Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe
Introduction
Cranberry Bliss Bars are a delightful twist on classic blondies, combining tangy cranberries with sweet white chocolate and creamy frosting. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy treat, these bars bring a festive flair to any dessert table.
Ingredients
- Butter
- Brown sugar
- Cranberries
- White chocolate
- Cream cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven and prepare the blondie base by mixing butter and brown sugar until smooth. Pour the mixture into a baking pan and bake until golden and set.
- Step 2: Once the blondies are cool, spread a creamy frosting made with cream cheese evenly over the top.
- Step 3: Sprinkle fresh or dried cranberries and white chocolate chunks or chips over the frosting before it sets for a festive finish.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh cranberries for a tart bite or dried cranberries for a sweeter, chewier texture.
- For extra flavor, add a hint of orange zest to the frosting.
- Swap white chocolate for dark chocolate for a richer taste.
Storage
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. You can also freeze the bars for up to a month; thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
Yes, frozen cranberries can be used but make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the bars.
How thick should the frosting layer be?
The frosting should be spread in a thin to medium layer—thick enough to taste but not so thick that it overpowers the blondie base.
PrintCranberry Bliss Bars Recipe
Cranberry Bliss Bars are a luscious holiday treat featuring a buttery blondie base topped with tangy cream cheese frosting, dried cranberries, and white chocolate drizzle. Perfect for festive gatherings, these bars combine chewy, sweet, and tart flavors into one delightful dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Blondie Base
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips or white chocolate, melted for drizzle
Instructions
- Prepare Blondie Base: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine melted butter and brown sugar; mix until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Pour batter evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Bake Blondie Base: Bake the blondie base in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan.
- Make Frosting: While the blondie cools, prepare the cream cheese frosting. Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Frost Blondie Base: Once the blondie base is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle dried cranberries evenly over the frosted blondie. Drizzle melted white chocolate over the cranberries and frosting using a spoon or piping bag to create a decorative pattern.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour to set the frosting and chocolate drizzle. Cut into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Make sure the blondie base is completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
- You can substitute dried cherries or raisins for the cranberries if preferred.
- For easier cutting, chill the bars before slicing.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- White chocolate can be melted gently in a microwave or a double boiler.
Keywords: Cranberry Bliss Bars, blondies, cream cheese frosting, holiday dessert, white chocolate, cranberry dessert
