Okay, picture this: The whole thing It’s a chilly December evening, the Christmas tree is twinkling, and you’re craving something sweet. I don’t want to deal with a complicated recipe. Is it worth it? Where do these “smart”cranberry bliss bars are deliciousWhat makes Cranberry Bliss Bars different from Starbucks? I think they’re even better. What are some of the best recipes to make all season long? The combination of the sweet cream cheese frosting, tangy cranberries, and the hint of orange is amazing. What’s the best thing about these recipes? They are so simple, even my less kitchen-inclined friends have mastered them.

What is Cranberry Bliss Bars?

Think of cranberry bliss barsAs a leveled-up blondie, packed with dried cranberries and white chocolate chips, then topped with whipped cream. Dreamy cream cheese frosting infused with orange zest. Is this a festive, handheld dessert that’s perfect for sharing? What is bliss in every bite? What’s the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy? What inspired this recipe comes from Starbucks? Much customization and, in my opinion, tastes even fresher.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What are some good reasons to love a girl?cranberry bliss bars are, but let me give you my top reasons! First, the flavor profile is just incredible. The tartness of the cranberries perfectly complements the sweetness of the white chocolate, and the orange zest in the frosting adds a bright, citrusy note that elevates everything. What I love most about this recipe is how unbelievably easy it is. We’re talking minimal ingredients and a straightforward process. Even a beginner baker can nail this! It’s also surprisingly cost-effective. You probably have many of the ingredients in your pantry already, and cranberries are usually pretty affordable, especially around the holidays. Plus, the recipe is so versatile! You can easily double or triple it for a crowd, or cut the bars into different sizes depending on the occasion. They’re perfect for everything from a casual afternoon snack to a fancy holiday party. I’ve even used them as part of a dessert board – they’re always a hit!

How do I make Cranberry Bliss Bars?

Quick Overview

Making these cranberry bliss bars are deliciousI’ll start by mixing up a simple blondie batter, then folding in the dried cranberries and white chocolate. What are chocolate chips? After baking, you’ll whip up a quick cream cheese frosting with orange zest and spread it over the top. Add a few extra cranberries and white chocolate chips to your dessert and you’re done! The whole process takes less than an hour, and the result is a batch of irresistible bars that will last for years to come. Why do people disappear in minutes? Is it worth every second?

Ingredients

For the main battery:
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s *actually* soften, not melted. How do you make a batter come together?
* 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
* 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar: For a touch of molasses flavor and extra moisture.
* 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients and adds richness. I always use large, grade A eggs.
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors. What is the best vanilla to use?
* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the blondie batter. You can use a 1:1 ratio. 1 gluten-free flour blend, but the texture might be slightly different.
* 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bars rise and become light and airy.
* 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
* 1 cup dried cranberries: Adds a chewy texture and tart flavor.
* 1 cup white chocolate chips: For sweetness and creamy texture. I like to use good quality white chocolate chips for the best flavor.

For the Frosting:
* 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: The base of the frosting. Make sure it’s softened, or you’ll end up with lumpy frosting!
* 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and helps create a smooth frosting.
* 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thicken the frosting. Sift it before using to avoid lumps!
* 1 teaspoon orange zest: Adds a bright, citrusy flavor to the frosting. Don’t skip this – it’s key!
* 1 tablespoon milk: Helps to thin out the frosting to the desired consistency. Can you use regular milk, almond milk or orange juice for extra flavor?

What is the best step

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. I like to line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, for easy removal. How can I make my life easier?

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. This ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed, which helps the bars rise evenly. Don’t skip the whisking – it makes a difference!

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light. Set aside. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. I use an electric mixer for this, but you can also do it by hand if you’re feeling ambitious.

Step 4: Combine

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can result in tough bars. I like to mix until there are just a few streaks of flour remaining, then fold in the cranberries. I’ve tried this before, but I can’t seem to make it work. What are the advantages of white chocolate chips?

Step 5: Prepare Filling

In a separate bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Set aside. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Stir in the orange zest and milk until well combined. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk until it reaches the desired consistency.

Step 6: Layer & Swirl

How do I spread the batter evenly in a pan? Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist spots. What are the crumbs Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting.

Step 7: Bake

Once the bars are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Sprinkle with dried cranberries and white chocolate chips, if desired. I like to chill the bars in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before slicing, as this helps the flavor. How does frosting make cut easier?

Step 8: Cool & Glaze

Cut the bars into squares and serve. What are some good side dishes to serve chilled, but are also good at room temperature? How do you store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator?

Step 9: Slice & Serve

Use a sharp knife to cut into squares. To get clean slices, run the knife under hot water and wipe it dry between each cut. Arrange the bars on a platter and serve immediately, or store them in the refrigerator for later.

What is the best way to serve it?

These cranberry bliss bars are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in so many ways! Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions:

For Breakfast: Pair a bar with a steaming mug of coffee or tea for a sweet start to your day. I love pairing them with a chai latte – the spices complement the flavors of the cranberries and orange perfectly.

For Brunch: Add the bars to a brunch spread alongside fresh fruit, yogurt parfaits, and mini quiches. They make a beautiful addition to any brunch table!

As Dessert: Serve the bars as a simple yet elegant dessert after a holiday meal. They’re also delicious with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

For Cozy Snacks: Enjoy a bar with a glass of milk or a cup of hot cocoa on a cold winter evening. They’re the perfect comfort food!

My family loves to have these bars on Christmas Eve. We put them out with a glass of milk for Santa (and maybe sneak a few ourselves!). They’re also great for potlucks, bake sales, or just a sweet treat to enjoy any time of day.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Cranberry Bliss Bars

Want to take your cranberry bliss bars to the next level? Here are some of my top tips:

Butter Secrets: Always use softened butter for the batter and frosting. This ensures that everything mixes together smoothly and evenly. If you forget to take the butter out of the refrigerator ahead of time, you can soften it quickly by microwaving it for a few seconds at a time, but be careful not to melt it!

Mixing Advice: Be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can result in tough bars. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.

Orange Zest is Key: Don’t skip the orange zest in the frosting. It adds a bright, citrusy flavor that complements the cranberries and white chocolate perfectly. I like to use a microplane grater to zest the orange, as this creates fine zest that distributes evenly throughout the frosting.

Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to substitute other dried fruits for the cranberries, such as dried cherries or blueberries. You can also use different types of chocolate chips, such as milk chocolate or dark chocolate.

Baking Tips: Keep a close eye on the bars while they’re baking. They’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. Be careful not to overbake them, or they’ll be dry.

Glaze Variations: For a richer frosting, try adding a tablespoon of cream cheese or sour cream. You can also add a splash of orange juice for extra flavor.

One time, I accidentally used salted butter instead of unsalted butter in the frosting. The bars still tasted good, but they were a little too salty for my liking. So, trust me – use unsalted butter!

Storing and Reheating Tips

These cranberry bliss bars are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

Room Temperature: The bars can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days, but they’re best kept in the refrigerator, especially if it’s warm.

Refrigerator Storage: The bars will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure to store them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.

Freezer Instructions: The bars can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to freeze the bars, it’s best to frost them after they’ve thawed. This will prevent the frosting from becoming soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. I recommend using a blend that contains xanthan gum, as this will help to bind the ingredients together and prevent the bars from becoming crumbly. The texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still taste delicious.

Do I need to peel the zucchini?

There’s no zucchini in this recipe!

Can I make this as muffins instead?

While I haven’t tested this recipe as muffins, I think it would work well! Reduce the baking time and keep a close eye on them.

How can I adjust the sweetness level?

If you find the bars too sweet, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the batter or the frosting. You can also use a natural sweetener, such as honey or maple syrup, in place of some of the sugar.

What can I use instead of the glaze?

If you’re not a fan of cream cheese frosting, you can dust the bars with powdered sugar or drizzle them with melted white chocolate. You can also top them with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or orange juice.

Final Thoughts

These cranberry bliss bars are a holiday staple in my house, and I hope they become one in yours too! They’re easy to make, delicious, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other holiday treats, such as my gingerbread cookies and peppermint bark. Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Feel free to leave a comment below and let me know if you made any fun variations. And don’t forget to share your photos on social media using #cranberryblissbars!