As a busy mom, I know how precious time can be, especially when it comes to whipping up something delightful in the kitchen. That’s why I absolutely adore these cranberry bliss bars. They’re not just a treat; they’re a quick solution for those hectic days when you want to impress your loved ones without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of tart cranberries and sweet white chocolate creates a symphony of flavors that will dance on your taste buds. Trust me, these bars are perfect for any occasion, and they’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Bliss Bars
These cranberry bliss bars are a dream come true for busy moms and professionals alike. They come together in just 45 minutes, making them a quick and satisfying dessert option. The delightful blend of flavors is sure to please even the pickiest eaters in your family. Plus, they’re perfect for sharing at gatherings or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee. Who wouldn’t love a treat that’s both easy and delicious?
Ingredients for Cranberry Bliss Bars
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful cranberry bliss bars. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour: This is the base of your bars, providing structure and a soft texture.
- Baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the bars rise, giving them a light and fluffy feel.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture; make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Brown sugar: This brings a deep, caramel-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with cranberries.
- Granulated sugar: For that classic sweetness, it complements the brown sugar perfectly.
- Large eggs: They bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of this adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- Dried cranberries: The star of the show! Their tartness contrasts wonderfully with the sweetness.
- White chocolate chips: These little gems melt into the bars, adding a creamy sweetness.
- Cream cheese: Used for the frosting, it gives a rich and tangy finish.
- Powdered sugar: This sweetens the frosting and gives it a smooth texture.
- Orange zest: A hint of citrus brightens the frosting and adds a lovely aroma.
For those looking to mix things up, feel free to substitute dried cranberries with other dried fruits like cherries or apricots. You can find the exact measurements for these ingredients at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!
How to Make Cranberry Bliss Bars
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cranberry bliss bars bake evenly. While the oven warms up, grab a 9×9 inch baking pan and grease it well. You can use butter or cooking spray. This step is crucial; it prevents the bars from sticking, making it easier to cut them later. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself for this little effort!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine your all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together until they’re well blended. This simple step helps to evenly distribute the baking powder, ensuring your bars rise beautifully. It’s like giving your ingredients a little pep talk before they meet their sweet companions!
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
Now, in a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. The fluffy texture is key; it helps to create a tender bar. Plus, the aroma of butter and sugar is simply irresistible!
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add in the large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, pour in the vanilla extract. This step adds a lovely warmth to your batter. Make sure everything is well combined; you want a smooth mixture that’s ready to embrace the dry ingredients!
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. I like to do this in three parts, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep that light texture. It’s like a dance, bringing the two mixtures together without losing their individual charm!
Step 6: Fold in Cranberries and Chocolate
Now comes the fun part! Gently fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips. Use a spatula to ensure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. This is where the magic happens; the tart cranberries and sweet chocolate create a delightful contrast that makes these bars so special!
Step 7: Bake the Bars
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared baking pan. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be heavenly, and your family will be eagerly waiting!
Step 8: Prepare the Frosting
While the bars are cooling, let’s whip up that delicious cream cheese frosting. In a separate bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and orange zest until smooth. This frosting adds a creamy, tangy finish that perfectly complements the sweetness of the bars. It’s like the cherry on top, but even better!
Step 9: Frost and Cut
Once the bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top. Then, cut them into squares. For an extra festive touch, you can sprinkle some additional cranberries on top. These cranberry bliss bars are now ready to be devoured!
Tips for Success
- Make sure your butter is softened for easy creaming; it should be at room temperature.
- Don’t overmix the batter; a few lumps are okay for a tender texture.
- Let the bars cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- For a fun twist, try adding nuts or coconut to the batter.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh and delicious!
Equipment Needed
- 9×9 inch baking pan: A square pan is ideal, but you can use an 8×8 inch pan if that’s what you have.
- Mixing bowls: A set of various sizes will help with mixing ingredients.
- Electric mixer: A hand mixer works great, but a whisk can do the job too.
- Spatula: Essential for folding in ingredients and spreading frosting.
Variations
- Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture that complements the soft bars.
- Chocolate Lovers: Substitute half of the white chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these bars suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.
- Vegan Twist: Replace eggs with flaxseed meal and use vegan butter for a plant-based version.
- Spiced Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, cozy flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your cranberry bliss bars with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
- Serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
- For a festive touch, arrange the bars on a decorative platter with fresh cranberries and mint leaves.
- These bars also make a great addition to holiday dessert tables or potlucks!
FAQs about Cranberry Bliss Bars
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
While fresh cranberries can be used, they are much more tart. If you choose to go this route, consider adding a bit more sugar to balance the flavors. Dried cranberries are sweeter and provide a lovely chewy texture in these cranberry bliss bars.
How should I store leftover bars?
To keep your cranberry bliss bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks. Just make sure to let them come to room temperature before serving!
Can I freeze these bars?
Absolutely! These bars freeze beautifully. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight.
What can I substitute for cream cheese in the frosting?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese instead of cream cheese. Both will give you a creamy texture, but the flavor will be slightly different. Experiment to find your favorite!
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! These cranberry bliss bars are perfect for making ahead of time. You can bake them a day or two in advance and frost them just before serving. This makes them an excellent choice for holiday gatherings or busy weeknights!
Final Thoughts
Making these cranberry bliss bars is more than just baking; it’s about creating sweet moments with family and friends. The joy of pulling a warm batch from the oven, the aroma filling your kitchen, and the smiles on your loved ones’ faces as they take that first bite—it’s priceless. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself after a long day, these bars are sure to bring happiness. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let the magic of these delightful bars brighten your day. You deserve it!
Print
Cranberry bliss bars that will delight your taste buds!
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cranberry bliss bars are a delicious dessert that combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of white chocolate and a creamy frosting, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9 inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Fold in the cranberries and white chocolate chips.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and orange zest until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled bars and cut into squares.
Notes
- For a festive touch, sprinkle additional cranberries on top of the frosting.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Feel free to substitute dried cranberries with other dried fruits if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American