There is something utterly delightful about these Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe that makes them a perfect treat any time of year. Imagine golden blondies bursting with tart cranberries and sweet white chocolate chips, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting speckled with vibrant orange zest and more cranberries. The layers of flavor and texture combine into a bar that’s buttery, tangy, and decadently smooth, creating a homemade dessert sensation that everyone will rave about. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or a cozy weekend gathering, this Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe is sure to become your new go-to favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these bars shine. Each element plays an important role, from the fragrant orange zest that brightens the flavor to the creamy frosting that finishes the bars with a silky touch. Here’s everything you’ll want on hand to make these irresistible treats.
- Light brown sugar (1 ½ packed cups): Brings moisture and a rich, caramel-like sweetness to the blondie base.
- Orange zest from 1 orange: Adds refreshing citrus notes that perfectly complement the cranberries.
- Unsalted butter (2 sticks, melted): Ensures a tender, buttery texture for the blondies.
- Eggs (2, at room temperature): Help bind the batter and create a soft crumb.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with warm, sweet undertones.
- Flour (2 cups): Provides the structure for the bars, balancing softness and sturdiness.
- Ground ginger (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle warmth and complexity to the spice profile.
- Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Helps the blondies rise slightly and gives a light texture.
- Cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Offers a cozy spice that harmonizes beautifully with ginger and orange zest.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Sweetened dried cranberries (1 cup plus ½ cup chopped): Provide bursts of tartness and chewy texture throughout the bars and as a garnish.
- White chocolate chips (1 cup): Melt slightly during baking for gooey pockets of sweetness.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Creates the rich and tangy frosting that makes these bars irresistible.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Adds creaminess and smoothness to the frosting.
- Confectioner’s sugar (2 cups, sifted): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to a spreadable perfection.
How to Make Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, line a 9 by 13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang on all sides. This little trick makes removing the bars a breeze once they’ve cooled, so your lovely blondies stay intact and presentable.
Step 2: Make the Blondie Batter
In a large bowl, add the packed light brown sugar and sprinkle in the fragrant orange zest. Rub the zest into the sugar with your fingers to release all that amazing citrus aroma. Next, whisk in the melted butter until the mixture becomes smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Using a spatula, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet batter until fully combined without any flour streaks. Finally, fold in the sweetened dried cranberries and white chocolate chips for delightful bursts of flavor.
Step 3: Bake the Blondies
Scrape the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know the blondies are ready when the edges turn a lovely golden brown and a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, set the pan aside to cool for about 20 minutes before carefully lifting the entire blondie slab out using the parchment paper edges. Let it cool completely on a wire rack before moving on to frosting.
Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While your blondies cool, prepare the frosting. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Slowly add the sifted confectioner’s sugar and vanilla extract, then continue to beat until smooth and creamy, about 1 to 2 more minutes. This frosting is the perfect balance of tangy and sweet, creating a luscious topping for the bars.
Step 5: Frost and Garnish
Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled blondie base with a spatula. Sprinkle the chopped cranberries on top, and add a bit more fresh orange zest for a pop of color and brightness, if you like. Place the bars in the refrigerator for about one hour to let the frosting set nicely. When ready, cut into 24 evenly sized triangles or squares to serve.
How to Serve Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe
Garnishes
For that extra festive touch, consider sprinkling the bars with a few whole fresh cranberries or a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving. You might also add an extra twist of orange zest or even a drizzle of melted white chocolate to make them look as enticing as they taste.
Side Dishes
Cranberry Bliss Bars pair wonderfully with a simple cup of hot coffee or a warm mug of spiced tea. Their rich, tangy sweetness complements cozy drinks beautifully, making them a perfect choice for brunch, afternoon snacks, or dessert after holiday meals.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the bars on a festive platter lined with fresh evergreen sprigs or serve them atop edible gold or silver doilies to impress holiday guests. You can also layer them in a decorative tin or gift box, making a thoughtful homemade gift that anyone would be thrilled to receive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely), store the Cranberry Bliss Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The frosting stays creamy and the bars remain moist for up to five days when properly stored. Just be sure to cover them well to prevent drying out.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully either frosted or unfrosted. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep fresh in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture.
Reheating
Since the bars are best served cool due to the cream cheese frosting, it’s best to enjoy them chilled. If you prefer a softer bite, let them sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving as it may affect the texture of the frosting and white chocolate.
FAQs
Can I substitute fresh cranberries for dried cranberries?
Fresh cranberries have a more tart and watery texture, which would change the consistency of the bars. Dried cranberries are preferred because they add chewy bursts of sweetness that hold up well during baking.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
To make these bars dairy-free, try using vegan butter and dairy-free cream cheese alternatives. Keep in mind this might slightly alter the texture and flavor, but the bars will still be delicious.
Can I use almond flour or gluten-free flour instead of regular flour?
Almond flour or gluten-free blends can be used, but you may need to adjust the amounts slightly and expect a different texture. Gluten-free flour blends with xanthan gum usually work best for maintaining structure.
How thick should I spread the frosting?
A good layer is about ¼ to ⅓ inch thick. This ensures a creamy frosting bite with every piece without overpowering the balance between the blondies and toppings.
What’s the best way to cut these bars evenly?
Chill the bars thoroughly so the frosting firms up before slicing. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat, evenly sized triangles or squares.
Final Thoughts
Treat yourself and your loved ones to the joyous flavors of the Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe. This charming and scrumptious dessert ticks all the boxes with its wonderful combination of tangy cranberries, sweet white chocolate, and creamy frosting layered on buttery blondies. Give it a try—you’ll soon find these bars becoming a beloved classic in your baking repertoire!
