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- 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup brown sugar, packed - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 tablespoons orange zest - 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped - 1/2 cup white chocolate chips - 4 ounces cream cheese, softened - 1 cup powdered sugar - 1 tablespoon milk - Additional dried cranberries for garnish - Additional orange zest for garnish I always measure my ingredients carefully. For flour, use a spoon to scoop it into your cup. This helps prevent packing. For brown sugar, pack it tightly into the cup for the best flavor. When using butter, let it soften at room temperature. It should be easy to mix. The egg should be large and at room temperature, too. This helps blend well with the other ingredients. For a festive touch, I recommend using extra dried cranberries and orange zest for garnishing. They add color and flavor. You can also sprinkle some white chocolate chips on top for extra sweetness. These garnishes make the bars look beautiful and inviting. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering all your ingredients. This makes the process smooth. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Let the edges hang over for easy removal later. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Set this aside for now. In a large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of softened butter and 1 cup of packed brown sugar. Mix until it is light and fluffy. Next, beat in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir in the dry flour mixture gradually. Mix until just combined; avoid over-mixing. Now, fold in 2 tablespoons of orange zest, 1/2 cup of chopped dried cranberries, and 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips. Pour this batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The edges should turn golden, and the center should be set. Use a toothpick to check; it should come out clean. Let the bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then move them to a wire rack to cool completely. In a medium bowl, beat together 4 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of powdered sugar, and 1 tablespoon of milk. Mix until smooth and creamy. Once the bars are cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly on top. For a festive touch, garnish with additional chopped dried cranberries and orange zest. Cut the bars into squares or rectangles. Enjoy your delicious Cranberry Bliss Bars! To get the best texture, follow these steps: - Use room temperature butter: This helps your bars stay soft. - Don’t over-mix: Mix until just combined to keep your bars light. - Check your bake time: A toothpick should come out clean but not dry. The cream cheese frosting adds creaminess. It balances the sweet and tart flavors. Here are some common mistakes that can ruin your bars: - Skipping the parchment paper: This makes it hard to lift the bars out. - Using cold ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can change the texture. - Over-baking: Keep an eye on your bars. They should be golden, not brown. Avoiding these mistakes will help you enjoy perfect Cranberry Bliss Bars. Having the right tools makes baking easier: - 8x8-inch baking pan: This is perfect for even baking. - Mixing bowls: Use a large bowl for mixing and a small one for dry ingredients. - Whisk: This helps to mix the dry ingredients well. - Spatula: Use it to fold in the cranberries and chocolate chips. These tools will help you create delicious bars with ease. Happy baking! Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh cranberries if available for a tart and vibrant flavor, but be sure to adjust the sugar as needed since they are less sweet than dried cranberries. Perfect Cream Cheese Frosting: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature to ensure a smooth and creamy frosting without lumps. Cooling Time: Allow the bars to cool completely before adding the frosting to prevent it from melting and becoming runny. Storage Tips: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week to maintain freshness, or freeze them for longer storage. {{image_2}} You can change up the dried fruits in your Cranberry Bliss Bars. Instead of cranberries, try dried cherries or apricots. These fruits add a sweet and tart flavor. You can also mix in raisins or figs for added texture. Each fruit gives a unique twist to the bars. Experiment with your favorites to find your perfect blend! If you have dietary needs, easy substitutions exist. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour. This keeps the taste while making it safe for those with gluten issues. You can swap the butter for coconut oil if you're dairy-free. It adds a nice flavor too! For a lower-sugar version, use a sugar substitute like stevia. These swaps help you enjoy the bars while meeting your needs. The cream cheese frosting is delicious, but you can switch it up! Try a simple vanilla glaze made with powdered sugar and milk. It gives a sweeter touch without the cream cheese. For a fruity twist, mix some orange zest into your frosting. This adds a bright flavor that pairs well with the bars. You can even skip the frosting for a lighter treat! To keep your Cranberry Bliss Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture in and air out. Line the container with parchment paper for extra protection. If you have cut the bars, place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep them at room temperature for short-term storage. Freezing is a great option if you want to save some bars for later. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the bag with the date so you remember when you froze them. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight. Cranberry Bliss Bars can stay fresh for about a week when stored correctly at room temperature. If you keep them in the fridge, they may last a bit longer, around ten days. Make sure to check for any signs of spoilage, like an off smell or mold, before enjoying them. Cranberry Bliss Bars are soft, sweet treats. They have a base made with butter, sugar, and flour. The bars mix dried cranberries and white chocolate chips for flavor. A cream cheese frosting tops them off for a rich finish. They are a popular holiday dessert, loved for their festive taste. Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time. Bake and cool the bars, then frost them. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh for up to a week. This makes them perfect for holiday gatherings or busy days. To make Cranberry Bliss Bars gluten-free, swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Look for a blend that has xanthan gum to help with texture. Follow the rest of the recipe as is. You will still enjoy the sweet, festive flavor without the gluten. This blog post covers everything you need to know about making delicious Cranberry Bliss Bars. We reviewed the right ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to get the texture just right. We shared ideas for variations and storage options to keep your bars fresh. Remember, avoiding common mistakes makes baking easier. Use these insights to create a tasty treat that fits your needs. Enjoy your baking adventure, and remember that practice is key to mastering these bars!

Cranberry Bliss Bars

Deliciously festive bars with cranberries and white chocolate, topped with cream cheese frosting.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons orange zest
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
  • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • to taste additional dried cranberries for garnish
  • to taste additional orange zest for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing the edges to hang over for easy removal.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
  • Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
  • Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not over-mix.
  • Fold in the orange zest, chopped dried cranberries, and white chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden and the center is set (a toothpick inserted should come out clean). Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and milk until smooth and creamy.
  • Once the bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
  • Garnish with additional chopped cranberries and orange zest for a festive touch. Cut into squares or bars.

Notes

Allow bars to cool completely before frosting for best results.
Keyword bliss bars, cranberry, dessert, holiday