Oh my goodness, let me tell you about *cranberry bliss bars*! They’re this incredible mix of tangy cranberries and creamy white chocolate that just dances on your taste buds. Seriously, the combination is pure magic! I mean, who wouldn’t want a dessert that’s not only delicious but also looks so festive? These bars are like little bites of joy, perfect for gatherings, cozy nights in, or just because you deserve a treat. I remember the first time I made these for a holiday party; the aroma filled my kitchen, and I couldn’t wait to share them with my friends. Watching their eyes light up as they took that first bite was such a special moment! Trust me, once you whip up a batch, you’ll be the star of every dessert table.
Ingredients List
Alright, here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful cranberry bliss bars. I promise you, all the ingredients are super simple and easy to find!
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Make sure your butter and cream cheese are nice and soft before you start—that way, they’ll mix together beautifully! And don’t skimp on the cranberries or white chocolate; they’re the stars of this show! Enjoy gathering these ingredients, and get ready for some serious baking fun!
How to Prepare *Cranberry Bliss Bars*
Alright, let’s dive into the fun part—making these scrumptious cranberry bliss bars! I promise, it’s easier than you might think, and I’ll guide you through every step.
Prepping the Oven and Baking Pan
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because it’ll make sure your bars bake evenly and come out just right. While that’s heating up, grab a 9×9 inch baking pan and grease it up! I like to use a little bit of butter or non-stick spray—whatever you prefer. This way, your bars won’t stick and will come out nice and clean.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
Now, let’s get mixing! In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Just whisk them together until they’re well blended. This step is crucial because it helps ensure your bars rise beautifully. Set this mixture aside for a bit while we whip up the wet ingredients.
Creating the Batter
In another large bowl, beat together 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of brown sugar until it’s smooth and creamy—oh, the smell is heavenly already! Then, add in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well incorporated. Now, it’s time to gradually add in the flour mixture. Just fold it in gently until it’s combined—don’t overmix, or your bars could turn out tough! Finally, fold in 1 cup of dried cranberries and 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips. Wow! Can you just imagine how delicious this batter is going to be?
Baking the Bars
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan, making sure it fills the edges. Pop it in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool in the pan for a bit before frosting. Trust me, waiting just a little while will make all the difference!
Frosting the Bars
Once your bars are cool, it’s time for the delicious cream cheese frosting! In a bowl, mix 4 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup of powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract until it’s perfectly smooth—just like magic! Spread this luscious frosting over the cooled bars, and oh boy, you’re in for a treat! Cut them into squares, and get ready to indulge in a little slice of cranberry bliss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super easy to make, even for beginner bakers!
- Perfect for gatherings—everyone will rave about these bars!
- The delightful combination of tart cranberries and sweet white chocolate is simply irresistible.
- Vegetarian-friendly, making it a great option for a variety of diets.
Trust me, once you try these cranberry bliss bars, you’ll be hooked! They’re a crowd-pleaser that brings a little joy to every occasion.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your cranberry bliss bars turn out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite tips that I’ve gathered over the years to help you achieve bakery-level results right at home.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer your frosting a bit sweeter (or less!), feel free to adjust the amount of powdered sugar. Just add it gradually and taste as you go to find that sweet spot!
- Don’t Overmix: When you’re combining the flour mixture with the wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense bars, and we want them to be light and fluffy!
- Check for Doneness: Every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on your bars as they bake. Start checking around the 20-minute mark. They’re ready when the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean—trust me, you don’t want to overbake them!
- Cool Before Frosting: I can’t stress this enough! Letting your bars cool completely before adding the frosting is key. If they’re warm, the frosting will melt and become a gooey mess. No one wants that!
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are properly softened before you start mixing. This helps everything blend together smoothly and gives you the best texture.
- Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to get creative! You can substitute the white chocolate chips with dark chocolate or even add some chopped nuts for a little extra crunch. The possibilities are endless!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to baking up the most delicious cranberry bliss bars that everyone will love. Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve baked up a batch of these delicious cranberry bliss bars, let’s talk about how to keep them fresh! You’ll want to store them properly so you can enjoy them for days to come.
First off, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just place them in an airtight container to keep them nice and moist. Trust me, they’ll still taste amazing even after a few days!
If you want to save some for later (or if you just can’t resist making a double batch!), you can freeze these bars for longer storage. Simply wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to indulge again, just thaw them overnight in the fridge, and they’ll be as good as new!
So, whether you’re savoring them fresh or saving some for a rainy day, these cranberry bliss bars are perfect for any occasion. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ Section
Got questions about cranberry bliss bars? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear, along with my answers to help you on your baking journey.
Can I substitute fresh cranberries for dried cranberries?
Absolutely! You can use fresh cranberries, but keep in mind they’re a lot more tart. I’d recommend adding a touch of extra sugar to balance that out. Just chop them up a bit before folding them into the batter.
Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes! If you want to make vegan cranberry bliss bars, swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use a flax egg instead of the regular egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let it sit for a few minutes to thicken). For the cream cheese frosting, look for a vegan cream cheese option!
What can I use instead of white chocolate chips?
If you’re not a fan of white chocolate, you can definitely substitute it with dark chocolate chips or even semi-sweet chocolate. The deep flavor will give your bars a different twist, and they’ll still taste fantastic!
How should I serve these bars?
These cranberry bliss bars are perfect on their own, but if you want to elevate them a bit, serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy treat!
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would be a delicious addition. Just fold them in with the cranberries and white chocolate—this will add a lovely crunch and extra flavor!
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Check around the 20-minute mark! Your bars are done when they’re golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. A little bit of crumb is fine, but you don’t want any wet batter!
Hopefully, these answers help clear up any questions you have about making these delightful cranberry bliss bars. Happy baking, and enjoy every bite of your creation!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Okay, let’s talk about the numbers! Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use. But just to give you a rough idea, here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one delightful cranberry bliss bar:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 80mg
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 2g
So, while you indulge in these heavenly bars, just keep in mind that they’re a treat! Moderation is key, but hey, life’s too short not to enjoy a little sweetness now and then, right? Happy baking and savoring!
Print
Cranberry Bliss Bars: 5 Steps to Irresistible Delight
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cranberry bliss bars are delicious dessert bars that combine the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of white chocolate and cream cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add egg and vanilla to the butter mixture and mix well.
- Gradually add the flour mixture and mix until combined.
- Fold in cranberries and white chocolate chips.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool before frosting.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled bars.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Can be frozen for longer storage.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cranberry bliss bars, dessert bars, cranberry recipes
