If you’re on the lookout for a dessert that combines sweet, tart, and creamy in one delightful bite, then look no further than these Cranberry Bliss Bars! Inspired by the popular Starbucks treat, these bars are not only incredibly tasty but also simple enough to make at home. Imagine sinking your teeth into a rich, buttery base topped with rich cream cheese frosting and scattered with sweet-tart cranberries and zesty orange. The contrast of flavors and textures in every bite will elevate your snack game.
Interestingly, these bars often bring a smile to everyone’s face, as they remind many of cozy coffee shop vibes, warm conversations, and delicious shared moments. They’re perfect for a quick treat after lunch or for an afternoon snack with friends. If you love these cranberry bars just as much as our ever-popular Chocolate Chip Cookies, you’re in for a real treat. These luscious bars truly stand out with their festive colors and vibrant flavors. So, get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious recipe!
What are Cranberry Bliss Bars?
Ever wondered where those wonderfully sweet Cranberry Bliss Bars get their name? The whimsical combination of “bliss” and “cranberry” suggests a dessert that feels like a little piece of paradise, doesn’t it? Picture this: you take a bite, and it’s as if your tastebuds are dancing on a fluffy cloud. Legend has it that the vibrant tartness of cranberries, paired with the sweet creaminess of the frosting, creates a balance so perfect that it’ll have you believing in dessert magic. After all, as the saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach!” So, grab your apron and jump on the Cranberry Bliss express, because you won’t want to miss out on this flavorful adventure!
Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Bliss Bars
Cranberry Bliss Bars are more than just a treat; they are a glorious dance of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds singing! First off, the star of the show is the buttery cookie base, which is both soft and crumbly. Secondly, making these bars at home means you’ll save money compared to the coffee shop version. Who knew bliss could be so budget-friendly? Finally, the toppings are where the magic happens: tangy dried cranberries, rich cream cheese frosting, and a hint of orange zest come together to create a mouthwatering experience. If you’re a fan of gooey brownies or chewy blondies, this recipe is bound to steal your heart. So don’t wait—whip up this deliciousness at home today!
How to Make Cranberry Bliss Bars
Quick Overview
Cranberry Bliss Bars are surprisingly easy to whip up in your own kitchen, making them the ideal treat for baking novices and seasoned pros alike. With an approximate preparation time of 30 minutes, followed by baking and cooling time, you’ll be enjoying these blissful bars in no time. The best part? You’ll have a deliciously creamy and tangy dessert that’s perfect for sharing!
Key Ingredients for Cranberry Bliss Bars
- For the Base:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- For the Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
- Garnish:
- Extra dried cranberries and orange zest for decoration
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare the Base: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, and mix in the vanilla extract.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully combined.
- Add Cranberries and Chocolate: Fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed in the batter.
- Bake: Spread the batter evenly in your prepared baking pan. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Base: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, orange zest, and orange juice, mixing until smooth.
- Frost and Garnish: Once the bars are fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting generously on top. Decorate with additional dried cranberries and a sprinkle of orange zest.
- Slice and Enjoy: Cut into squares and indulge in the delightful sweet and tart flavors!
What to Serve Cranberry Bliss Bars With
These delectable bars pair beautifully with a range of delightful treats. Serve them alongside a piping hot cup of coffee or tea, enhancing that coffee shop vibe right at home. You could also consider offering some fresh fruit or a light salad to add a refreshing contrast to the rich dessert. For an extra touch of sweetness, serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream—because can you really ever have too much cream?
Top Tips for Perfecting Cranberry Bliss Bars
For the best Cranberry Bliss Bars, keep in mind a few handy tips. First, be sure to measure your ingredients accurately for consistent results—especially the flour and sugar. If you can’t find dried cranberries, feel free to swap them for raisins or chopped cherries for a unique twist. And remember, allow the bars to cool fully before frosting; this ensures a beautiful layer of creamy sweetness without melting into a gooey mess. Last but not least, don’t skimp on the orange zest—it adds a burst of flavor that takes these bars over the top!
Storing and Reheating Tips
To keep your Cranberry Bliss Bars fresh for days, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them! Just wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay delicious for up to three months. To enjoy them later, simply let them thaw in the fridge, or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.
Now that you know how to make these delightful Cranberry Bliss Bars, it’s time to gather your ingredients and start baking! Enjoy the blissful experience that comes with every sweet, tart, and creamy bite. Happy baking!
Cranberry Bliss Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, and mix in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully combined.
- Fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed in the batter.
- Spread the batter evenly in your prepared baking pan. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, orange zest, and orange juice, mixing until smooth.
- Once the bars are fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting generously on top. Decorate with additional dried cranberries and a sprinkle of orange zest.
- Cut into squares and indulge in the delightful sweet and tart flavors!
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