Name: Irresistible Cranberry Bliss Bars: 12 Reasons to Love Them
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted; 1 ½ cups brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; ¾ cup dried cranberries; ¾ cup white chocolate chips; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; ½ tsp vanilla extract; ⅓ cup dried cranberries, chopped; ½ cup white chocolate chips, melted (for drizzling)

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Cranberry Bliss Bars are an irresistible treat that captures the essence of the holiday season. With a moist blondie base, sweet dried cranberries, and a luscious cream cheese frosting, these bars are a copycat of the beloved Starbucks favorite. Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering or looking for a delicious dessert to share, these bars are sure to impress. They are simple to make yet elegant enough for gift-giving, making them a must-try addition to your holiday spread.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Bliss Bars

There are countless reasons why you’ll adore these Cranberry Bliss Bars. First, they offer a delightful combination of flavors that will please any palate. The tartness of the cranberries perfectly balances the sweetness of the white chocolate, creating a harmonious taste experience. Second, they are incredibly easy to prepare, making them an excellent choice for novice bakers. Third, these bars are versatile; you can easily adapt them to be vegan or gluten-free. Plus, they are perfect for holiday gatherings and can be enjoyed as a Cranberry Dessert Bar or Cranberry Treat Bar. Finally, they can be made ahead of time for stress-free entertaining, which makes them ideal for busy holiday schedules, and with a prep time of only 15 minutes, you’ll have more time to enjoy the festivities!

Ingredients for Cranberry Bliss Bars

Gather these items:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
1 ½ cups brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
¾ cup dried cranberries
¾ cup white chocolate chips
8 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup powdered sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract
⅓ cup dried cranberries, chopped
½ cup white chocolate chips, melted (for drizzling)

How to Make Cranberry Bliss Bars Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well. Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined. Fold in dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.

Step 3: Spread batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 22–25 minutes or until edges are golden and the center is set. Cool completely before frosting.
Step 4: For the frosting, beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and fluffy.
Step 5: Spread frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Sprinkle chopped cranberries on top and drizzle with melted white chocolate.
Step 6: Chill for 1 hour before slicing. Cut into triangles or squares and enjoy!

Pro Tips for the Best Cranberry Bliss Bars

Keep these in mind:

These bars are great for holiday gift-giving.

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for freshness.
Can be frozen for later enjoyment; just thaw before serving.
For a unique twist, consider adding nuts for extra crunch.
To create Cranberry Bliss Bars with cream cheese frosting, ensure your cream cheese is softened for easy blending.

Best Ways to Serve Cranberry Bliss Bars

These bars can be served in various delightful ways. You can present them on a festive platter at your holiday party, making them a centerpiece dessert. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, adding a touch of sweetness to your beverage. For a more decadent experience, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a delightful Cranberry Dessert Bar experience.

How to Store and Reheat Cranberry Bliss Bars

To keep your Cranberry Bliss Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last up to a week if stored properly. If you want to enjoy them later, they can be frozen. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight, and they’ll be just as delicious as the day you made them.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Bliss Bars

What’s the secret to perfect Cranberry Bliss Bars?

The key to perfect Cranberry Bliss Bars is to not overmix the batter once you add the flour. This ensures a tender blondie base. Also, using high-quality ingredients like fresh cranberries or premium white chocolate can elevate the flavor significantly.

Can I make Cranberry Bliss Bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Cranberry Bliss Bars ahead of time! They are perfect for preparing a day or two in advance. Just store them in the fridge once frosted, and they will remain delicious and fresh for your gathering.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Cranberry Bliss Bars?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure your butter is melted but not too hot when mixing with sugar, as this can lead to a greasy texture. Also, be sure to measure your flour correctly; too much flour can make the bars dry.

Variations of Cranberry Bliss Bars You Can Try

There are many fun variations to try with Cranberry Bliss Bars. You can make Vegan Cranberry Bliss Bars by substituting eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce. For a gluten-free option, use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour. Additionally, you can create Cranberry Cake Bars by adding a bit of almond extract to the batter for a unique flavor twist. Each variation offers a delightful take on this holiday favorite!

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