As the days grow shorter and the scent of cinnamon fills the air, there’s no better treat to welcome the season than Cranberry Bliss Bars. These bars strike the perfect balance of soft and chewy with golden edges that promise just the right amount of crunch. With bright bursts of cranberries and sweet notes of orange, each bite invites you to curl up with a warm drink while the flavors envelop you like a cozy blanket.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Cranberry Bliss Bars are not just a sweet indulgence; they’re a celebration of festive flavors and textures. The blend of creamy frosting atop a chewy base, paired with the tartness of cranberries and the richness of white chocolate, makes for a truly delightful experience. Plus, they’re simple enough to whip up for a gathering or to enjoy at home, making them a perfect go-to recipe for the holiday season.

Ingredients Needed For Cranberry Bliss Bars

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour: Essential for structure; sift it for a lighter texture.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder: This helps the bars rise, creating that perfectly fluffy interior.
• 1 teaspoon salt: A pinch enhances the sweetness, bringing all the flavors together.
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a warm, spicy note that complements the cranberries beautifully.
• 1½ cups light brown sugar: Richer than white sugar, brown sugar gives these bars a deep flavor and chewy texture.
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted: Make sure it’s unsalted to control the overall saltiness of the bars.
• 2 large eggs, room temperature: Room temperature eggs mix more evenly into the batter for a smooth consistency.
• 1 tablespoon orange zest: Fresh zest adds a wonderful citrus brightness; be careful to only take the colored part of the peel.
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
• 1 cup white chocolate chips: They melt beautifully and provide a sweet contrast to the tart cranberries.
• ¾ cup dried cranberries: The star of the show! Use a mix of regular and tart cranberries for varied flavor.
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: This forms the rich, creamy frosting that elevates the bars.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting while keeping it smooth.
• 1 cup white chocolate chips, melted and divided: Half goes in the batter and half for drizzling on top.
• ½ cup dried cranberries, chopped: These add a pretty touch and extra flavor on top of the frosting.

How to Make Cranberry Bliss Bars

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground ginger until well combined.
3. In a large bowl, mix the brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, orange zest, and vanilla until creamy and smooth.
4. Gradually stir the flour mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries.
5. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow them to cool completely.
6. For the frosting, beat the cream cheese until smooth, then mix in the powdered sugar and half of the melted white chocolate until fully combined.
7. Spread the creamy frosting over the cooled blondies and sprinkle with additional cranberries for a pop of color.
8. Drizzle the reserved melted white chocolate over the top, refrigerate to set, then slice into delightful triangles.

How to Serve Cranberry Bliss Bars

These bars shine when served at room temperature, making them perfect for holiday potlucks, cozy gatherings, or a sweet treat while lounging at home. Pair them with a cup of warm tea or coffee to bring out the flavors even more!

How to Store Cranberry Bliss Bars

To keep your Cranberry Bliss Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will stay good for about a week. If you plan to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to two months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly!

Tips to Make Cranberry Bliss Bars

• Don’t overmix the batter: Gently fold in the dry ingredients to keep the bars tender.
• Let cool completely: This ensures the frosting will sit nicely without melting.
• Experiment with toppings: Feel free to add nuts or other dried fruits if you’d like to mix things up.

Variations and Substitutions

• For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix.
• You can swap the white chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon for an extra layer of warmth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Cranberry Bliss Bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the bars a day or two in advance. Just keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.

How do I prevent the cranberries from sinking in the batter?

Tossing the dried cranberries in a bit of flour before mixing into the batter can help them stay suspended.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

While fresh cranberries can work, they are quite tart. If using fresh, consider adding a bit more sugar to balance the tartness.

Is it necessary to refrigerate the bars?

Refrigerating helps the frosting set and maintains the bars’ freshness. They can be served chilled or at room temperature.

Can I freeze Cranberry Bliss Bars?

Yes, these bars freeze quite well! Just ensure they are wrapped tightly, and they will last for up to two months.