Cranberry Bliss Bars
Cranberry Bliss Bars are the perfect sweet treat to brighten up your day. With a soft, chewy blondie base, a luscious cream cheese frosting, and a delightful sprinkle of cranberries, these bars are a taste of the holidays in every bite! They combine sweet and tart flavors, making them a favorite for family gatherings, holiday parties, or a cozy afternoon snack. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
What You’ll Need for Cranberry Bliss Bars
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delightful bars:
- 1 cup (227 g) salted butter, melted
- 1 ½ cups (300 g) packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon orange extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (180 g) white chocolate chips
- ¾ cup (110 g) dried cranberries
- 1 (8 ounce / 227 g) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups (190 g) powdered sugar, sifted
- ½ teaspoon orange extract
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (70 g) dried cranberries, coarsely chopped
- 2 ounces (56 g) almond bark, melted
Step-by-Step Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe
Follow these simple steps to create your own Cranberry Bliss Bars:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
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In a large bowl, cream together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth.
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Mix in the eggs, 1 teaspoon orange extract, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground ginger, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, stirring until just combined.
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Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and ¾ cup of dried cranberries. The batter will be thick, but that’s just how we want it!
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Spread the blondie batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing it out evenly.
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Bake for 18-21 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake – we want them nice and chewy!
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Let the bars cool completely on a wire rack.
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For the frosting, in a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together using an electric mixer until smooth.
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Mix in the remaining ½ teaspoon of orange extract and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract.
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Frost the cooled blondie layer with an even layer of cream cheese frosting. Sprinkle the chopped cranberries on top.
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Drizzle the melted almond bark over the frosting using a fork for an elegant touch.
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Allow the frosting to set, which can be sped up by placing them in the refrigerator. Once set, cut the bars into squares or triangles.
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Store the bars in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
How to Serve Cranberry Bliss Bars
When it comes to serving your Cranberry Bliss Bars, the options are endless! You can present them on a festive platter, perhaps garnished with fresh orange slices or even a sprig of mint for a pop of color. Pair these delicious bars with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy dessert experience. They’re also great for sharing at parties; just cut them into smaller bites for easy serving!
Make It Your Own
Here are a few tips and variations to put your own twist on these tasty bars:
- Add Nuts: For some crunch, consider folding in half a cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the blondie batter.
- Spice it Up: If you love spices, feel free to enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg as well.
- Different Dried Fruits: Substitute dried cranberries with other fruits like raisins or chopped apricots for a unique touch.
Cranberry Bliss Bars FAQs
1. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These Cranberry Bliss Bars store well in the fridge. You can make them a day or two in advance; just frost them closer to serving for the best flavor.
2. How should I store leftover bars?
Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for about a week.
3. Can I freeze Cranberry Bliss Bars?
Yes, you can! Freeze the bars before frosting, wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge before serving.
These Cranberry Bliss Bars are sure to become a cherished recipe in your home. With their rich flavors and delightful textures, they’re irresistible! Give them a try and enjoy every bite.
Cranberry Bliss Bars
Ingredients
For the Blondie Base
- 1 cup salted butter, melted
- 1.5 cups packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon orange extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon ground ginger
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 0.75 cup dried cranberries
For the Frosting
- 1 (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1.5 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 0.5 teaspoon orange extract
- 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.5 cup dried cranberries, coarsely chopped
- 2 ounces almond bark, melted
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth.
- Mix in the eggs, 1 teaspoon orange extract, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground ginger, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and ¾ cup of dried cranberries.
- Spread the blondie batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing it out evenly.
Baking
- Bake for 18-21 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Do not overbake.
- Let the bars cool completely on a wire rack.
Frosting
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together using an electric mixer until smooth.
- Mix in the remaining ½ teaspoon of orange extract and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Frost the cooled blondie layer with an even layer of cream cheese frosting. Sprinkle the chopped cranberries on top.
- Drizzle the melted almond bark over the frosting using a fork for an elegant touch.
- Allow the frosting to set, which can be sped up by placing them in the refrigerator.
- Once set, cut the bars into squares or triangles.
- Store the bars in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
