Cranberry Bliss Bars: A Festive Treat to Delight Your Senses
Cranberry bliss bars are a luscious combination of tart cranberries, sweet white chocolate, and a rich, buttery blondie base topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting. Inspired by a popular coffeehouse treat, these bars have become a holiday favorite, perfect for gatherings or as a homemade gift. Their festive colors and luxurious flavors make them an irresistible centerpiece for any dessert spread.
The tartness of dried cranberries balances the sweetness of the blondie and white chocolate, while a hint of orange zest in the frosting adds a burst of brightness. These bars are surprisingly easy to make, making them a delightful addition to your baking repertoire, whether you’re preparing for a holiday party or simply indulging in the season’s spirit.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Unsalted butter (melted) | ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) |
Light brown sugar | 1 cup |
Granulated sugar | ½ cup |
Eggs | 2 large |
Vanilla extract | 2 tsp |
All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
Baking powder | 1 tsp |
Salt | ½ tsp |
White chocolate chips | 1 cup |
Dried cranberries | ¾ cup |
Orange zest | 1 tsp |
Cream cheese (softened) | 8 oz |
Powdered sugar | 2 ½ cups |
Heavy cream | 2 tbsp |
Additional cranberries (for topping) | ¼ cup |
White chocolate (melted, for drizzle) | ¼ cup |
Notes:
- Substitutions: Use dark chocolate chips for a richer, less sweet twist.
- Zest: Fresh orange zest adds vibrant flavor; avoid the white pith for a clean taste.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowls: For combining the batter and frosting ingredients.
- Electric Mixer: Essential for creaming and whipping frosting smoothly.
- 9×13-inch Baking Pan: Ensures even baking and yields bars of consistent size.
- Spatula: For folding in ingredients and spreading frosting evenly.
- Piping Bag (optional): For a professional touch when drizzling melted chocolate.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Melt butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and let it cool slightly.
Blondie Base
- Combine wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
- Mix dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Add mix-ins: Gently fold in white chocolate chips, dried cranberries, and orange zest.
- Bake: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely before frosting.
Frosting
- Prepare the frosting: Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and heavy cream, mixing until light and fluffy. For a tangy note, mix in a pinch of orange zest.
- Frost the bars: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled blondie base.
Garnish
- Decorate: Sprinkle additional dried cranberries evenly over the frosting. Drizzle melted white chocolate in zigzag patterns for a festive finish.
- Chill and slice: Refrigerate the bars for 20 minutes to firm up the frosting. Slice into triangles or rectangles for serving.
Tips and Variations
- Perfect Texture: Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the blondie base soft and tender.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix.
- Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter and cream cheese, along with flaxseed meal as an egg substitute.
- Flavor Enhancements: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Cranberry bliss bars shine as a festive dessert or snack. Arrange them on a decorative holiday platter, garnished with sprigs of rosemary or sugared cranberries for an elegant presentation. Their red and white hues make them a beautiful addition to any dessert table.
For individual servings, place the bars in colorful cupcake liners or wrap them in parchment paper and tie with a festive ribbon—perfect for gifting or as party favors. Pair them with other holiday treats like peppermint bark or gingerbread cookies to create a dessert sampler.
Serve these bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an indulgent twist. A light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving adds a snowy effect, enhancing their holiday charm.
Pairings
Cranberry bliss bars pair well with both hot and cold beverages, making them versatile for various occasions.
- Hot Beverages:
- Latte: A creamy vanilla or caramel latte complements the tangy cranberries and rich frosting.
- Spiced Tea: Chai or cinnamon-infused black tea enhances the holiday spices and sweetness.
- Hot Cocoa: Add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a cozy pairing.
- Cold Beverages:
- Sparkling Water with Cranberry: A refreshing choice that mirrors the tart flavors of the bars.
- Iced Coffee: Balanced with a hint of vanilla syrup, it cuts through the richness of the frosting.
- Cranberry Mocktail: A fizzy blend of cranberry juice, orange zest, and soda water enhances the fruity notes in the dessert.
- Alcoholic Options:
- Mulled Wine: The warm spices in the wine echo the festive flavors of the bars.
- Prosecco with a Cranberry Garnish: Light, bubbly, and perfect for celebratory occasions.
- Orange Liqueur Cocktail: Drinks like a Grand Marnier Spritz tie in beautifully with the orange zest in the recipe.
Whether served with a warm beverage on a chilly evening or a sparkling drink at a festive gathering, cranberry bliss bars are sure to delight.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unfrosted bars for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then frost and garnish before serving.
- Serving Tip: Allow chilled bars to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Nutritional Information
Per Bar (Approx. 24 Bars) | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 280 |
Fat | 14g |
Carbohydrates | 35g |
Protein | 3g |
Allergens | Dairy, Gluten, Eggs |
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Conclusion
Cranberry bliss bars are a perfect blend of tart, sweet, and creamy, making them a must-have for holiday celebrations. Their vibrant colors and rich flavors will impress your guests while being surprisingly easy to prepare. Try this recipe, share it with friends, and enjoy the festive spirit in every bite. Don’t forget to post your creations and tag us for a chance to be featured!
Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe
24
bars20
minutes25
minutes45
minutesIngredients
Unsalted butter (melted): ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks)
Light brown sugar: 1 cup
Granulated sugar: ½ cup
Eggs: 2 large
Vanilla extract: 2 tsp
All-purpose flour: 2 cups
Baking powder: 1 tsp
Salt: ½ tsp
White chocolate chips: 1 cup
Dried cranberries: ¾ cup
Orange zest: 1 tsp
Cream cheese (softened): 8 oz
Powdered sugar: 2 ½ cups
Heavy cream: 2 tbsp
Additional cranberries (for topping): ¼ cup
White chocolate (melted, for drizzle): ¼ cup
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Mix melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Add eggs and vanilla.
- Combine dry ingredients and fold into wet mixture. Stir in white chocolate chips, cranberries, and orange zest.
- Spread batter in the pan and bake for 20-25 minutes. Cool completely.
- Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and heavy cream until smooth. Spread over cooled bars.
- Garnish with cranberries and drizzle melted white chocolate. Chill and slice into bars.