Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe – Easy, Chewy & Delicious Dessert Bars
Cranberry Bliss Bars
There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about a dessert that’s both indulgent and comforting. As someone who has spent decades experimenting in the kitchen, I can honestly say that few treats capture the warmth of the holidays and the simplicity of home baking like cranberry bliss bars. With their chewy, buttery base, a touch of tart cranberries, and a creamy frosting sprinkled with white chocolate and zest, these bars are the perfect combination of flavors and textures.
They’re the kind of recipe I return to when I want to create something special for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or even a quiet weekend treat. Easy to make yet impressive enough to serve to guests, cranberry bliss bars are a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly memorable.
Why You’ll Love This: Cranberry Bliss Bars
You’ll love these bars because they balance sweetness and tartness perfectly. The soft, chewy base pairs beautifully with the tang of dried cranberries and the richness of cream cheese frosting. They’re decadent but approachable, making them ideal for both novice bakers and experienced dessert makers. Plus, they store well, so you can prepare them ahead of time without losing flavor or texture. Whether you’re baking for a festive party or just a cozy night in, these bars bring a touch of homemade magic to any occasion.
Is Cranberry Bliss Bars Healthy?
While cranberry bliss bars are certainly a treat, they do contain ingredients like cranberries, nuts, and oats that add some nutritional value. Dried cranberries offer antioxidants, and if you include nuts, they bring heart-healthy fats and protein. Of course, these bars are still a sweet dessert, so they’re best enjoyed in moderation. Making them at home also gives you control over ingredients, so you can reduce sugar slightly or use whole-grain flour if desired, making them a slightly healthier option than store-bought versions.
How to Make Cranberry Bliss Bars
Making cranberry bliss bars is straightforward, and the process is very satisfying. Start by preparing the base: a mixture of flour, brown sugar, butter, and eggs that forms a soft, chewy foundation. Stir in dried cranberries and white chocolate chips for bursts of flavor in every bite. Once baked, the base is cooled slightly before spreading a luscious cream cheese frosting on top. A final sprinkle of chopped nuts, white chocolate shavings, or even a little orange zest adds a festive touch. With a few simple steps, you’ll have bars that look and taste like they came from a bakery, but with the warmth and personality of a homemade treat.
Add Your Touch to Cranberry Bliss Bars
One of the best parts about cranberry bliss bars is how customizable they are. Swap out dried cranberries for dried cherries or raspberries for a slightly different tartness. Nuts like pecans or walnuts add extra texture, or you can leave them out entirely if you prefer. For the frosting, try adding a hint of vanilla or orange extract to enhance the flavor. You can even drizzle melted chocolate over the top for a more indulgent finish. The recipe is versatile enough to let you play with flavors while still keeping the essence of a classic cranberry bliss bar.
Ingredients for Cranberry Bliss Bars
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups dried cranberries
- 1 ½ cups white chocolate chips
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 3 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- Optional toppings: chopped nuts, white chocolate shavings, orange zest
Serving Suggestions for Cranberry Bliss Bars
Cranberry bliss bars are perfect as a dessert, snack, or part of a holiday cookie platter. Serve them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat. They also make a wonderful gift simply cut into squares, wrap in parchment paper, and tie with a ribbon. These bars pair beautifully with fruit-based desserts or can be served alongside a creamy custard or ice cream for extra indulgence.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
- Overmixing the batter: Mix just until ingredients are combined to avoid a dense texture.
- Not cooling before frosting: Spread frosting only when the bars are completely cooled to prevent melting.
- Using too much frosting: While tempting, too much frosting can make the bars overly sweet and messy.
- Uneven cutting: Use a sharp knife and wipe it between cuts to keep the bars looking neat.
- Ignoring oven temperature: Check your oven temperature; too hot and the edges may burn before the center is cooked.
FAQs
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, cranberry bliss bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Can I freeze them?
Yes, wrap bars tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I use fresh cranberries?
Dried cranberries are recommended for texture, but you can use fresh if chopped finely and slightly sweetened.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Can I reduce sugar in the frosting?
Yes, reduce powdered sugar slightly or use a sugar substitute, but note the texture may change slightly.
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Conclusion
Cranberry bliss bars are one of those recipes that make you feel at home instantly. They’re easy to prepare, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for holidays, gifting, or a cozy weekend treat, these bars bring warmth, sweetness, and nostalgia to any occasion. With their chewy texture, tart cranberries, and rich cream cheese frosting, cranberry bliss bars remind us that the simplest ingredients often create the most memorable desserts.
Recipe Summary
Serving: 16 bars
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Calories: Approximately 320 per bar
Level of Difficulty: Easy
TITLE: Cranberry Bliss Bars
Course: Dessert16 bars
servings20
minutes25
minutes320
kcalIngredients
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 ½ cups dried cranberries
1 ½ cups white chocolate chips
8 oz cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
3 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in eggs and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Gradually add dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
Fold in dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.
Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and set. Remove from oven and let cool.
Prepare frosting by beating cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars and top with chopped nuts, white chocolate shavings, or orange zest if desired.
Cut into 16 bars and serve.
Notes
- Ensure bars are fully cooled before frosting to avoid melting.
Use softened butter and cream cheese for smooth frosting.
Chop cranberries or nuts evenly to maintain texture in each bite.
Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Can be frozen for up to 3 months—wrap tightly before freezing.
