If you’re on the hunt for a truly irresistible treat that balances tart cranberries with luscious white chocolate and a creamy frosting, this Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe is your new best friend. These bars bake up soft and chewy with a hint of cinnamon warmth, then get topped with a dreamy cream cheese icing, dried cranberries, and a delicate drizzle of white chocolate that elevates every bite. Whether for holiday gatherings, cozy afternoons with coffee, or just a special pick-me-up, these bars bring crazy amounts of flavor and festive charm with every square.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the perfect ingredients is half the joy and the secret to a flawless Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe. Each component plays a vital role—from the all-purpose flour that gives structure, to the blend of sugars that adds sweet depth and chewiness, and of course, the dried cranberries that provide bursts of tart brightness and color.
- 2 cups all purpose flour: The sturdy base that holds the bars together while staying tender.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda: Helps give the bars lightness without too much rise.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Enhances all flavors, balancing sweetness perfectly.
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a subtle warm spice note to brighten the taste.
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar: Gives a clean sweet flavor and crunch.
- 2/3 cup brown sugar (unpacked): Adds moisture and a deep caramel undertone.
- 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter: Contributes richness and tenderness.
- 2 large egg whites: Keeps the texture light and chewy without heaviness.
- 1/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce: Adds moisture and subtle sweetness while cutting fat.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses that cozy, sweet aroma that ties all flavors together.
- 2/3 cup white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate: Melts into gooey pockets of creamy sweetness.
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries (chopped): Adds tart bursts and chewy texture inside the bars.
- 8 oz 1/3 less fat cream cheese (softened): The luscious base for the frosting that’s neither too heavy nor too light.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the frosting perfectly.
- 2 ounces white baking chocolate (melted): For a classy drizzle that makes your bars look as good as they taste.
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries (chopped): Additional garnish for an appealing pop of color and flavor on top.
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the frosting with extra aromatic sweetness.
How to Make Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and giving your 9 x 13 inch baking pan a light spray with cooking spray. This ensures the bars won’t stick and release easily after baking, setting you up for success from the get-go.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until everything is evenly blended. This step is essential to distributing your leavening and spice throughout the bars to flavor every bite consistently.
Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, egg whites, applesauce, and vanilla extract until the mix is light and fluffy. This will help incorporate air, giving your bars a tender crumb without heaviness.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in two parts, stirring gently until the batter is fully blended. If the batter feels crumbly, just add a drop of water at a time until smooth—it’s all about achieving that perfect texture for easy spreading.
Step 5: Fold in White Chocolate and Cranberries
Carefully fold in the white chocolate chips and 1/3 cup of chopped cranberries. This infusion creates pockets of gooey sweetness and sharp bursts of tartness inside the bars that make every bite exciting and layered.
Step 6: Bake the Bars
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan using the back of a measuring cup to smooth it out. Bake for 10 to 14 minutes, watching closely so the edges turn a lovely light brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Resist the urge to over-bake or your bars can turn dry.
Step 7: Prepare the Frosting and Decorate
As your bars cool completely on a wire rack, whip together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until silky smooth. Spread this dreamy frosting evenly over the bars, then sprinkle on the remaining cranberries. Finish with a delicate drizzle of melted white baking chocolate for that signature touch.
Step 8: Let the Chocolate Set and Cut
Allow the white chocolate drizzle to set before cutting. Then slice into 15 large squares, and cut each square diagonally to create beautiful triangles that are perfect for serving and sharing.
Step 9: Store Properly
Keep your delicious Cranberry Bliss Bars fresh by storing them in the refrigerator until ready to serve. This not only helps maintain texture but also enhances flavor melding for even better bites later.
How to Serve Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Top your bars with extra dried cranberries or a sprinkle of finely chopped white chocolate for a charming, elegant presentation that invites everyone to dig in. A few fresh mint leaves can add a refreshing contrast and pop of green.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a steaming cup of coffee, spiced tea, or even a creamy latte to complement their sweet and tangy flavors. A bowl of fresh fruit or yogurt on the side balances richness and rounds out your snack or dessert beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the bars on a rustic wooden board with festive napkins for a holiday vibe, or stack them in a pretty glass jar tied with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift. They also look stunning when arranged on a cake stand for an elegant dessert table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Cranberry Bliss Bars in an airtight container and keep them refrigerated. Properly stored, they maintain their moist crumb and creamy frosting for up to five days, making them perfect to enjoy over several days.
Freezing
If you want to keep these bars around even longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze well for up to two months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
Warm your bars gently for a few seconds in the microwave to revive their soft texture if desired. Be careful not to overheat so the frosting doesn’t melt too much, keeping that crave-worthy layer intact and delicious.
FAQs
Can I substitute the dried cranberries with fresh ones?
Fresh cranberries have much higher water content and tartness, which can affect the texture and baking time. Dried cranberries are best for this Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe because they provide chewy bursts without adding moisture that could make the bars soggy.
Is there a way to make these bars gluten free?
Absolutely! You can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup for cup. Just make sure your blend contains xanthan gum or add a bit to help keep the bars tender and chewy.
Can I use full-fat cream cheese instead of 1/3 less fat?
Yes, using full-fat cream cheese will make your frosting even richer and creamier. It’s a great option if you want a more indulgent finish, though the lighter version keeps things balanced and still delicious.
What’s the best way to melt white chocolate without seizing?
Melting white chocolate slowly in short bursts in the microwave is key. Stir thoroughly between each 15-second interval and avoid overheating to keep it smooth. Alternatively, use a double boiler method for gentle, even melting.
How long do Cranberry Bliss Bars stay fresh at room temperature?
Because of the cream cheese frosting, it’s best to keep the bars refrigerated. At room temperature, they can soften and spoil quickly—so refrigerate within two hours of baking and frosting to keep them safe and delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe is truly a standout, combining vibrant flavors and textures into one addictive treat that’s perfect year-round. I can’t encourage you enough to give these bars a try—their quick prep and impressive taste will make them a favorite in your go-to dessert collection fast. You’re going to love sharing these joyful bites with everyone you know!
Print
Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 30 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cranberry Bliss Bars are a delightful holiday treat featuring a soft, moist base studded with tangy dried cranberries and white chocolate chips, topped with a creamy reduced-fat cream cheese frosting, a drizzle of melted white chocolate, and more cranberries for a festive touch. These bars combine a tender crumb with rich, sweet, and tart flavors, perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying as a seasonal snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all purpose flour (Gold Medal)
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients and Batter
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup brown sugar (unpacked)
- 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
- 2 large egg whites
- 1/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries (chopped)
Frosting and Topping
- 8 oz 1/3 less fat cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 ounces white baking chocolate (melted)
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries (chopped)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9 x 13 inch non-stick baking pan with cooking spray to prepare it for the batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Stir thoroughly to blend all the dry ingredients evenly.
- Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted unsalted butter, egg whites, unsweetened apple sauce, and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth base for the batter.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually whisk the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture in two additions. Mix until the batter is very well blended. If the batter appears crumbly rather than smooth, add just a few drops of water at a time to help achieve the right consistency.
- Fold in Mix-Ins: Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and 1/3 cup chopped dried cranberries, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Spread Batter in Pan: Pour and spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan, using the back of a measuring cup for a smooth, even surface.
- Bake the Bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 14 minutes, or until the edges turn light brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Be careful not to over-bake to avoid dry bars. Let the bars cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Frosting: While the bars cool, use an electric mixer in a large bowl to beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until the frosting is smooth and well blended.
- Melt White Chocolate: Place the white baking chocolate in a microwave-safe cup. Heat for 15 seconds, stir, then heat for another 15 seconds and stir until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Frost and Decorate Bars: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/3 cup chopped dried cranberries. Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the top for an elegant finish.
- Slice and Store: Once the chocolate drizzle has set, cut the bars into 15 large squares by making 5 cuts lengthwise and 3 cuts crosswise. Then, cut each square diagonally in half to form triangles. Store the bars in the refrigerator until ready to serve to keep the frosting firm and fresh.
Notes
- Be careful not to over-bake the bars as they can dry out quickly; edges should be lightly browned.
- Adding water to the batter should be done sparingly and only if necessary to improve texture.
- Use chilled bars stored in the refrigerator to maintain the cream cheese frosting’s consistency.
- White baking chocolate or good quality white chocolate chips can be used interchangeably for the drizzle and mix-ins.
- For easier chopping of dried cranberries, briefly freeze them before cutting.
