Cranberry Bliss Bars

Every holiday season, I find myself longing for the sweet and tangy delight of Cranberry Bliss Bars. There’s something about that perfect blend of flavors that brings warmth and nostalgia to my kitchen. These bars remind me of cozy winter afternoons spent with friends, sipping hot cocoa and sharing stories. As I recreate this popular treat, I can almost hear the joyful laughter echoing in the room. They’re not just a dessert; they’re a celebration of the season, and I’m excited to share my version with you!

What You Need for Cranberry Bliss Bars

When it comes to baking, choosing the right ingredients is essential for achieving that perfect flavor and texture. For Cranberry Bliss Bars, we’re using a combination of rich and flavorful ingredients that work beautifully together. From the creamy butter to the sweet craisins and white chocolate, each component plays a vital role in crafting a delicious bar that melts in your mouth.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted – This is the base of our bars, providing richness and moisture.
• 1 1/2 cups dark brown sugar, packed – Adds a deep caramel flavor that enhances the sweetness.
• 2 eggs, room temperature – Essential for binding the ingredients together.
• 1 teaspoon orange extract – Infuses a lovely citrus flavor.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall sweetness and adds depth.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger – Brings a warm spice that complements the flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon – A classic spice that adds warmth.
• 1 teaspoon orange zest – Freshens up the flavors with its bright notes.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the bars rise for a fluffy texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour – The main structure of the bars.
• 1 cup white chocolate chips – Adds sweetness and creaminess.
• 3/4 cup craisins – Provides that delightful tartness.
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened – For the creamy frosting.
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar – Sweetens the frosting perfectly.
• 1/2 teaspoon orange extract – For the frosting, adds a zesty touch.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor of the frosting.
• 1/3 cup craisins, roughly chopped – For topping, adds texture.
• 4 oz baking white chocolate, melted – For drizzling on top.

Directions for Cranberry Bliss Bars

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the baking process. Making Cranberry Bliss Bars is an enjoyable journey that ends with a delectable treat. Follow these steps to create your own batch!

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. This ensures that your bars will bake evenly and achieve that golden color.
2. Line a 13×9 inch jelly roll pan or rimmed cookie sheet with parchment paper. This helps in easy removal of the bars once they are baked and cooled.
3. In a large bowl, using a mixer, beat together the melted butter and dark brown sugar until combined. The mixture should look creamy and slightly fluffy.
4. Add in the eggs, orange extract, and vanilla extract, and beat until mixed well. You should see a smooth consistency without lumps.
5. Now, incorporate the ground ginger, cinnamon, orange zest, baking powder, salt, and all-purpose flour. Beat until just blended. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
6. Stir in the white chocolate chips and craisins using a spatula, gently folding them into the batter.
7. Spread the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top for even baking.
8. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes or until set and golden brown at the edges. The center should bounce back slightly when touched.
9. Once baked, remove from the oven and place the pan on a wire rack to cool completely before adding the topping. Cooling is essential to prevent the frosting from melting.
10. In a large bowl, using a mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. It should resemble a thick frosting.
11. Add the orange extract and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
12. Top the cooled bars with the cream cheese frosting. Spread it evenly for a beautiful finish.
13. Sprinkle the chopped craisins on top of the frosting for added texture and flavor.
14. Drizzle everything with the melted white chocolate using a fork for that final touch.
15. Place the bars in the refrigerator for at least one hour before cutting. This helps the frosting set perfectly.
16. Once chilled, cut into triangles and serve with a smile!

Recipe Variations about Cranberry Bliss Bars

While the classic Cranberry Bliss Bars are simply divine, there are plenty of variations to explore. Whether you want to mix things up or cater to different tastes, these tips will inspire you to get creative!

• Try Different Fruits: Substitute craisins with other dried fruits, like apricots or raisins, for a twist on flavors.
• Add Nuts: Incorporating chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can add a lovely crunch to the bars.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the bars gluten-free while maintaining the delicious flavor.
• Chocolate Variations: Experiment with different types of chocolate, like dark chocolate chips instead of white, for a richer taste.
• Frosting Alternatives: Use a light whipped cream topping instead of cream cheese frosting for a lighter dessert option.
• Seasonal Spices: Add a dash of nutmeg or allspice for a seasonal flair during the fall and winter months.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving Cranberry Bliss Bars, there are many delightful ways to share these treats with others. Here are some serving ideas to inspire you:

• Perfect for Dessert Tables: These bars are a stunning addition to your holiday dessert table, offering a sweet yet tart contrast to other desserts.
• Great for Coffee Breaks: Serve alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat that elevates your break.
• Gift Wrapped: Package them in festive boxes as homemade gifts for friends, family, or coworkers during the holidays.
• Brunch Treat: Include them in your brunch spread for a sweet option that pairs perfectly with savory dishes.
• Easy Storage: These bars can be cut in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making them a convenient treat for guests.
• Seasonal Pairings: Serve with fresh fruit, such as slices of orange or pomegranate, to enhance the flavors and colors on your plate.

FAQ

Conclusion

Cranberry Bliss Bars are more than just a dessert; they’re a cherished holiday tradition that brings warmth and joy. With their perfect blend of flavors and textures, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering. I encourage you to try making them—you won’t regret it! Share them with loved ones, and watch the smiles light up their faces.

Cranberry Bliss Bars

The ultimate holiday treat, Cranberry Bliss Bars combine creamy white chocolate, tart cranberries, and a luscious cream cheese frosting. Easy to make, these bars are perfect for any festive occasion, delivering a delightful balance of flavors that will have everyone coming back for more. Make them tonight and spread the joy!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1 hour hr

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Servings 12 bars

Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

• Frying Pan
• Blender
• Oven
• Chef's Knife
• Mixing Bowl
• Wooden Spoon
• Baking Sheet

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup Buttermilk
• 1.5 cups Dark Brown Sugar Packed
• 2 eggs Eggs Room temperature
• 1 teaspoon Orange Extract
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground Ginger
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon Orange Zest
• 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1 cup White Chocolate Chips
• 0.75 cup Craisins
• 8 oz Cream Cheese Softened
• 1.5 cups Powdered Sugar
• 0.5 teaspoon Orange Extract
• 0.5 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 0.33 cup Craisins Roughly chopped
• 4 oz Baking White Chocolate Melted

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• Line a 13x9 inch jelly roll pan or rimmed cookie sheet with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, using a mixer, beat together melted butter and brown sugar.
• Add in eggs, orange extract, vanilla extract and beat until mixed well.
• Add in ground ginger, cinnamon, orange zest, baking powder, salt, and flour, beating until just blended. Don't overmix.
• Stir in the white chocolate chips and craisins using a spatula.
• Spread the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
• Bake for 20-22 minutes or until set and golden brown at the edges. Don't overbake.
• Remove from oven and place pan on a wire rack to cool completely before adding the topping.
• In a large bowl, using a mixer, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
• Add the orange extract and vanilla extract and mix.
• Top cooled bars with the frosting and sprinkle chopped Craisins on top.
• Drizzle everything with white chocolate using a fork.
• Place the bars in the refrigerator for at least one hour before cutting.
• Cut into triangles and serve.

Keyword copycat Starbucks recipe, Cranberry Bliss Bars, easy cranberry recipe, holiday dessert bars

Previous PostChocolate Cookie Dough Cake

Next Post Pizza Pasta

Meet Elena Vance

I am passionate about the idea that we eat with our eyes first, so I strive to make food look just as good as it tastes. I work closely with the team to style and photograph our dishes, giving you a clear, beautiful guide on what to aim for. I had so much fun preparing this recipe, and I hope you find just as much joy in making it (and eating it!) as we did.