Cranberry Bliss Bars

Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe: Top 1 Holiday Dessert Ever

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Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe: Top 1 Holiday Dessert Ever

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Get ready to discover the ultimate holiday treat with our easy-to-follow Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe! These festive, chewy bars topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting and delightful cranberry-orange zest are truly a seasonal sensation. They are perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying a cozy moment by yourself.

Introduction to Your New Favorite Holiday Treat

The holiday season calls for special treats, and nothing says “festive” quite like Cranberry Bliss Bars. Inspired by a popular coffee shop classic, these bars bring a burst of bright, tangy, and sweet flavors to your dessert table. They’re surprisingly simple to make at home.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe will guide you to create perfect, crowd-pleasing bars. Prepare to impress everyone with your homemade holiday baking skills!

Why Cranberry Bliss Bars are the Top 1 Holiday Dessert Ever

There’s a good reason why these delectable treats earn the title of a top holiday dessert. Their unique combination of a soft, spiced blonde brownie base, zesty cream cheese frosting, and tart dried cranberries creates an unforgettable taste experience. Every bite is a perfect balance of sweet and tangy.

They are not just delicious; they are also visually stunning. The vibrant red cranberries and orange zest against the white frosting make them an ideal addition to any Christmas gathering. These Cranberry Bliss Bars are sure to become a beloved tradition in your home.

Essential Ingredients for the Bars

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to baking bliss. Here’s what you’ll need for these incredible holiday treats:

For the Bars:

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (plus more for garnish)
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries (plus more for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 4 oz (1/2 block) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tablespoon orange juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon orange zest

How to Make Our Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of irresistible bliss bars.

Step 1: Prepare the Cranberry Orange Bar Base

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined.
  3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground ginger. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Fold in the white chocolate chips, dried cranberries, and 1 tablespoon of orange zest.
  6. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
  7. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.

Step 2: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting

  1. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
  2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined, then increase to medium-high and beat until smooth.
  3. Stir in the vanilla extract, orange juice, and 1/2 teaspoon orange zest until the frosting is creamy and well-blended.

Step 3: Assemble and Decorate Your Bliss Bars

  1. Once the bar base is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
  2. Melt additional white chocolate chips (if using) and drizzle over the frosted bars.
  3. Chop additional dried cranberries and sprinkle them over the top for a beautiful finish. You can also add a touch more orange zest.
  4. Chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set before slicing.
  5. Cut into squares or rectangles and serve! Enjoy your delicious Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe!

Pro Tips for Perfect Bliss Bars Every Time

Achieving bakery-quality bliss bars is easier than you think with these expert tips:

  • **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaked bars will be dry. Pull them from the oven when a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs, not liquid batter.
  • **Cool Completely:** Ensure the bar base is entirely cool before adding the frosting. Warm bars will melt your beautiful cream cheese topping.
  • **Softened Ingredients:** For the best frosting consistency, make sure your cream cheese and butter are properly softened. This prevents lumps.
  • **Zest First:** Zest your orange before juicing it! It’s much easier.
  • **Chilling is Key:** Chilling the bars after frosting helps the frosting set and makes for cleaner cuts.
  • For more baking advice, Read our in-depth guide here.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These festive bars are versatile and delightful for any holiday occasion. Serve them as part of a dessert platter, a sweet accompaniment to your coffee, or as a thoughtful homemade gift. They pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea, a mug of mulled wine, or even a glass of sparkling cider. For more fantastic holiday dessert ideas, check out Allrecipes’ collection of dessert bars.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Planning ahead for your holiday baking? These bars are fantastic for making in advance!

  • Storage: Store frosted bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
  • Freezing: You can freeze unfrosted bars for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw at room temperature before frosting. Frosted bars can also be frozen for about a month, but wrap individually to prevent sticking.
  • Make-Ahead Frosting: The cream cheese frosting can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just whip it briefly before using to restore its fluffy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried for Cranberry Bliss Bars?

While dried cranberries provide the signature chewy texture and concentrated sweetness, you can use fresh cranberries. If doing so, chop them finely and consider tossing them with a teaspoon of sugar before adding to the batter to offset their tartness. The texture will be slightly different.

What is the best way to cut Cranberry Bliss Bars cleanly?

To get clean slices, make sure the bars are thoroughly chilled. Use a large, sharp knife and run it under hot water, then wipe it dry between each cut. This helps to prevent the frosting from sticking and creating jagged edges. A pizza cutter can also work well for straight lines.

Can I make these Cranberry Bliss Bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Substitute the all-purpose flour with an equal amount of your favorite gluten-free all-purpose baking blend. Ensure your blend contains xanthan gum, or add 1/2 teaspoon per cup of flour. The texture might be slightly denser, but they will still be delicious.

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