There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked cranberry bliss bars wafting through your home. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie topped with creamy frosting and dotted with tart cranberries. Cranberry Curd Tart recipe It’s a blend of sweet and tangy that dances on your taste buds, leaving you craving more. The moment you take that first bite, you can practically hear angels singing in perfect harmony.
Every holiday season, these delightful treats grace my kitchen as I gather with family and friends. I remember the first time I made them; my little niece took one bite and declared it “the best thing ever!” Trust me, these cranberry bliss bars are an experience—perfect for cozy get-togethers or as a festive gift for that neighbor who always borrows your lawnmower. Baked Pumpkin Donuts Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These cranberry bliss bars are incredibly easy to whip up, making them ideal for last-minute cravings
- Their vibrant colors and rich flavors make them visually stunning and perfect for any occasion
- You can easily adapt the recipe by adding nuts or substituting chocolate chips for an extra treat
- They also make fantastic gifts wrapped in festive packaging!
I remember the joy on my friends’ faces when I served these at a holiday party; they disappeared faster than a snowflake in July.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for the best texture in your bars.
- Granulated Sugar: A classic sweetener that adds the perfect amount of sweetness to balance the tart cranberries.
- Dried Cranberries: Look for plump ones; they bring a beautiful tartness and lovely color to the bars.
- Butter: Unsalted butter works best; it enhances flavor without adding extra saltiness.
- Eggs: Use large eggs for optimal binding and moisture in your bars.
- Powdered Sugar: Essential for that dreamy frosting; it makes everything feel festive!
- Vanilla Extract: A must-have ingredient that adds depth to both the batter and frosting.
- Cream Cheese: This creamy delight is key to achieving that luscious topping on your bars. Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. For more inspiration, check out this Decadent Peanut Butter Brownies recipe.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt until well combined. This ensures even distribution of flavors throughout your batter.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. You want this mixture to look like clouds on a sunny day!
Add Eggs and Vanilla Extract: Incorporate eggs one at a time into the butter-sugar mixture along with vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined; this step adds richness to your bars.
Add Flour Mixture and Cranberries: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture while folding in dried cranberries gently. Be careful not to overmix—aim for pockets of juicy goodness!
Bake Your Bars: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown around the edges. Let them cool completely before frosting.
Prepare Frosting Delightfully: In a mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a splash of milk until smooth. Spread this heavenly concoction generously over cooled bars.
Enjoy these delectable cranberry bliss bars with friends or keep them all to yourself—no judgment here!
You Must Know
- These delightful cranberry bliss bars are not only delicious but also versatile
- They blend sweet and tart flavors wonderfully, making them perfect for any occasion
- Enjoy the aroma of baking while you create a treat that will have everyone asking for seconds
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results, first prepare your batter, then mix in the cranberries and white chocolate before baking. This ensures even distribution and a perfect bake.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap dried cranberries for cherries or add nuts for extra crunch. Customize the frosting with cream cheese for a richer flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store your cranberry bliss bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Reheat slightly in the microwave for that freshly baked taste.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always cool the bars completely before cutting to avoid a messy slice
- Use fresh ingredients for better flavor, and don’t skimp on the frosting—it’s where the magic happens!
- Make sure to measure accurately; it can make a big difference in texture
I remember one holiday gathering when I brought these bars; they disappeared faster than a magician’s rabbit! Everyone raved about them, and I felt like a culinary superstar that day.
FAQ
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Yes, you can, but they’ll alter the sweetness and texture of the bars.
How long do cranberry bliss bars last?
They stay fresh for about five days when stored properly at room temperature.
Can I freeze cranberry bliss bars?
Absolutely! Freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months to enjoy later.
Cranberry Bliss Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Cranberry Bliss Bars are a delightful treat that combines sweet and tart flavors in a soft, chewy cookie topped with creamy frosting. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as thoughtful gifts, these bars will have everyone asking for seconds. With an easy-to-follow recipe, you can whip up this festive dessert in no time, filling your home with the warm aroma of freshly baked goodness.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time and mix in vanilla.
- Gradually combine dry ingredients with wet mixture and fold in cranberries.
- Pour batter into the baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Cool completely before frosting.
- For frosting, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth; spread over cooled bars.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Customize by adding nuts or substituting dried cranberries with cherries. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days.