cranberry bliss bars

Cranberry Bliss Bars are a beloved holiday dessert known for their rich blondie base, tangy dried cranberries, creamy white chocolate, and smooth cream cheese frosting. Inspired by the popular bakery-style treat, these bars combine sweetness with just the right amount of tartness, making them perfect for festive occasions or special desserts. The soft, chewy texture paired with the creamy topping and bursts of cranberry flavor creates a balanced and indulgent treat that feels both elegant and comforting.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it captures everything special about holiday baking in one dessert. The flavors are warm, rich, and perfectly balanced, and the bars are easy to make yet look impressive. They’re great for sharing, gifting, or enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea, and they always disappear quickly whenever I make them.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

This is a must-try dish because Cranberry Bliss Bars bring together sweet, creamy, and tart flavors in one irresistible dessert. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, and dessert trays, and they offer a bakery-quality treat made right at home. Their festive look and flavor make them stand out among traditional cookies and brownies.

Preparation Time, Cooking Time, Servings, and Nutrition

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes plus cooling
Servings: 16 bars
Approximate Calories: 260–300 calories per bar
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Bars:

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1½ cups brown sugar, packed
• 3 large eggs
• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• ¾ cup dried cranberries

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For Topping:

• ½ cup white chocolate, melted
• ¼ cup dried cranberries

Cooking Directions

Prepare the blondie batter, bake until set, cool completely, frost with cream cheese frosting, drizzle with white chocolate, and top with cranberries.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and brown sugar until smooth.
Step 3: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Step 6: Fold in white chocolate chips and dried cranberries.
Step 7: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
Step 8: Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.
Step 9: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
Step 10: To make the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract and beat until creamy.
Step 11: Spread frosting evenly over the cooled bars.
Step 12: Drizzle melted white chocolate over the frosting and sprinkle with dried cranberries.
Step 13: Chill for 30 minutes before slicing into bars for clean cuts.

How to Serve This Recipe

Serve Cranberry Bliss Bars chilled or at room temperature. They’re perfect for dessert platters, holiday cookie trays, or as a sweet accompaniment to coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.

Recipe Tips

• Do not overbake to keep the bars soft and chewy.
• Use parchment paper for easy removal and slicing.
• Let bars cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
• Chill before slicing for clean, professional-looking bars.

Variations

Orange Cranberry Bliss Bars: Add 1 teaspoon orange zest to the batter for a citrus twist.
Dark Chocolate Version: Replace white chocolate chips with dark chocolate.
Nutty Bliss Bars: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Reduced Sugar Option: Slightly reduce brown sugar and frosting quantity for a lighter version.

Freezing and Storage Time

Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezer Storage: Freeze unfrosted bars for up to 2 months. Thaw completely and frost before serving.
Make-Ahead Tip: Bars can be baked a day in advance and frosted before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9x13-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk and spatula
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons

Conclusion

Cranberry Bliss Bars are a rich, festive dessert that combines chewy blondie texture with creamy frosting and tangy cranberries. Easy to prepare and visually stunning, they’re perfect for holidays, celebrations, or anytime you want a special treat. With their balanced flavors and bakery-style appeal, these bars are truly a must-try recipe that will quickly become a seasonal favorite.