowl for mixing and a smaller one for dry ingredients.
• Electric mixer: A hand mixer is perfect, but a whisk will do in a pinch.
• Spatula: Essential for folding in ingredients and spreading frosting.
• Toothpick: Handy for checking if the bars are baked through.

Variations

• Dark Chocolate Cranberry Bliss Bars: Swap white chocolate chips for dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
• Nutty Addition: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these bars gluten-free.
• Vegan Version: Use vegan butter, flax eggs, and dairy-free cream cheese for a plant-based treat.
• Spiced Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair your Cranberry Bliss Bars with a warm cup of spiced chai or coffee for a cozy treat.
• Serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures.
• For a festive touch, arrange the bars on a decorative platter with fresh cranberries and orange slices.
• These bars also make a great addition to a holiday dessert table, adding color and flavor.

FAQs about Cranberry Bliss Bars

Can I make Cranberry Bliss Bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These Cranberry Bliss Bars can be made a day in advance. In fact, letting them sit overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

How do I store leftover bars?

To keep your bars fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for up to a week, but I doubt they’ll last that long!

Can I freeze Cranberry Bliss Bars?

Yes, you can freeze these bars! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw them in the fridge before serving.

What can I substitute for cream cheese in the frosting?

If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can use vegan cream cheese. It provides a similar texture and flavor, making it a great alternative for your Cranberry Bliss Bars.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

While dried cranberries are ideal for this recipe, you can use fresh cranberries. Just chop them finely and consider adding a bit more sugar to balance the tartness. Your bars will still be delightful!

Final Thoughts

Making these Cranberry Bliss Bars is more than just baking; it’s about creating sweet memories with loved ones. The joy of sharing these delightful treats during the holiday season is unmatched. Each bite is a perfect blend of tart cranberries, creamy frosting, and a hint of orange zest that dances on your palate. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, these bars bring warmth and happiness. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the process, and let the magic of these bars fill your kitchen with love and laughter!

Cranberry Bliss Bars – The Girl Who Ate Everything’s Favorite Treat!

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• Author: dishrcp_admin
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 24 bars 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Cranberry Bliss Bars are a delicious dessert featuring a rich cream cheese frosting, tart cranberries, and a hint of orange zest, perfect for the holiday season.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup orange zest
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries, for topping

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
3. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in the chopped cranberries, white chocolate chips, and orange zest.
7. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
10. In a separate bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
11. Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled bars.
12. Sprinkle additional dried cranberries on top for garnish.
13. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• These bars can be made a day in advance for better flavor.
• Feel free to substitute the white chocolate chips with dark chocolate if preferred.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg