Cranberry Bliss Bars

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy something festive? These Cranberry Bliss Bars are the business. Imagine those Starbucks beauties, but homemade and better! They are packed full of flavour, including white chocolate chips, that is something quite unique.

Brief Overview

These bars are inspired by classic American treats. They bring holiday cheer to any gathering! They're medium difficulty, taking about an hour plus chilling time.

This recipe yields 16 bars - perfect for sharing... or not!

Main Benefits

Cranberries are full of antioxidants. These bars are perfect for Christmas. They are a show-stopper at any party.

Get Ready to Get Baking

Fancy a bit of holiday baking recipes cranberry ? These bars are seriously addictive. You'll need these bits and bobs to get started.

Ingredients for these White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies (or Blondies)

• For the Blondie Base: 113g unsalted butter, ¾ cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 egg, 5ml vanilla extract, 180g all-purpose flour, ½ tsp baking powder, ¼ tsp salt, 170g chopped dried cranberries, 85g white chocolate chips.
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting: 113g cream cheese, 57g unsalted butter, 240g powdered sugar, 5ml vanilla extract, 1.25ml orange extract (optional).
• For the Orange Drizzle: 57g white chocolate chips, 5ml vegetable shortening (optional), 2.5ml orange zest.

Baking Equipment

You'll need a 9x13 inch baking pan, parchment paper, an electric mixer, mixing bowls, a rubber spatula, a zester, and a small saucepan.

Honestly, getting that orange zest just right is key. Don't skip it!

Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe Card

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Preparation time:30 Mins

Cooking time:30 Mins

Servings:16 bars

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (50g) packed light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (170g) dried cranberries, chopped
• 1/2 cup (85g) white chocolate chips
• 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon orange extract (optional)
• 1/4 cup (57g) white chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon vegetable shortening (Crisco), optional
• 1/2 teaspoon orange zest

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang.
• In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
• Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
• Fold in the chopped cranberries and white chocolate chips.
• Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
• Let the blondie base cool completely in the pan before frosting.
• In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract (and orange extract, if using).
• Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled blondie base.
• Refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour, or until the frosting is set.
• In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips with the vegetable shortening (if using) until smooth. Stir in the orange zest.
• Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the chilled frosting.
• Refrigerate for another hour to set the drizzle.
• Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into 16 squares and serve.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:350 calories

Fat:18g

Fiber:1g

Recipe Info

Category:Dessert

Cuisine:American

Step-by-Step Baking (Easy Peasy)

1. Preheat your oven to 175° C. Line that baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Cream together butter and sugars. Get it light and fluffy, like a cloud.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla. Mix well.
4. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add to the wet ingredients. Don't overmix, alright?
6. Fold in cranberries and white chocolate.
7. Bake for 25- 30 minutes.
8. Cool completely before frosting.

Let me tell you, I once overbaked a batch. Disaster! Don't overbake! This is vital!

Frosting and Drizzle (The Best Bit)

1. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Add powdered sugar and beat until fluffy.
3. Stir in vanilla and orange extract.
4. Spread over the cooled base.
5. Chill for at least an hour.
6. Melt white chocolate with shortening.
7. Stir in orange zest.
8. Drizzle over the frosting.
9. Chill again for another hour.
10. Cut into 16 squares. Serve and enjoy these Christmas Cranberry Recipes .

I've made these for so many parties. They're always a hit!

Alright, let's dive into what you need to make these Cranberry Bliss Bars! Honestly, these are gonna be way better than Starbucks.

Ingredients & Equipment

It's time to gather everything. These Cranberry Dessert Recipes Easy are totally doable, trust me. We're making Homemade Cranberry Bliss Bars that will knock your socks off.

These Christmas Cranberry Recipes will make you love baking again.

Main Players: The Ingredients

For the Blondie Base:

• ½ cup ( 113g ) unsalted butter, softened. Make sure it's soft, not melted. You know?
• ¾ cup ( 150g ) granulated sugar.
• ¼ cup ( 50g ) packed light brown sugar. Pack it good!
• 1 large egg.
• 1 teaspoon ( 5ml ) vanilla extract.
• 1 ½ cups ( 180g ) all-purpose flour.
• ½ teaspoon ( 2.5ml ) baking powder.
• ¼ teaspoon ( 1.25ml ) salt.
• 1 cup ( 170g ) dried cranberries, chopped. These are the star of the show.
• ½ cup ( 85g ) white chocolate chips. 'Cause White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies are amazing, but bars? Even better!

For that Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 ounces ( 113g ) cream cheese, softened. Softened is key!
• ¼ cup ( 57g ) unsalted butter, softened.
• 2 cups ( 240g ) powdered sugar, sifted. Sifting is a must!
• 1 teaspoon ( 5ml ) vanilla extract.
• ¼ teaspoon ( 1.25ml ) orange extract (optional).

That Orange Drizzle, Though:

• ¼ cup ( 57g ) white chocolate chips.
• 1 teaspoon ( 5ml ) vegetable shortening (optional).
• ½ teaspoon ( 2.5ml ) orange zest. Fresh zest makes all the difference.

Seasoning Secrets: The Flavor Boosters

Cranberries love vanilla and orange. So do I. Honestly... A bit of salt balances the sweetness. For Cranberry Orange Muffins vibes, double the orange zest.

If you want Cranberry White Chocolate Blondies , use some almond extract. It's great.

Essential Gear: What You'll Need

• 9x13 inch baking pan.
• Parchment paper. Don't skip this, or you'll be sorry.
• Electric mixer.
• Mixing bowls.
• Rubber spatula.
• Zester.
• Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl.

Don't have a zester? A fine grater works in a pinch. See? You can make this happen! With this recipe, even your Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes Cranberry is going to be a success.

Cranberry Bliss Bars: The Homemade Holiday Treat

Oh my gosh, you have to try these Cranberry Bliss Bars. Honestly, they're like a hug in dessert form. If you're searching for easy cranberry dessert recipes easy that tastes like they came from a fancy bakery, this is it.

Inspired by Starbucks, but way better. Get ready to become obsessed with these festive bars! Plus, holiday baking recipes cranberry will make your kitchen smell divine.

Prep Steps: Setting the Stage for Bliss

• Mise en place is your bestie. Get all your ingredients measured. I am telling you, it will make the process way smoother.

  Soften the butter and cream cheese too. Seriously, don't skip this.

• Time-saving tip: Chop your dried cranberries before you start. This saves time and reduces stress during baking. Organization is key, my friend.

• Safety first! Remember to use oven mitts when handling hot pans. We don't want any burnt fingers this holiday season.

Step-by-Step Process: Baking Your Way to Happiness

1. Preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Leave some overhang, trust me.
2. Cream together 1/2 cup (113g) softened butter, 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar. Beat until light and fluffy. It is the base of perfect white chocolate chip cookies
3. Beat in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract.
4. Whisk together 1 1/2 cups (180g) flour, 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) salt.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don't overmix!
6. Fold in 1 cup (170g) chopped dried cranberries and 1/2 cup (85g) white chocolate chips. Mmm, white chocolate cranberry cookies
7. Bake for 25- 30 minutes . A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs. Now lets wait for the magic.
8. Cool completely before frosting. Patience, my friend, is a virtue.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Bliss Bars

• Don't overbake! Overbaked blondies are sad blondies. Also, you can make these a day ahead. Store them in the fridge. The flavors meld together beautifully.
• Want extra flavor? Add 1/2 teaspoon of orange extract to the frosting. It's a total game-changer. And if you are planning your thanksgiving dessert recipes cranberry or christmas cranberry recipes , that is exactly what you need.
• Common mistake: Overmixing the batter. This leads to tough bars. Mix until just combined.

Honestly, making these Homemade Cranberry Bliss Bars is easier than you think. Plus, everyone will be so impressed with your baking skills.

It’s one of those cranberry cookies recipes that’s sure to become a family favourite. So, get baking and spread some holiday cheer, and try our cranberry orange muffins !

Recipe Notes

Right then, let's chat about a few bits and bobs to make these Cranberry Bliss Bars absolute crackers! Honestly, these are inspired by some of the best cranberry recipes and really, it is worth to try during these holidays.

Serving Suggestions

Presentation-wise, a simple dusting of icing sugar looks fab. Cut the bars into neat squares. Or get all fancy with a dollop of whipped cream.

These Homemade Cranberry Bliss Bars are divine with a cuppa. A mulled wine goes down a treat too!

Storage Tips

Pop any leftovers into an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge. They'll be grand for up to 3 days.

If you're thinking longer term, you can freeze them. Wrap them individually in cling film first. They will last up to 2 months.

To reheat, just let them thaw at room temperature. Honestly, they're lovely cold too!

Variations

Fancy a change? You could make it dairy-free. Use a vegan cream cheese alternative. Some of my mates swap orange zest for lemon.

Both options are delicious! For an easier recipe, you could try the White Chocolate Chip Cookies.

I reckon these would be amazing using seasonal fruit. Think autumn with some apple chunks! Or try making mini Cranberry Orange Muffins instead of bars.

So cute! You can adapt any of these Christmas Cranberry Recipes !

Nutrition Basics

Right, let's be real. These are a treat! Estimated calorie count is around 350 per bar. But who's counting over the holidays? They do contain cranberries.

That means antioxidants! So they're practically a health food, yeah?

These cranberry cookies recipes have become popular. I honestly think these bars are a great alternative. Holiday baking recipes cranberry style are so amazing! These also work great as Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes Cranberry .

So there you have it! All the info you need to make these bars a total success. Now get baking and enjoy! These white chocolate cranberry cookies are not just for Christmas.

If you need a cranberry dessert recipes easy , look no further!. If you are wanting a more blondie, go for the Cranberry White Chocolate Blondies .

You got this!