Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Cranberry Bliss Bars are packed with rich flavor, offering the perfect balance between sweet and tart. The combination of dried cranberries and white chocolate chips makes every bite a delightful contrast of flavors, while the cream cheese frosting adds a velvety, indulgent finish. They’re easy to prepare and great for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, celebrating a special occasion, or enjoying a simple treat with your favorite warm beverage.

Ingredients

For the Bars:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- Powdered sugar and vanilla extract (to taste)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream the Butter and Add the Eggs

In another bowl, cream the softened butter with the dry mixture until fluffy. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

4. Add the Cranberries and White Chocolate

Fold in the dry ingredients from step 2, then gently mix in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.

5. Bake the Bars

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bars are golden brown. You can test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean when the bars are done. Allow the bars to cool completely.

6. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the bars are cooling, make the frosting. In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract to taste until smooth and creamy.

7. Frost and Serve

Once the bars have cooled completely, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over the top. Cut into squares and serve.

Optional:

Garnish with extra dried cranberries or white chocolate chips for a festive touch.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 24 bars
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

Add Orange Zest: For an extra burst of flavor, add a teaspoon of orange zest into the batter for a subtle citrus twist that pairs beautifully with the cranberries.
Nuts for Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for a crunchy texture that complements the soft and chewy bars.
Make it Vegan: Use a vegan cream cheese alternative and swap eggs with a flaxseed egg substitute for a vegan version.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover cranberry bliss bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week.
Freezing: These bars freeze well! Wrap each bar individually and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating: These bars are best served at room temperature, but you can microwave them for 10-15 seconds for a warm, gooey treat.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Fresh cranberries are too tart and have more moisture, which can affect the texture of the bars. It’s best to stick with dried cranberries, but if you prefer fresh, consider chopping them and adjusting the sugar level in the recipe to balance the tartness.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes! These bars actually taste better after resting for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld together. You can make them a day or two ahead of time and store them in an airtight container.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check the other ingredients (like the cream cheese and vanilla extract) for any hidden gluten.

How can I make the cream cheese frosting fluffier?

For a fluffier frosting, you can add a tablespoon or two of heavy cream while beating the cream cheese to achieve a lighter consistency.

Conclusion

These Cranberry Bliss Bars are the perfect combination of sweet, tart, and creamy. With their rich texture and festive flavors, they are sure to become a favorite treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday party, enjoying them with friends over coffee, or indulging in a cozy afternoon snack, these bars will always be a hit!

Cranberry Bliss Bars

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These Cranberry Bliss Bars combine the tartness of dried cranberries with the sweetness of white chocolate and a creamy cream cheese frosting, making for a delicious and festive treat.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Serves 24
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt. Set aside.
Cream the Butter and Add the Eggs: Cream the softened butter with the dry mixture until fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
Add the Cranberries and White Chocolate: Fold in the dry ingredients from step 2, then gently mix in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.
Bake the Bars: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Test with a toothpick for doneness. Let the bars cool completely.
Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract to taste until smooth and creamy.
Frost and Serve: Spread the frosting over the cooled bars. Cut into squares and serve. Optional: Garnish with extra dried cranberries or white chocolate chips.

Notes

Variations: Add orange zest for a citrusy twist. Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch. Make it vegan by substituting with a vegan cream cheese alternative and flaxseed eggs.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 210
Sugar: 24g
Sodium: 140mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 35mg