Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe

If you’ve been searching for a delightful dessert that perfectly balances tart and sweet with a melt-in-your-mouth crumb, look no further than this Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe. These bars boast a tender blondie base studded with luscious white chocolate chips and tart dried cranberries, all topped with a dreamy cream cheese frosting infused with warm hints of orange and vanilla. Every bite feels like a festive celebration in your mouth, making these bars an irresistible treat for any occasion or cozy night in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe calls for simple yet purposeful ingredients that work together to create layers of flavor and texture, from the buttery blondie base to the creamy frosting and crucial tart pop of cranberries.

• 1 cup salted butter, melted: Provides a moist, rich base and brings out all the sweet and tangy flavors perfectly.
• 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes for a beautifully balanced sweetness.
• 2 large eggs: Helps bind the batter and gives the bars a tender, cakey texture.
• 1 teaspoon orange extract: Infuses a fresh, citrusy brightness that elevates the cranberries’ natural tartness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor with warm, comforting notes.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The structural foundation that keeps the bars perfect in every bite.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Adds just the right amount of lift for a light, airy texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: A subtle spice that offers complexity and warmth.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and highlights all the flavors.
• 1 cup white chocolate chips: Melts into creamy pockets of sweetness throughout the blondie layer.
• 3/4 cup dried cranberries: Bursting with tartness to contrast the rich white chocolate and smooth frosting.
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened: The luscious base for the frosting that’s tangy and smooth.
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted: Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese frosting perfectly.
• 1/2 teaspoon orange extract: Adds a fresh twist to the frosting, echoing the blondie layer’s citrus notes.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the creamy richness of the frosting.
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries, coarsely chopped: Garnishes the frosting with added texture and a tart burst.
• 2 ounces almond bark, melted (or white chocolate): Creates a beautiful decorative drizzle, adding an elegant finishing touch.

How to Make Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and preparing a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or parchment paper. This step is key to ensuring your bars come out cleanly and maintain their perfect shape.

Step 2: Make the Blondie Base

In a large bowl, cream together the melted butter and brown sugar until they meld into a luscious, caramel-colored mixture. Then, incorporate the eggs, orange extract, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and fragrant. This combination forms the flavor backbone of your blondie layer.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground ginger, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the rising agent and spices, which leads to an even texture and subtle warmth throughout your blondies.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Then fold in the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries, giving the batter delightful bursts of sweetness and tartness. Keep in mind the batter will be thick—this is perfect!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan and bake for 18 to 21 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Watch closely—overbaking can dry out the bars, so once done, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Step 6: Frost the Bars

While the blondies cool, prepare your creamy frosting by beating together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Stir in the orange and vanilla extracts, creating a luscious, tangy layer that perfectly balances the rich base.

Step 7: Assemble and Garnish

Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled blondies, then sprinkle with the coarsely chopped cranberries for texture and a burst of color. Finally, drizzle the melted almond bark or white chocolate over the top for an elegant finish. Chill in the fridge to set the frosting before slicing.

How to Serve Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkling chopped dried cranberries on top not only adds a vibrant pop of color but also enhances the tart contrast with each bite. You can also consider adding a light dusting of powdered sugar to give your bars an extra pretty, festive look.

Side Dishes

These bars pair beautifully with a hot cup of spiced tea or rich coffee, which helps balance their sweetness. For a brunch spread, serve alongside fresh fruit or fluffy whipped cream for a luxurious treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe into triangles instead of traditional squares for a fun twist that’s perfect for parties. Arrange them on a festive platter with sprigs of fresh rosemary or edible flowers to make the presentation truly Instagram-worthy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cranberry Bliss Bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Keeping them chilled preserves the freshness of the cream cheese frosting while maintaining the texture of the blondie base.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these bars later, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze beautifully for up to three months, making them a convenient make-ahead treat.

Reheating

To enjoy frozen bars, allow them to thaw overnight in the fridge. Serve chilled or bring to room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes; avoid microwaving to keep the frosting and base intact and creamy.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Fresh cranberries are much more tart and contain more moisture, which can affect the texture of the bars. Dried cranberries are preferred to maintain the perfect balance of sweet and tart while keeping the blondie base moist but firm.

Is there a substitute for almond bark in the drizzle?

Yes! You can use melted white chocolate or even colored candy melts to drizzle over the bars. Almond bark helps the drizzle set quickly, but white chocolate works great if you allow it time to firm up in the fridge.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

To make the Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup for cup, and ensure your baking powder is gluten-free. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.

How long do these bars last after baking?

Stored properly in the refrigerator, these bars will stay fresh for up to five days. Because of the cream cheese frosting, refrigeration is essential to keep them safe and tasty.

Can I skip the orange extract?

If you don’t have orange extract or prefer not to use it, you can substitute with an equal amount of lemon extract or simply omit it. The bars will still be delicious but will miss that bright citrus note that makes them extra special.

Final Thoughts

Everything about this Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe speaks to indulgence, festive flavors, and comfort all wrapped into one easy-to-make treat. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just treating yourself and loved ones, these bars are guaranteed to bring smiles and warm hearts. So grab your ingredients, and let’s make some magic happen in the kitchen—you won’t regret it!

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