Cranberry Bliss Bar

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Cranberry Bliss Bar with cream cheese frosting and cranberries on a plate

Cranberry Bliss Bar – A Yummy Holiday Treat

As the crisp air gently ushers in the holiday season, nothing warms the soul quite like a cozy kitchen filled with the aroma of freshly baked treats. Enter the Cranberry Bliss Bar—a deliciously festive dessert that combines the tartness of dried cranberries with the sweet creaminess of white chocolate and a luscious cream cheese frosting. This delightful treat not only pleases the palate but also brings a touch of holiday cheer to any gathering. Perfect for cozy mornings, casual get-togethers, or even as a sweet ending to your holiday feast, these bars are simply irresistible!

Recipe Information

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Servings: 16 bars
  • Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 210
  • Protein: 2g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fat: 9g

Why Make This Recipe

The Cranberry Bliss Bar is a feast for the senses. The delightful contrast between chewy cranberries and creamy white chocolate creates a lovely taste sensation. The aroma wafting from the oven is enough to make your mouth water, inviting everyone in the house to gather around. This recipe is a breeze to whip up, making it a fantastic choice for family gatherings, festive celebrations, or even a casual afternoon treat. With its bright colors and festive flavors, it’s guaranteed to spread smiles and joy!

How to Make Cranberry Bliss Bar

Ingredients

  • For the Bars:

    • 1 cup all-purpose flour
    • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 cup butter, softened
    • 1 cup brown sugar
    • 2 large eggs
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 cup dried cranberries
    • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips

  • For the Frosting:

    • 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
    • 1 cup powdered sugar
    • 1 tablespoon milk
    • 1/4 cup dried cranberries (for topping)
    • 1/4 cup white chocolate shavings (for topping)

Optional Ingredients and Substitutions

  • Substitute walnuts or pecans for a nutty crunch.
  • Use almond flour for a gluten-free version.
  • Toss in some orange zest for a hint of citrus freshness.

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish (9×9 inches works great!).
  2. In a medium bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until smooth and light in color.
  4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
  6. Gently fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.
  7. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish on a wire rack.
  9. To prepare the frosting, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until creamy and smooth.
  10. Spread the frosting over the cooled bars, then garnish with additional dried cranberries and white chocolate shavings.
  11. Cut into squares, serve, and enjoy!

Baking Tips:

  • Don’t Overmix: Gently mix your batter to achieve a light texture, avoiding overmixing to prevent dense bars.
  • Doneness Test: Use a toothpick to check for doneness; it should come out clean when the bars are ready.

How to Serve

These Cranberry Bliss Bars can be enjoyed on their own or paired beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. They also make fantastic additions to dessert platters at gatherings or simply topped with a drizzle of honey or a dollop of whipped cream.

How to Store

To keep your Cranberry Bliss Bars fresh:

  • Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Refrigerator: They can last up to 1 week in the fridge.
  • Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container.

Expert Tips

  • For best results, make sure your butter is softened properly to ensure easy creaming with the sugar.
  • Always allow the bars to cool completely before frosting—this helps prevent the icing from melting into the bars.
  • Cut bars with a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean edges.

Delicious Variations

  • Vegan Version: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water, and use vegan cream cheese.
  • Cinnamon Swirl: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the batter for a warm spice flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Swap: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free edition of this dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I use other fruits?
    Yes! Chopped dried cherries or apricots work beautifully as substitutes for cranberries.
  • Why is it dry/dense?
    Overmixing the batter or baking for too long can result in dry bars.
  • What can I do with leftovers?
    Leftover bars are ideal for lunchboxes, afternoon snacks, or even crumbled over yogurt!
  • Can I use frozen ingredients?
    You can use frozen cranberries instead of dried; just ensure to thoroughly drain and pat them dry.

Conclusion

Embrace the holiday spirit by trying out this mouthwatering Cranberry Bliss Bar recipe! With its delightful flavors and simple preparation, it’s bound to be a hit among friends and family. We encourage you to give it a whirl and come back to share your thoughts or any fun twists you added to your version. Happy baking!

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