Cranberry Bliss Bars: Best Ever Recipe in 5 Simple Steps

Get ready to create the most incredible cranberry bliss bars you’ve ever tasted, right in your own kitchen! These festive treats, inspired by a popular coffee shop classic, are surprisingly simple to make and perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you need a delightful pick-me-up.

Our easy-to-follow recipe ensures a chewy, flavorful bar base topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of dried cranberries and white chocolate. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that will have everyone asking for more!

Introduction: The Ultimate Cranberry Bliss Bars

There’s something truly special about cranberry bliss bars. Their vibrant color and harmonious blend of sweet, tart, and creamy elements make them an irresistible dessert. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is designed to guide you to blissful success.

Imagine biting into a soft, spiced bar, then hitting that smooth, zesty cream cheese frosting, all finished with a delightful crunch from the cranberries. Pure bliss, indeed! Let’s dive into making these holiday favorites.

Why This Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe is the Best

What makes our version of cranberry bliss bars stand out? We’ve perfected the balance of spices in the bar base, ensuring it’s moist and chewy without being overly dense. The frosting is light, tangy, and complements the bars perfectly.

Plus, we break down the process into just five simple steps, making it accessible for everyone. You won’t find a more straightforward or delicious recipe out there. Impress your friends and family with these homemade delights!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Bars

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup white chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)
½ cup dried cranberries (plus extra for topping)
¼ cup orange zest (from 1-2 oranges)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

8 oz (1 block) cream cheese, softened
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon orange zest (optional, for extra tang)

How to Make Cranberry Bliss Bars: 5 Simple Steps

Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of delicious cranberry bliss bars. Precision and patience are key, but the results are truly rewarding!

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars out later.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the white chocolate chips, dried cranberries, and orange zest. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.

Step 2: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. Avoid overbaking to keep them chewy.
Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting. This is crucial for the frosting to set properly.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the bars cool, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing until fully incorporated and smooth. Beat in the vanilla extract and optional orange zest.

Step 4: Frost and Sprinkle

Once the bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
Generously sprinkle with extra white chocolate chips and dried cranberries. For a professional touch, you can also finely chop some fresh cranberries and a little extra orange zest.

Step 5: Chill and Enjoy

Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set.
Once chilled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire slab of bars out of the pan. Cut into squares or triangles, and serve. Enjoy your homemade cranberry bliss bars!

Tips for Perfect Cranberry Bliss Bars

Achieving bakery-quality cranberry bliss bars is all about the details. Here are a few expert tips to ensure your batch is absolutely perfect every time.

**Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the batter can lead to tough bars. Mix until just combined.
**Room Temperature Ingredients:** Ensure your butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth, lump-free frosting and evenly mixed batter.
**Sift Powdered Sugar:** Sifting powdered sugar for the frosting prevents lumps and ensures a silky-smooth texture.
**Cool Completely:** Frosting warm bars will result in a runny mess. Be patient and let them cool fully.
**Chill Time is Key:** The chilling step allows the frosting to firm up, making the bars easier to cut and handle.

For more baking wisdom, you might find valuable resources on King Arthur Baking’s website, a fantastic external resource for all things baking.

Serving Suggestions

These beautiful cranberry bliss bars are incredibly versatile. They make a fantastic addition to any holiday dessert spread, alongside cookies and cakes. They’re also wonderful for a special breakfast treat or an afternoon pick-me-up with your favorite cup of coffee or tea.

Consider packaging them in decorative boxes as homemade gifts for friends and neighbors during the festive season. They hold up well and travel beautifully!

Storage Instructions

To keep your cranberry bliss bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. The cream cheese frosting requires refrigeration. You can also freeze unfrosted bars for up to 3 months, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw them in the refrigerator, then frost and decorate as desired.

Looking for more amazing dessert ideas? Read our in-depth guide here.

FAQ

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

While fresh cranberries can be used, they will add a much more tart flavor and release more moisture during baking. For the classic taste and texture of cranberry bliss bars, dried cranberries are highly recommended. If you do use fresh, chop them finely and consider tossing them with a little sugar first.

How can I make sure my frosting isn’t too runny?

Ensure both your cream cheese and butter are softened but not melted. If your frosting seems too soft, add more sifted powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. Chilling the finished bars will also help the frosting firm up significantly.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! Cranberry bliss bars are an excellent make-ahead dessert. You can bake the bars a day or two in advance and store them unfrosted at room temperature. Prepare the frosting and assemble the bars closer to serving time, then chill. This often allows the flavors to meld even better!