Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these cranberry bliss bars! They’re like a cozy hug of flavor, combining tart cranberries with sweet white chocolate in a soft, chewy bar that just melts in your mouth. Every time the holidays roll around, I can’t help but whip up a batch (or three!). I remember the first time I made these for a family gathering; the moment they hit the table, everyone dove in. The sweet and tangy balance is just perfect, and the cream cheese frosting on top? Absolute bliss! Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a festive tradition in your home too. They’re not just a dessert; they’re a little slice of holiday magic that brings everyone together!
Ingredients for Cranberry Bliss Bars
Alright, let’s gather everything you need to make these delightful cranberry bliss bars! I promise, it’s a straightforward list with ingredients that work beautifully together. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped if large
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon orange zest for that zesty kick!
That’s it! Simple, right? These ingredients come together to create the most mouthwatering bars that are perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!).
How to Prepare Cranberry Bliss Bars
Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, it’s time to bring these cranberry bliss bars to life! Don’t worry; I’ll guide you through every step so you can have that dreamy, chewy goodness in no time. Let’s get baking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s crucial to have that oven nice and hot when your batter is ready!
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. You want that airy texture!
- Next, add the eggs and vanilla extract to the mixture. Mix until everything is well combined. You’ll love how the vanilla scent fills your kitchen!
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps ensure even mixing later on.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a little lumpiness is okay!
- Now, fold in the chopped dried cranberries and white chocolate chips. This is where the magic happens—trust me, your batter will look gorgeous!
- Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. A toothpick inserted should come out clean!
- Once baked, let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting them. This is key for that perfect cream cheese icing!
And there you have it! Follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to enjoying the most delicious cranberry bliss bars. I can’t wait for you to taste them!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have these bars whipped up in no time!
- Perfect for holidays: They bring that festive spirit to any gathering, making them a must-have on your dessert table.
- Chewy texture: The soft, chewy bars paired with creamy frosting create a delightful contrast that’s hard to resist.
- Delicious flavors: The combination of tart cranberries and sweet white chocolate is a match made in heaven!
- Make ahead: These bars store well, so you can bake them in advance and enjoy them throughout the season.
- Customizable: Feel free to sprinkle extra cranberries or even nuts on top for an added crunch!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s talk about some tips to make your cranberry bliss bars absolutely perfect! I’ve learned a few tricks along the way that I’m excited to share with you.
- Check your oven temperature: Every oven is a little different, so it’s a good idea to use an oven thermometer if you have one. If your oven runs hot, you might want to start checking the bars a few minutes early to avoid overbaking.
- Don’t overmix: When you combine the dry ingredients with the wet, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher bars, and we want them soft and chewy!
- Use fresh cranberries: If you can find them, fresh cranberries can give a delightful pop of flavor. Just chop them up and toss them in, but you might want to add a little extra sugar since they’re more tart than dried.
- Substitutions: If you’re out of white chocolate chips, feel free to swap in dark chocolate or even butterscotch chips for a different twist. And if you want a dairy-free version, there are great cream cheese alternatives available!
- Frosting fun: For an added zing, mix a little more orange zest into your frosting or even a splash of orange juice. It brightens up the whole flavor profile!
- Cool completely: Be patient and let the bars cool completely before frosting them. This way, the frosting won’t melt and you get that gorgeous, smooth finish.
Follow these tips, and I promise your cranberry bliss bars will turn out fabulous! Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s break down the goodness of these cranberry bliss bars! Here’s an estimate of the typical nutritional values per serving (1 bar):
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 18g
- Protein: 2g
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but it gives you a great ballpark idea of what you’re indulging in. Enjoy every bite knowing you’re treating yourself to something delicious!
FAQ Section
I know you might have a few questions about making these delightful cranberry bliss bars, so let’s clear up some common queries!
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Absolutely! Fresh cranberries can be used, but they’re a bit more tart. You might want to add a little extra sugar to balance the flavors. Just chop them up and fold them in like you would with dried cranberries.
How should I store leftover cranberry bliss bars?
Store your leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, pop them in the fridge, and they’ll stay fresh for about two weeks!
Can I freeze cranberry bliss bars?
Yes, indeed! These bars freeze beautifully. Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll last for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw overnight in the fridge.
What can I use if I don’t have cream cheese?
If you’re looking for a substitute for cream cheese in the frosting, you can use Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese. They’ll give a different flavor but still provide that creamy texture!
How can I serve these bars for a holiday gathering?
For a festive touch, cut the bars into fun shapes or drizzle some melted white chocolate on top. You can also sprinkle extra dried cranberries or even some chopped nuts to make them extra special!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve whipped up a batch of these heavenly cranberry bliss bars, you’ll need to know how to store them! First off, let them cool completely before you think about putting them away. Once they’re cool, grab an airtight container and layer the bars with parchment paper to prevent sticking. If you do this right, they’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to a week!
If you want them to last even longer, the fridge is your best friend. Just pop that airtight container in there, and they’ll stay delicious for about two weeks. I mean, who doesn’t love having a sweet treat on hand for those sudden cravings?
And if you find yourself with extra bars (which, let’s be honest, is a rare occurrence), you can freeze them too! Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy again, just let them thaw overnight in the fridge. No need to reheat—these bars are just as delightful chilled! What a treat!
Drucken
Cranberry Bliss Bars: 7 Steps to Sweet Holiday Joy
- Gesamtzeit: 45 minutes
- Ertrag: 24 bars 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
Cranberry bliss bars are a delicious dessert that combines the flavors of cranberries and white chocolate in a soft, chewy bar.
Zutaten
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until combined.
- Fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.
- Spread the mixture evenly in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool completely before frosting.
- In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and orange zest until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled bars.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- For a festive touch, sprinkle additional cranberries on top of the frosting.
- These bars freeze well; wrap individually for easy snacking later.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 30 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 bar
- Kalorien: 250
- Zucker: 18g
- Natrium: 150mg
- Fett: 10g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 6g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 36g
- Faser: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterin: 30mg
Keywords: cranberry bliss bars, dessert, holiday treats, baking
