Why Make This Recipe
Cranberry Bliss Bars are a delightful treat that combine the sweetness of white chocolate with tart cranberries. Inspired by the famous Starbucks version, these bars are perfect for the holidays or anytime you crave a tasty dessert. They are soft, chewy, and packed with flavor, making them a favorite for gatherings, gifts, or a cozy night in.
How to Make Cranberry Bliss Bars
Creating this delicious dessert is simple and rewarding. With just a few steps, you can whip up your own batch of Cranberry Bliss Bars that are sure to impress friends and family. Follow the directions below to get started.
Ingredients:
For the Blondie:
- 1½ cups unbleached all-purpose flour (7.5oz, 213g)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (3g)
- ½ teaspoon table salt (3g)
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter (6oz, 170g)
- 1½ cups packed light brown sugar (10.5 oz, 298g)
- 2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest (3g)
- ¾ cup dried cranberries (loosely packed, 3.5oz, 100g)
- 1⅓ cups white chocolate (chopped or white chocolate chips, 8oz, 227g)
For the Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened, 227g)
- 1½ cups confectioners’ sugar (sifted, 6oz, 170g)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest (3g)
For the Topping:
- ½ cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped (loosely packed, 2.3oz, 65g)
- ⅔ cup white chocolate (melted, 4oz, 113g)
Directions:
For the Blondie:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, melt the butter and mix it with brown sugar until combined.
- Add the eggs, vanilla, and orange zest to the butter mixture and mix well.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Fold in dried cranberries and white chocolate.
- Spread the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow it to cool completely.
For the Frosting:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Gradually add the sifted confectioners’ sugar and mix well.
- Add the vanilla, orange juice, and zest. Beat until the frosting is creamy.
For the Topping:
- Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled blondies.
- Sprinkle the chopped cranberries on top and drizzle with melted white chocolate.
How to Serve Cranberry Bliss Bars
Cut the bars into squares or rectangles to serve. They are great on a dessert platter or wrapped nicely for gifts. Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful treat any time of day.
How to Store Cranberry Bliss Bars
Keep the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you want to store them longer, you can freeze them. Wrap the bars in plastic wrap and then in foil before placing them in a freezer bag. They will last for up to three months in the freezer.
Tips to Make Cranberry Bliss Bars
- Make sure to let the blondies cool completely before adding the frosting to prevent it from melting.
- Use fresh cranberries if you can find them, but dried cranberries work perfectly too.
- Experiment with flavored white chocolate for a twist on the classic recipe.
Variation
Try adding nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch. You can also switch up the fruit by using dried cherries or figs instead of cranberries.
FAQs
Can I use another type of chocolate?
Yes! Dark or milk chocolate can be used in place of white chocolate for a different flavor profile.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
How can I make the frosting dairy-free?
You can use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan butter to make the frosting dairy-free while still keeping it delicious.
Cranberry Bliss Bars
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful bars combining sweet white chocolate and tart cranberries, perfect for holidays or any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups unbleached all-purpose flour (7.5oz, 213g)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (3g)
- ½ teaspoon table salt (3g)
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter (6oz, 170g)
- 1½ cups packed light brown sugar (10.5oz, 298g)
- 2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest (3g)
- ¾ cup dried cranberries (loosely packed, 3.5oz, 100g)
- 1⅓ cups white chocolate (chopped or white chocolate chips, 8oz, 227g)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened, 227g)
- 1½ cups confectioners’ sugar (sifted, 6oz, 170g)
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- ½ cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped (loosely packed, 2.3oz, 65g)
- ⅔ cup white chocolate (melted, 4oz, 113g)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, melt the butter and mix it with brown sugar until combined.
- Add the eggs, vanilla, and orange zest to the butter mixture and mix well.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Fold in dried cranberries and white chocolate.
- Spread the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow it to cool completely.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the sifted confectioners’ sugar and mix well.
- Add the vanilla, orange juice, and zest. Beat until the frosting is creamy.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled blondies.
- Sprinkle the chopped cranberries on top and drizzle with melted white chocolate.
Notes
Let the blondies cool completely before adding frosting to prevent melting. Try fresh cranberries or flavored white chocolate for variations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Cranberry, Dessert, Holiday Treat, Baking, Sweet, Bars
