Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe

If you adore that perfect union of sweet-tart, creamy, and delightfully chewy, you’re going to fall head over heels for Cranberry Bliss Bars. These dreamy dessert bars boast rich white chocolate, vibrant bursts of cranberry, and a zingy orange cream cheese frosting that makes every bite worthy of celebration. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a potluck, or just because, these bars transform even an ordinary day into something special. The best part? They’re surprisingly easy to whip up at home, and every luscious layer is better than the last!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Cranberry Bliss Bars is all about balancing simple, high-quality ingredients that bring color, flavor, and texture to every bite. Each ingredient plays a starring role, ensuring your bars turn out bakery-worthy every single time.

• Unsalted butter: Melting this gives the bars a rich, buttery flavor and tender crumb.
• Brown sugar: Adds sweetness with deep, caramelly notes and helps keep everything moist.
• Eggs: Bind the dough for a soft, chewy structure.
• Orange zest: Offers a fresh citrus burst that elevates every bite.
• Vanilla extract: Layers in warmth and rounded sweetness.
• Ground ginger: Just a hint enhances the bar’s warmth and complexity.
• Baking powder: Ensures a gentle lift so your bars bake up perfectly every time.
• Salt: Brightens all the flavors—don’t skip it!
• All-purpose flour: Spoon and level for a tender bar that isn’t too dense.
• White chocolate chips: These sweet morsels melt into creamy pockets throughout the bars.
• Dried cranberries: Chewy and tart, they’re essential for that signature flavor.
• Cream cheese: Softened for smooth, tangy frosting that’s truly luscious.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens your frosting while keeping it light and fluffy.
• Vanilla extract (for frosting): Just a touch in the frosting amplifies the creaminess.
• Dried cranberries (chopped): Sprinkle on top for festive color and texture.
• Melted white chocolate chips: A final drizzle for a glossy, professional finish.

How to Make Cranberry Bliss Bars

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350˚F and lining a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, letting some hang over the sides for easy lifting later. This little step ensures your Cranberry Bliss Bars come out cleanly, ready for cutting and devouring.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Mix with Sugar

Over low heat, melt your unsalted butter in a small pot. Once melted, whisk the brown sugar and melted butter together in a large mixing bowl until it’s smooth and glossy. This melds caramel notes into every bite and gives the bars that ever-so-slight chew.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Now whisk in the eggs, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Take a moment to inhale that delicious orange aroma—it’s one of the best parts! This boosts the flavor base and creates a gorgeous color.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix In

In a separate bowl, whisk together the ground ginger, baking powder, salt, and flour. Add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring gently just until combined. Fold in the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries. Don’t over-mix—just enough to distribute everything evenly.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Spread the dough into your prepared pan, smoothing it into an even layer. Bake for 22 to 24 minutes, just until the edges are light golden and the center is set but still pale. Remember, slightly underbaking keeps your Cranberry Bliss Bars irresistibly soft.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the bars cool completely, add softened cream cheese to a bowl and beat for a full minute. Add powdered sugar (start with 1 1/2 cups, add more for a thicker frosting) and a touch of vanilla extract. Beat until lusciously smooth and creamy—the kind of frosting you’ll want to sneak a taste of!

Step 7: Frost, Top, and Drizzle

Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over your cooled bars. Sprinkle with chopped dried cranberries, then drizzle melted white chocolate over the top in a crisscross pattern. Let the chocolate set, then slice into signature triangles and enjoy your homemade Cranberry Bliss Bars!

How to Serve Cranberry Bliss Bars

Garnishes

For maximum eye-popping effect, top your bars with extra chopped dried cranberries and a delicate drizzle of melted white chocolate. A tiny sprinkle of orange zest or edible gold dust can lend a festive flourish if you’re feeling extra fancy—it’s all about that vibrant, inviting presentation!

Side Dishes

Serve your Cranberry Bliss Bars alongside a steaming mug of coffee or spiced chai for a cozy afternoon pick-me-up. They also pair beautifully with fresh fruit, a bit of whipped cream, or a platter of assorted cookies and treats at your next gathering.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful with your presentation! Stack the bars in a tower for a dessert centerpiece, nestle them in decorative cupcake liners, or plate each piece with a drizzle of berry sauce. For holiday gatherings, wrap a few in parchment and tie with ribbon as the sweetest party favors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Cranberry Bliss Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh and moist for up to five days. Chilling firms up the frosting and gives the flavors extra time to meld, making them even tastier the next day.

Freezing

To freeze, place individually cut and frosted bars on a baking sheet to set, then wrap each one in plastic wrap before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to two months. Simply thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

If you prefer your bars a touch softer, let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. Skip the microwave to preserve the frosting—Cranberry Bliss Bars are truly best enjoyed chilled or at room temp.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

It’s best to stick with dried cranberries for this recipe, as they offer concentrated sweetness and chew that’s perfect for these bars. Fresh cranberries tend to release too much moisture, altering the texture of the dough.

Do I have to use Bob’s Red Mill flour?

While any high-quality all-purpose flour will work, Bob’s Red Mill is known for its consistent texture and flavor, making it a fantastic choice. Just be sure to spoon and level your flour to keep the bars soft and tender.

Can I make Cranberry Bliss Bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute your favorite gluten-free 1:1 baking flour and keep an eye on the baking time, as some gluten-free flours absorb moisture differently. The bars will still turn out wonderfully delicious.

Why are my bars dry or crumbly?

This usually results from over-baking or adding too much flour. Bake just until the edges turn golden, and always spoon and level your flour rather than scooping straight from the bag.

How do I get clean cuts when slicing the bars?

For picture-perfect slices, chill the tray until the bars and frosting are firm, then use a sharp knife wiped clean between each cut. This helps create those classic triangle pieces without smudges!

Final Thoughts

There’s a special kind of joy baked into every batch of Cranberry Bliss Bars, and I hope they bring just as much happiness to your table as they do to mine. With vibrant flavors, irresistible frosting, and that signature bakery-style finish, these bars transform any moment into something to cherish. Give them a try—you’ll see why they quickly become a must-make favorite!

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