Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these cranberry bliss bars! They’re like a cozy hug in dessert form, combining the tartness of dried cranberries with the creamy sweetness of white chocolate. Every bite is a delightful balance of flavors that just screams “holiday cheer!” I remember the first time I made them; I was trying to impress some friends during a festive gathering, and boy, did they steal the show! The aroma of baking butter and sugar wafting through the kitchen was enough to get everyone excited. These bars are not just a treat; they’re a tradition in my home. Trust me, you’ll want to whip these up for your next celebration or even a cozy night in. They’re simply irresistible!
Ingredients for Cranberry Bliss Bars
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed 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
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
How to Prepare Cranberry Bliss Bars
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for getting those bars perfectly baked, so don’t skip it!
Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, grab your softened unsalted butter and add the brown sugar and granulated sugar. Now, mix them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer or a good old-fashioned whisk. Trust me, this step makes a difference in texture!
Combine Wet Ingredients
Next, it’s time to add in the eggs and vanilla extract. Mix those in really well until everything is combined and smooth. You want it to look like a luscious batter that’s begging to be baked!
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Just give it a quick whisk to ensure everything’s evenly mixed. This way, you won’t have any surprises later on!
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. I like to do this in thirds, gently stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps your bars tender and chewy!
Add Cranberries and White Chocolate
Time to fold in the star ingredients! Gently add the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips. Use a spatula to carefully mix them in without breaking up the chocolate. I just love the little pockets of sweetness you get in each bite!
Bake the Bars
Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Pop it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be heavenly!
Prepare the Frosting
While those bars are cooling, let’s whip up the frosting! In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and orange zest until it’s smooth and creamy. This frosting is the perfect tangy complement to the sweetness of the bars!
Frost and Serve
Once the bars are completely cool, spread that luscious cream cheese frosting over the top. Now, cut them into squares and get ready to share—or keep them all to yourself, I won’t judge! Enjoy every delicious bite of your cranberry bliss bars!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for last-minute gatherings!
- Flavorful combination of tart cranberries and sweet white chocolate that’s a crowd-pleaser.
- Soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Great for holiday treats or any festive occasion—everyone will be asking for the recipe!
- Customizable—add nuts or extra spices if you’re feeling adventurous!
- Can be made ahead of time and stored for later, so you can enjoy them whenever you want.
- Beautifully frosted and cut into squares, they’re just as pretty as they are delicious!
Tips for Success
Want to ensure your cranberry bliss bars turn out perfectly every time? Here are some of my top tips that I swear by:
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your butter and eggs sit out for about 30 minutes before you start. This helps everything blend together more smoothly, resulting in a better texture.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to dense bars, and we want them soft and chewy!
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: Patience pays off! Make sure your bars are completely cool before you spread that creamy frosting on top. This prevents it from melting and sliding off.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: If you can, use fresh, high-quality cranberries and white chocolate. The flavor will be so much brighter and richer!
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to toss in some chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon if you’re feeling adventurous. It’s a great way to make this recipe your own!
- Don’t Skip the Zest: The orange zest in the frosting adds a wonderful brightness. Trust me, it makes a huge difference!
Follow these tips, and you’ll have cranberry bliss bars that are not just good but absolutely spectacular! Enjoy your baking adventure!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your cranberry bliss bars is super easy! Just pop them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week—though I doubt they’ll last that long because they’re so delicious!
If you want to enjoy them later, these bars freeze beautifully. Just wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. No need to reheat; they’re delightful straight from the fridge or at room temperature!
However, if you prefer them warm, you can gently reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it; you don’t want them to get tough. A little warmth brings out all those lovely flavors!
Nutritional Information
So, you’re probably curious about what’s in these amazing cranberry bliss bars! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values for one bar, just to keep you in the know while you indulge:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 18g
- Protein: 2g
Keep in mind, these values may vary a bit based on how you make them or if you add any extra goodies! But hey, they’re a sweet little treat that you can enjoy without too much guilt. Just remember to savor every bite!
FAQ About Cranberry Bliss Bars
Can I use fresh cranberries?
Absolutely! You can use fresh cranberries instead of dried ones, but keep in mind that they’re much more tart. If you go this route, I recommend adding a little extra sugar to balance out the flavors. Just chop them up a bit before mixing them in!
How do I make them gluten-free?
No problem! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that your baking powder is also gluten-free. Your bars will still turn out delicious—you might even find a new favorite version!
Can I substitute the white chocolate?
Of course! If white chocolate isn’t your thing, you can use semi-sweet chocolate chips or even butterscotch chips for a fun twist. Just remember, the flavor will change a bit, but that’s what makes baking so exciting—experiment and find what you love!
What’s the best way to add more flavor?
If you’re looking to amp up the flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter. You could also throw in some chopped nuts for a little crunch. Every tweak brings a new personality to your cranberry bliss bars!
Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes! To make them vegan, you can replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and use a plant-based butter. For the frosting, use a vegan cream cheese alternative, and you’re all set!
How do I know when they’re done baking?
You’ll know your cranberry bliss bars are done when they’re golden brown around the edges, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on them, as oven times can vary a bit!
Cranberry Bliss Bars: 7 Irresistible Ways to Celebrate
- Temps Total: 45 minutes
- Rendement: 24 bars 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Cranberry bliss bars are a delicious dessert that combines the flavors of cranberries and white chocolate in a soft, chewy bar.
Ingrédients
- 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
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until combined.
- Fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.
- Spread the mixture evenly in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool completely before frosting.
- In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and orange zest until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled bars.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- For a festive touch, sprinkle additional cranberries on top of the frosting.
- These bars freeze well; wrap individually for easy snacking later.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sucre: 18g
- De Sodium: 150mg
- La graisse: 10g
- Graisses Saturées: 6g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 3g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 36g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 2g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 30mg
Mots-clés: cranberry bliss bars, dessert, holiday treats, baking
