Cranberry Bliss Bars

The moment I take a bite of the Cranberry Bliss Bars, I’m transported to a cozy kitchen filled with the warmth of fresh baking. These delicious bars evoke memories of holiday gatherings and festive celebrations. Their delightful blend of flavors – sweet, tart, and slightly creamy – makes them irresistible. As the aroma wafts through the air, my family gathers around, eager to sneak a piece before they’re even fully cooled. Whether it’s a special occasion like Christmas or a simple get-together, these bars never fail to impress and delight everyone around. They remind me of all the joyful moments shared with loved ones, making every bite feel like a sweet hug from the inside out. So, let’s dive into the wonderful world of these Cranberry Bliss Bars together!

Ingredients for Cranberry Bliss Bars

Gathering the right ingredients is vital to making the Cranberry Bliss Bars shine. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect blend of flavors and textures.

• ¾ cup unsalted butter – This will provide a rich, creamy base for the bars.
• 1 ½ cups packed brown sugar – It adds sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor.
• 2 large eggs – These help bind the ingredients together.
• ¾ teaspoon baking powder – This is essential for leavening the bars.
• ¼ teaspoon salt – A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors.
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon – It adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves (optional) – A touch of this spice can elevate the flavor profile.
• ½ cup dried cranberries – They add a tart sweetness that is essential for this recipe.
• ½ cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened) – This brings texture and a hint of tropical flavor.
• 6 oz white chocolate chips or baking chocolate – Adds a sweet, creamy layer on top.
• 1 oz package cream cheese (softened) – It creates a luscious frosting that complements the bars.
• 1 cup powdered sugar – Sweetens the frosting and gives it that fluffy texture.
• ½ tablespoon coconut oil – It helps melt the chocolate smoothly.
• ½ cup shredded coconut (divided, sweetened or unsweetened) – Used for topping and added texture.
• ½ cup dried cranberries – For decoration and extra fruitiness.

Recipe Steps for Cranberry Bliss Bars

Making Cranberry Bliss Bars is a fun process that fills your kitchen with delightful aromas. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying your sweet creation in no time!

1. Line a 13×9 baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This will help with easy removal later and ensure the bars don’t stick.
2. Melt ¾ cup unsalted butter in a microwave-safe dish. Pour it into a mixing bowl of your stand mixer. Adding the melted butter warm helps it blend better with the sugar.
3. Add 1 ½ cups packed brown sugar and stir until well combined. The mixture should be smooth with no lumps.
4. Let the mixture cool to room temperature before proceeding to the next step. This is crucial for mixing in the eggs properly without cooking them.
5. Add 2 large eggs and ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat until completely combined and fluffy.
6. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves. This mixture will help the bars rise just right.
7. With the mixer on low, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
8. When there are still a few lumps of flour in the batter, gently fold in ½ cup dried cranberries, 6 oz white chocolate chips, and ½ cup shredded coconut. This adds texture and bursts of flavor in each bite.
9. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish. Make sure it’s leveled out to ensure even baking.
10. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 18 to 20 minutes. The edges should be set, and the center may still look a little soft. Pull them out at this stage to avoid a tough bar.
11. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This cooling process helps them firm up and makes slicing easier.
12. Meanwhile, melt 6 oz white chocolate with ½ tablespoon coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir until smooth.
13. For the frosting, beat 1 oz cream cheese until smooth.
14. Add 1 cup powdered sugar and beat until fluffy. The frosting should be light and airy.
15. Add half of the melted chocolate and mix to combine.
16. Stir in half of the ½ cup shredded coconut. This gives the frosting a lovely texture.
17. Spread the frosting over the cooled blondies evenly.
18. Sprinkle with the remaining ½ cup dried cranberries and the rest of the ½ cup shredded coconut.
19. Drizzle the remaining melted chocolate over the top for that finishing touch.
20. Cut into triangles and enjoy! These bars are best stored in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

Helpful Notes about Cranberry Bliss Bars

To ensure your Cranberry Bliss Bars are as delicious as possible, here are some tips to consider:

• Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the bars towards the end of the baking time. It’s better to underbake slightly to maintain a chewy texture.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh cranberries and quality chocolate will enhance the flavors significantly.
• Texture Check: Make sure the bars are set around the edges and slightly soft in the middle for the ideal texture.
• Serving Suggestions: Pair these bars with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a delightful treat.
• Customizations: Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate or add in nuts for additional crunch.

Serving Ideas for Cranberry Bliss Bars

When it comes to serving the Cranberry Bliss Bars, the possibilities are endless! Here are some ideas to make these treats shine:

• Perfect for Breakfast: Enjoy these bars as a sweet breakfast option with your morning coffee.
• During the Holidays: Serve them on festive platters during Christmas or Thanksgiving gatherings to impress your guests.
• Picnics and Potlucks: Their portable nature makes them a great addition to picnics or potlucks.
• Snack Time: These bars make for a delightful afternoon snack that satisfies your sweet tooth.
• Special Occasions: Customize them for birthdays or celebrations by decorating with colorful sprinkles or icing.
• Storage Tips: Ensure they’re stored in an airtight container to maintain freshness, especially during warmer months.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Cranberry Bliss Bars are truly a special treat that brings joy to any occasion. Their delightful combination of flavors and beautiful presentation make them a must-try for your next gathering. I encourage you to whip up a batch and share them with your loved ones. They’re bound to become a favorite in your home!

Cranberry Bliss Bars

Indulge in the ultimate sweet treat with these Cranberry Bliss Bars. With their creamy frosting and bursts of dried cranberries, they’re the perfect combination of flavor and texture. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are easy to make and sure to please your family and friends. Try them tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 18 minutes mins

Total Time 48 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• ¾ cup Unsalted Butter
• 1 ½ cups Packed Brown Sugar
• 2 large Eggs
• ¾ teaspoon Baking Powder
• ¼ teaspoon Salt
• ⅛ teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
• ⅛ teaspoon Ground Cloves optional
• ½ cup Dried Cranberries
• ½ cup Shredded Coconut sweetened or unsweetened
• 6 oz White Chocolate Chips or baking chocolate
• 1 oz Cream Cheese softened
• 1 cup Powdered Sugar
• ½ tablespoon Coconut Oil

Equipment

• Wooden Spoon
• Oven
• Whisk
• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet

Method

 

1. Line a 13x9 baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This will help with easy removal later and ensure the bars don’t stick.
2. Melt ¾ cup unsalted butter in a microwave-safe dish. Pour it into a mixing bowl of your stand mixer. Adding the melted butter warm helps it blend better with the sugar.
3. Add 1 ½ cups packed brown sugar and stir until well combined. The mixture should be smooth with no lumps.
4. Let the mixture cool to room temperature before proceeding to the next step. This is crucial for mixing in the eggs properly without cooking them.
5. Add 2 large eggs and ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat until completely combined and fluffy.
6. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves. This mixture will help the bars rise just right.
7. With the mixer on low, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
8. When there are still a few lumps of flour in the batter, gently fold in ½ cup dried cranberries, 6 oz white chocolate chips, and ½ cup shredded coconut. This adds texture and bursts of flavor in each bite.
9. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish. Make sure it’s leveled out to ensure even baking.
10. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 18 to 20 minutes. The edges should be set, and the center may still look a little soft. Pull them out at this stage to avoid a tough bar.
11. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This cooling process helps them firm up and makes slicing easier.
12. Meanwhile, melt 6 oz white chocolate with ½ tablespoon coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir until smooth.
13. For the frosting, beat 1 oz cream cheese until smooth.
14. Add 1 cup powdered sugar and beat until fluffy. The frosting should be light and airy.
15. Add half of the melted chocolate and mix to combine.
16. Stir in half of the ½ cup shredded coconut. This gives the frosting a lovely texture.
17. Spread the frosting over the cooled blondies evenly.
18. Sprinkle with the remaining ½ cup dried cranberries and the rest of the ½ cup shredded coconut.
19. Drizzle the remaining melted chocolate over the top for that finishing touch.
20. Cut into triangles and enjoy! These bars are best stored in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

Notes

• Tip 1: It's best to underbake the blondie base, as even a few more minutes in the oven can result in a tough bar.
• Tip 2: As soon as you see the edges set, pull them out and let cool completely on the counter. They will set further as they cool.
• Tip 3: The addition of coconut and coconut oil is optional, yet recommended.

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Meet Hailey Anderson

My passion is creating food that nourishes your body without sacrificing flavor. I’m our main recipe developer for vibrant salads, smoothies, and feel-good breakfasts. When I’m not blending or chopping, I’m right alongside Brooke and Jenna, helping to cook and test our new dinner and dessert recipes. I’m a firm believer in balance!