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Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 145 reviews

Cranberry Bliss Bars are a decadent dessert featuring a tender, buttery base studded with tart dried cranberries and sweet white chocolate chips, topped with a smooth and fluffy cream cheese frosting infused with white chocolate and garnished with extra cranberries for a festive touch. Perfect for the holidays or any special occasion, these bars combine rich flavors and a delightful texture that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

Bar Base

  • 1 stick butter (8 Tablespoons)
  • 1 1/3 cups brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 1/4 cups flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries (coarsely chopped)
  • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (coarsely chopped)

Frosting & Topping

  • 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (melted)
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries (coarsely chopped)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pan and Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to ensure the bars don’t stick.
  2. Melt Butter and Combine Wet Ingredients: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in the brown sugar until combined and slightly dissolved. Transfer this mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add the eggs and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, stirring well until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
  3. Add Dry Ingredients and Mix: To the wet mixture, add the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Stir until just combined to avoid overmixing. Gently fold in the coarsely chopped dried cranberries and white chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
  4. Bake the Bars: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
  5. Make the Frosting: While the bars cool, prepare the frosting. Using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add half of the melted white chocolate chips and continue mixing until fully incorporated.
  6. Frost and Decorate: Once the bars are fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup coarsely chopped dried cranberries over the frosting. Drizzle the remaining melted white chocolate over the top for a decorative touch.
  7. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the frosted bars to set the frosting firmly, making them easier to cut and serve. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

Notes

  • Ensure the bars are completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
  • You can substitute dried cranberries with dried cherries or blueberries for a different flavor.
  • For easier slicing, chill the bars well before cutting into squares.
  • White chocolate can be gently melted in the microwave in short bursts to avoid burning.
  • These bars are best served chilled but can be brought to room temperature before eating for a softer texture.

Keywords: cranberry bliss bars, white chocolate bars, holiday bars, cream cheese frosting, cranberry dessert

Find it online: https://ellaeatsdaily.com/cranberry-bliss-bars-recipe/