What are Cranberry Bliss Bars? I remember the first time I made them. My family devoured them faster than I could say “Santa’s Day”. ” Think of them as the blondie’s festive cousin – chewy, buttery and bursting with cranberries and almonds. What is white chocolate? If you love Starbucks’ version, just wait until you taste these homemade Christmas Desserts. Is it true that they’re even better?
What are Cranberry Bliss Bars?
Cranberry Bliss Bars are essentially a delightful layered treat perfect for the Christmas season. They start with a dense, chewy blondie base packed with dried cranberries and white chocolate chips. What’s the Best way to top a cake with cream cheese frosting? Is it good to serve cranberries with white chocolate? Is it addictive? What does it feel like when you take a bite?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some of the best Christmas desserts? What I love most about this is how easy it is to make – even easier than making regular bread. Is it necessary to be a professional baker to whip up these cookies? Oh my goodness, the flavor! The combination of tart cranberries, sweet white chocolate, and tangy Cream Cheese Frosting is a hit. Is it a symphony of tastes that just says Christmas? What is a budget friendly product? You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. Plus, these bars are super versatile. You can serve them as a dessert, snack, or even give them away as gifts. They always disappear in minutes at my house, and I’m sure they will at yours too!
How do I make Cranberry Bliss Bars?
Quick Overview
How do you make Cranberry Bliss Bars? How do I make a blondie base? If you bake it until golden brown and slightly firm, you’ll need to adjust the temperature. While the blondie is cooling, you’ll prepare the Cream Cheese frosting and then slather it on top of it. The cooled base. What’s your favorite way to serve cranberries and white chocolate? Finish touch. Is it so easy to do?
Ingredients
For the Blondie Base:
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted: I always use good quality butter, it really makes a difference in the flavor.
* 1 cup packed light brown sugar: This gives the bars that lovely chewy texture.
Is it safe to mix 1 large egg at room temperature?
* 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Don’t skimp on the vanilla! It adds a wonderful warmth.
* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: I always measure my flour by spooning it into a measuring cup and leveling off.
* 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: This helps bars rise slightly.
* 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances out the sweetness.
I prefer sweetened dried cranberries for extra sweetness.
* 1 cup white chocolate chips: I love Ghirardelli, but any good quality white chocolate chips will work.
What is the recipe for Cream Cheese Frosting?
* 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Make sure it’s really softened or you’ll end up with lumpy frosting.
* 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened: Same as the cream cheese, needs to be soft!
* 2 cups powdered sugar: Sift it if it’s lumpy.
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Again, don’t skimp on the vanilla! * 2 tablespoons milk or cream: Add more or less to reach your desired consistency.
* 1/4 teaspoon orange zest: This adds a wonderful citrusy note to the frosting, but it’s optional.
For the Garnish:
* 1/4 cup dried cranberries: For that extra pop of color and flavor.
* 1/4 cup white chocolate chips, melted: Adds a beautiful finish.
How do I get started
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. Why is it so easy to lift the bars out later? I’ve forgotten this step before, and it was a nightmare trying to get the bars out!
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 properly.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar. Set aside. Add the egg and Vanilla Extract and whisk until well combined. Make sure the butter isn’t too hot when you add the egg, or it might cook slightly.
Step 4: Combine
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. How do you make a tough bar? Gently fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
If you have a large pan, pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. I like to use an offset spatula to make sure the batter is nice and smooth.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist air bubbles. Do not overbake, or the bars will be dry. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting. This is crucial, or the frosting will melt!
Step 7: Bake
While the bars are cooling, make the frosting. In a large bowl, beat together the Cream Cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Set aside. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and milk or cream, and beat until light and fluffy. I sometimes add a little extra milk to get the perfect consistency.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Sprinkle with remaining dried cranberries and drizzle with the melted white chocolate. I like to melt white chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second intervals. Is there a stirring in between
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Is it necessary to refrigerate the frosting for 30 minutes? What makes bars easier to cut? Use parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares and serve. What are some of the Best Christmas desserts?
What should I serve it with?
Can you make Cranberry Bliss Bars? What are some of the best treats and
For Breakfast:Enjoy them with a cup of hot coffee or tea. The sweetness of the bars complements the bitterness of coffee perfectly. I love having these with my morning coffee during the holidays – it’s such a treat!
For Brunch: Serve them alongside other brunch favorites like scrambled eggs, bacon, and fruit salad. They add a touch of sweetness to the savory spread.
As Dessert:Offer them as part of a dessert platter along with other Christmas cookies and treats. They’re always a crowd pleaser.
For Cozy Snacks: Pair them with a glass of milk or a mug of hot chocolate. It’s the perfect cozy snack on a cold winter day.
My family loves to have these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream against the chewy bar is simply heavenly. It’s a Christmas tradition we’ve had for years!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Cranberry Bliss Bars
Want to take your Cranberry Bliss Bars to the next level? Here are a few tips that I’ve learned over the years:
Zucchini Prep: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are properly softened. This will ensure that your batter and frosting are smooth and creamy. If you forget to take them out of the fridge ahead of time, you can microwave them for a few seconds, but be careful not to melt them.
Mixing Advice: Don’t overmix the batter. Overmixing can result in tough bars. Mix until just combined.
Swirl Customization: Use good quality white chocolate chips. The quality of the white chocolate will affect the flavor of the bars. I prefer Ghirardelli or Guittard.
Ingredient Swaps: Add orange zest to the frosting. This adds a wonderful citrusy note that complements the cranberries and white chocolate perfectly. I’ve also tried adding a little bit of almond extract to the batter for a unique flavor twist.
Baking Tips: Don’t overbake the bars. Overbaking will result in dry bars. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Glaze Variations: Let the bars cool completely before frosting. If you frost them while they’re still warm, the frosting will melt.
I once tried to make these bars with brown butter, and it added such a nutty, rich flavor. It’s a bit more work, but it’s definitely worth it if you want to impress your guests. Also, if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought cream cheese frosting. It won’t be quite as good as homemade, but it’s a great option in a pinch.
Storing and Reheating Tips
These Cranberry Bliss Bars are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Here’s a breakdown of storage times:
Room Temperature: You can store them at room temperature for up to 2 days, but they’re best kept in the fridge to prevent the frosting from melting.
Refrigerator Storage: They’ll 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: You can freeze these bars 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: I recommend frosting the bars right before serving. This will ensure that the frosting is fresh and creamy.
I usually make a big batch of these bars and freeze half of them for later. It’s so nice to have a delicious Christmas treat on hand whenever I want one!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
These Cranberry Bliss Bars are more than just a dessert; they’re a taste of Christmas in every bite. The combination of the chewy blondie base, the tangy cream cheese frosting, and the sweet cranberries and white chocolate is simply irresistible. They’re easy to make, budget-friendly, and always a crowd-pleaser. If you’re looking for the perfect Christmas Desserts to share with your loved ones, look no further! And if you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other holiday baking recipes. Happy baking, and can’t wait to hear how yours turn out!
Christmas Desserts
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup Unsalted butter Softened
- 2 Large eggs
- 1 tsp Baking powder
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.75 cup Milk
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
Frosting
- 1 cup Unsalted butter Softened
- 3 cups Powdered sugar
- 0.25 cup Milk
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cupcakes cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frosting the Cupcakes
- In a large bowl, beat the butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Beat in the milk and vanilla extract.
- Frost the cooled cupcakes with vanilla frosting and decorate with holiday sprinkles.
