Cranberry Bliss Bars Dessert Recipe

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Have you ever craved a dessert that combines sweet, creamy, and fruity flavors at once? 🍪❄️ Cranberry Bliss Bars might just be what you’re looking for!

Every bite brings a burst of joy with its creamy frosting, soft cake, and zesty cranberries.

These bars are perfect for a festive treat or just because you feel like indulging!

I love making these bars because they’re so easy and delightful to share.

You’ll need some simple tools and ingredients, and soon you’ll have a tray full of deliciousness ready to go.

The colors and taste make them look just as good as they taste, capturing everyone’s attention at any party. 🎉✨

Here’s what you’ll need to bring these blissful treats to life:

Cranberry Bliss Bars Dessert Recipe

Jennifer Watson
I’m thrilled to share one of my favorite holiday treats: Cranberry Bliss Bars. These bars are sweet, tangy, and packed with flavor, perfect for satisfying any dessert craving. Let’s dive in!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16 Pieces
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • To make these delicious bars, I need a few essential tools:
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Baking pan (9×13 inch)
  • Spatula
  • Cooling rack
  • With the right equipment, preparing and baking becomes super easy! 😊

Ingredients
  

Here’s what I’ll need to whip up these cranberry bliss bars:

  • For the Bars:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 1/4 cups brown sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon orange extract
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips
  • For the Frosting:
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries chopped
  • 1/2 cup white chocolate melted

These ingredients create a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy delights! 🍫🍊

Instructions
 

I’ve broken down the baking process into easy steps:

  • Make the Bars:
  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
  • Beat in eggs, vanilla, and orange extracts.
  • Mix in flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • Fold in cranberries and chocolate chips with a spatula.
  • Spread batter in a greased baking pan.
  • Bake for 18-20 minutes. Let cool completely.
  • Prepare the Frosting:
  • Beat cream cheese until smooth.
  • Add powdered sugar and lemon juice. Beat until creamy.
  • Spread over cooled bars.
  • Sprinkle with chopped cranberries.
  • Drizzle with melted white chocolate.

Lastly, slice into bars and enjoy the bliss! 🍽️

    Notes

    A few tips make this recipe even more delightful:
    Room Temperature Ingredients: Softened butter and cream cheese mix better, so take them out a bit before starting.
    Orange Extract: This adds a unique flavor, but feel free to adjust as per your taste.
    Storage: These bars keep well in an airtight container in the fridge and taste amazing chilled.
    I love how these little details transform this recipe into a mouthwatering favorite! 😍
    Keyword Christmas baking, Cranberry dessert, Cream cheese frosting, Dried cranberry recipes, Festive desserts, Holiday treats, Tangy sweet bars, White chocolate bars

    Presentation & Serving

    Let’s make our Cranberry Bliss Bars look as amazing as they taste! 😊 I love keeping things simple yet stylish.

    Plate Style: Choose a bright or plain white plate to make the bars pop with their rich colors.

    Cutting Tips:

    • Use a sharp knife to cut the bars into neat triangles or squares.
    • Clean the knife with warm water after each slice for smooth edges.

    Extra Touch:

    • Arrange the bars in a circular pattern for extra flair.
    • Add a light sprinkle of dried cranberries or orange zest on top.

    Serving Suggestions

    I find that these bars are perfect for holiday parties or cozy get-togethers. They pair well with:

    • A warm cup of coffee or tea ☕
    • Fresh fruit, like orange slices, for a refreshing contrast
    • Whipped cream on the side for those who love something extra creamy

    Remember to let me know how you serve yours! 🥳

    Storage Tips

    Storing my Cranberry Bliss Bars is super easy! I love to keep them fresh to enjoy later. Here’s what I do:

    • Room Temperature: I put them in an airtight container for up to two days. This keeps them fresh and soft. 😋
    • Fridge: For longer storage, I place them in the fridge. They can last about 4-5 days this way. Just remember to keep them in a sealed container to prevent drying out.

    When I want to save some for even later, I freeze them!

    • Freezer: I wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap. Then, I put them in a zip-top bag. They stay great for up to two months.

    When I’m ready to eat, I thaw them at room temperature for about an hour. It’s so nice to enjoy these treats anytime! 🎉

    Recipe Variation

    I’m always trying to mix things up in my kitchen, and Cranberry Bliss Bars are no exception! Here’s how I put my own spin on this classic treat. 🌟

    Equipment 🛠️

    • Mixing bowls
    • Baking pan
    • Whisk
    • Measuring cups

    Ingredients 🍽️

    • Base
      • Butter: 1 cup, melted
      • Brown sugar: 1 cup
      • Eggs: 2 large
      • Flour: 2 cups
      • Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
      • Dried cranberries: 1 cup

    Optional Ingredient Variations:

    • White chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips
    • Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans
    • Swap cranberries with chopped dried apricots

    Instructions 📝

    1. Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line your baking pan with parchment paper.
    2. Mix: Whisk butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one by one. Combine flour and baking powder in another bowl. Slowly mix into wet ingredients.
    3. Stir In: Fold in cranberries and any extra goodies like chocolate chips or nuts for a twist.

    These variations are easy to try and give the bars a whole new vibe. Whether it’s adding chocolate or nuts, each bite feels like a new adventure! 🍫✨

    Let me know if you try any of these versions or have other fun ideas. I love seeing what others come up with! 📸 #CranberryBlissBarFun

    Pairing

    I love Cranberry Bliss Bars! They are sweet with a hint of zest, so I always want the perfect drink or snack to go with them. Here are my favorites:

    Drinks 🍹

    • Tea: A warm cup of Chamomile or Mint Tea is perfect.
    • Coffee: A Latte or Cappuccino complements the bars’ flavors nicely.
    • Mulled Cider: The spiced apple flavor is a cozy match!

    Snacks 🍴

    • NutsAlmonds or Pecans add a nice crunch.
    • FruitSliced Apples or Pears go well with the cranberry.

    Entertaining Tips 🎉

    The bars are great for gatherings, so I like to make them the star of my dessert table.

    • Platter Presentation: Arrange them with fruits and nuts for a colorful display.
    • Mini Bars: Cut the bars into smaller pieces for easy snacking.

    These pairings make every bite of Cranberry Bliss Bars even more delightful!

    Tips & Tricks

    I’m excited to share some tips that will make your Cranberry Bliss Bars even better! 🎉

    These tricks are all about making the process smooth and the dessert delicious.

    • Equipment: I love using a stand mixer for the cream cheese frosting.
    • It ensures everything is silky and smooth!
    • Ingredients: It’s best to use dried cranberries that are slightly soft.
    • If they feel hard, soaking them in a bit of water for a few minutes works wonders.

    Temperature is Important: When mixing butter and sugar, I start with room temperature butter.

    It blends perfectly and makes the bars soft and chewy.

    • Instructions: Spread the batter evenly in the pan.
    • I do this using a spatula to get all the corners nice and thick.
    • Frosting Tips: Let the bars cool completely before frosting.
    • This stops the frosting from melting into the bars and keeps each layer looking perfect.

    Sprinkling extra cranberries and white chocolate chips on top adds a pop of color and extra flavor!

    Plus, it looks so pretty. 😍

    Enjoy experimenting with these tips, and I’m sure you’ll create the perfect Cranberry Bliss Bars.

    I’ve found them to be a big hit at parties and gatherings, and I’m sure your friends will love them too! 🍫

    Frequently Asked Questions

    I’m super excited to answer some questions about Cranberry Bliss Bars! 🍪

    Whether you’re trying to create your own Starbucks-inspired treat or wondering how to store them, I’ve got you covered.

    How can I recreate the flavor of Starbucks’ Cranberry Bliss Bars at home?

    Want that signature Starbucks flavor at home?

    Focus on key ingredients like white chocolate, dried cranberries, and a zingy cream cheese frosting.

    Don’t forget a touch of orange zest for that extra aromatic kick. 🎉

    What is the best recipe for making Cranberry Bliss Bars that taste like the ones from Starbucks?

    The secret to replicating Starbucks’ bars lies in using high-quality ingredients.

    Make sure you’re using great white chocolate and fresh cranberries. A hint of vanilla in the frosting also really helps to capture that authentic flavor. 🍊

    Can you suggest an easy method for preparing delectable Cranberry Bliss Bars?

    Absolutely! Here’s a simple approach:

    • Equipment: Mixing bowl, baking tray, spatula
    • Ingredients: Butter, sugar, vanilla extract, flour, baking soda, salt, white chocolate, dried cranberries, cream cheese, powdered sugar, orange zest
    • Instructions: Mix dry ingredients, add wet ones, fold in chocolate and cranberries, bake and then frost with cream cheese icing. Enjoy your homemade bliss!

    Is refrigeration required for homemade Cranberry Bliss Bars to maintain their freshness?

    Yes, refrigeration is a must to keep them fresh! 🤓

    The cream cheese frosting can spoil if left out too long, so keep them in a cool spot to maintain their taste and texture.

    Are Cranberry Bliss Bars suitable for freezing and if so, for how long can they be stored?

    I freeze mine all the time! 💡

    They stay fresh for up to three months. Just wrap them individually and store them in an airtight container.

    Make sure to thaw them in the fridge before serving.

    What is the official release date for Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars this year?

    Starbucks usually rolls out these delicious bars around the holiday season.

    Keep an eye out in November when they typically hit the menu! 🎄

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    Jennifer

    Jennifer Watson is a part-time chef with a passion for creating delicious meals for her family and work. She believes in the magic of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.

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