I love how Cranberry Bliss Bars bring sweet and tart flavors together with a soft cream cheese topping. Read on to learn everything you need to make them at home, step by step.
introduction
Cranberry Bliss Bars are chewy, slightly tangy bars with white chocolate and a cream cheese frosting. They are a great treat for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or any time you want a sweet bar with bright cranberry flavor. If you enjoy fruit and bar desserts, you might also like an easy apple-cranberry crumble pie that pairs similar flavors and textures in a different form. Try that apple-cranberry crumble pie for another idea.
These bars balance soft cookie-like edges with a rich frosting. They are straightforward to make and fit in a 9×13 inch pan, so you can feed a crowd without fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Bliss Bars
You will love these bars because they have a mix of sweet white chocolate and tart dried cranberries. The base is tender and buttery, and the cream cheese frosting adds a smooth, slightly tangy finish. Each bite is soft, rich, and balanced, making the bars addictive.
They are also forgiving to bake. The recipe uses common pantry items like flour, butter, and sugar, and the bake time is short. This makes them a good choice when you need a quick homemade dessert that still looks and tastes special.
Why Make This Recipe
Make this recipe when you want a dessert that is easy, sharable, and seasonal. Cranberries give the bars a bright flavor that works well in winter and holiday seasons, but they are enjoyable any time of the year. The recipe is a good match for busy cooks because the steps are simple: mix, press into a pan, bake, cool, then frost.
This recipe also adapts well. You can swap add-ins, change the frosting, or cut the bars into different sizes depending on your event. The sturdy base holds up well to frosting and toppings.
What You Need for Cranberry Bliss Bars
Gather these tools and equipment before you start:
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
- Offset spatula or knife for spreading frosting
Having the pan greased and the ingredients measured makes the process smooth and quick. Keep the cream cheese at room temperature so you can make the frosting easily after the bars cool.
How to Make Cranberry Bliss Bars
Follow these clear steps for good results:
- Preheat your oven and prepare the pan. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Cream the butter and sugars. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs and flavor. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until well mixed.
- Mix dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually blend this dry mixture into the creamed mixture.
- Fold in add-ins. Stir in white chocolate chips and dried cranberries so they are spread evenly through the batter.
- Bake. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
- Cool and frost. Allow to cool before adding cream cheese frosting on top and cutting into bars.
Let the bars cool completely before frosting so the cream cheese topping stays smooth and does not melt. Once frosted, chill briefly to help the frosting set for cleaner slices.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Cream cheese frosting (for topping)
You can make a simple cream cheese frosting by combining room-temperature cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and a touch of vanilla. Spread it evenly over cooled bars.
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually blend this dry mixture into the creamed mixture.
- Stir in white chocolate chips and dried cranberries.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool before adding cream cheese frosting on top and cutting into bars.
Follow the cooling step so the frosting does not slide off. Cut bars with a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts for neat pieces.
Best Ways to Serve Cranberry Bliss Bars
Serve these bars at room temperature or slightly chilled. Room temperature brings out the soft texture and full cream cheese flavor. Chilled bars are firmer and easier to transport for events.
For gatherings:
- Cut into small squares for finger food or larger bars for a dessert plate.
- Add a dusting of powdered sugar or a few extra white chocolate chips on top for a pretty finish.
- Pair with coffee or tea; the cream cheese frosting complements hot drinks well.
If you want a festive touch, garnish with a few whole cranberries or a small mint leaf on each bar.
You can also learn more about similar bar desserts and ideas for serving by checking a general collection of bars and bite-sized treats, which gives inspiration for presentation and flavor pairings. See bars and bites ideas for more serving tips.
How to Store Cranberry Bliss Bars
Store the bars in an airtight container. If you plan to eat them within 1-2 days, keep them at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week because of the cream cheese frosting.
For freezing:
- Freeze unfrosted bars for up to three months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag.
- Thaw in the refrigerator, then frost just before serving.
- You can also freeze fully frosted bars, but the frosting may soften; thaw in the fridge to keep a better texture.
Label the container with the date so you know how long they have been kept.
Easy Tips to Make Cranberry Bliss Bars
- Bring butter and cream cheese to room temperature for easier mixing and smoother texture.
- Measure flour by spooning into the cup and leveling off to avoid dense bars.
- Gently fold white chocolate chips and dried cranberries so they don’t sink to the bottom.
- Do not overbake; bars should be golden at the edges and set in the center.
- Cool completely before frosting to prevent the topping from melting.
- Use parchment paper in the pan with an overhang to lift the whole slab out easily for cleaner cutting.
These small steps improve texture and presentation without adding much effort.
Try These Variations of Cranberry Bliss Bars
Experiment with small changes:
- Swap the white chocolate chips for milk or dark chocolate for a richer taste.
- Add orange zest to the batter or frosting to enhance the cranberry flavor.
- Mix in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch.
- Use a maple cream cheese frosting for a warm, autumn twist.
- Make mini versions by baking in a muffin tin for single-serve bites.
Variations let you match the bars to seasons and preferences while keeping the basic, easy method.
Common Questions About Cranberry Bliss Bars
Q: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
A: Fresh cranberries are more tart and will add moisture. If you use fresh, chop them and toss lightly in flour to help prevent sinking. You may want to reduce other wet ingredients slightly.
Q: How do I make cream cheese frosting that won’t be too soft?
A: Use cold, not melted, cream cheese and softened butter. Beat them until smooth, then slowly add powdered sugar. Chill the frosting briefly if it seems too soft before spreading.
Q: Can these bars be made gluten-free?
A: Yes. Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend and check texture. Some blends absorb more moisture, so you may adjust slightly with a tablespoon or two of milk if batter seems too dry.
Q: What do I do if my frosting is too runny?
A: Chill it for 15-30 minutes, then stir and try again. Add a bit more powdered sugar to thicken if needed.
Q: Can I halve the recipe?
A: Yes. Use an 8×8 inch pan and adjust baking time; start checking at 15 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Cranberry Bliss Bars are a simple, reliable choice when you want a dessert that tastes festive and homemade. The mix of white chocolate and tart cranberries makes each bite interesting, while the cream cheese frosting adds a smooth finish. With basic steps and easy storage tips, these bars work for small family treats or larger gatherings. Try one of the variations for new flavors and use the tips above to get neat, tasty bars every time.
Conclusion
If you want a similar tested copycat for comparison or inspiration, see the well-loved recipe at Cranberry Bliss Bars {Starbucks Copycat Recipe} – Belle of the Kitchen.
Ready to Give It a Try?
Gather your ingredients and pan, preheat the oven, and follow the simple steps above. These bars come together quickly and make a nice treat for any occasion. Enjoy baking and sharing them with friends and family.
Print
Cranberry Bliss Bars
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy sweet and tart Cranberry Bliss Bars topped with creamy frosting, perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you crave a delicious dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Cream cheese frosting (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually blend this dry mixture into the creamed mixture.
- Stir in white chocolate chips and dried cranberries.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool before adding cream cheese frosting on top and cutting into bars.
Notes
Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled for the best flavor. Garnish with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg