Cranberry Bliss Bars: Best 10-Ingredient Recipe Ever!

Table of Contents

• Introduction: The Perfect Cranberry Treat
• Why This Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe is the Best
• Only 10 Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
• Step-by-Step Instructions for Cranberry Bliss Bar Perfection
  • Step 1: Preparing the Base
  • Step 2: Creating the Cream Cheese Frosting
  • Step 3: Assembling the Bars
• Tips and Tricks for Amazing Bliss Bars
• Variations: Making It Your Own
• Serving and Storage Suggestions
• F.A.Q

Introduction: The Perfect Cranberry Treat

Get ready to create the most delightful and irresistible dessert of the season with our recipe for Cranberry Bliss Bars: Best 10-Ingredient Recipe Ever! These festive treats are renowned for their vibrant cranberries, creamy white chocolate, and luscious cream cheese frosting, making them an absolute holiday essential. This streamlined recipe ensures maximum flavor with minimum fuss, focusing on just 10 key ingredients.

Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering, looking for a perfect edible gift, or simply craving a taste of bliss, these cranberry bars are guaranteed to impress. They bring a burst of cheer to any occasion and are surprisingly simple to whip up right in your own kitchen.

Why This Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe is the Best

What truly makes our cranberry bliss bars recipe stand out? First and foremost, it’s the incredible simplicity! We’ve distilled the classic flavors down to just 10 core ingredients without sacrificing any of that signature taste you love. This approach means less shopping, less prep time, and more moments to savor the delicious results.

Our method achieves a perfect balance between the tangy cranberries, sweet white chocolate, and a rich, velvety cream cheese frosting. It’s a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will have everyone reaching for another piece. Plus, these dessert bars are surprisingly sturdy, making them ideal for sharing, transporting, or even gifting to loved ones during the holidays. For more baking inspiration, Read our in-depth guide on holiday desserts here.

Only 10 Simple Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how much delightful flavor you can achieve with so few items. Here’s what you need to gather to create these fantastic cranberry bliss bars:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened (divided for base and frosting)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract (divided for base and frosting)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped (divided for base and topping)
• ½ cup white chocolate chips (for the bar base)
• 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cranberry Bliss Bar Perfection

Follow these easy steps to create your own batch of irresistible cranberry bliss bars. Precision and a little patience are key to achieving that perfect texture and flavor.

Step 1: Preparing the Base

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. In a large bowl, cream together ½ cup (1 stick) of the softened unsalted butter and the granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in 1 teaspoon of the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Fold in ¾ cup of the chopped dried cranberries and the white chocolate chips.
6. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Step 2: Creating the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. While the bars are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the remaining ¼ cup (½ stick) of softened unsalted butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add about 3 cups of powdered sugar (not listed in the 10 ingredients, but essential for frosting consistency), beating until light and fluffy. Start with 2 cups and add more until you reach your desired consistency.
3. Stir in the remaining ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. For an authentic “bliss bar” flavor, you can also mix in a teaspoon of orange zest or a few drops of orange extract at this stage (also not part of the 10 listed ingredients, but highly recommended).

Step 3: Assembling the Bars

1. Once the cranberry bliss bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
2. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of chopped dried cranberries over the frosting. For an extra touch, you can melt a few white chocolate chips and drizzle them over the top as well.
3. Chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set before cutting into squares or triangles.

Tips and Tricks for Amazing Bliss Bars

• Don’t Overbake: Overbaking will result in dry bars. Keep an eye on them; the edges should be lightly golden, but the center still slightly soft.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for the best mixing and smoothest consistency. This is a fundamental rule in baking, learn more on King Arthur Baking’s comprehensive glossary.
• Finely Chop Cranberries: For even distribution and a pleasant texture, make sure your dried cranberries are finely chopped.
• Chill for Clean Cuts: Chilling the frosted bars thoroughly before slicing is crucial for neat, clean edges. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.

Variations: Making It Your Own

While the classic cranberry bliss bars are perfect as they are, feel free to experiment with these delicious variations:

• Citrus Boost: If you love a stronger citrus kick, add the zest of one whole orange to the bar batter in addition to the frosting.
• Nutty Crunch: Fold in a ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for an added layer of texture and flavor.
• White Chocolate Overload: Increase the white chocolate chips in the base or drizzle even more melted white chocolate over the top for a truly decadent treat.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for a gluten-free version.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

These delightful cranberry bliss bars are perfect for any occasion, from holiday parties to everyday treats. Serve them chilled or at room temperature alongside a cup of coffee or tea.

To store, place the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual bars (unfrosted or frosted, though frosted may be messier) for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for an hour before serving.

F.A.Q

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

While delicious, fresh cranberries are much more tart and release more moisture, which would significantly alter the texture of these cranberry bliss bars. For this recipe, dried cranberries are highly recommended to achieve the desired balance of sweetness and chewiness.

What kind of white chocolate should I use?

For the best flavor and melting quality, use high-quality white chocolate chips or a chopped white chocolate bar. Look for brands with real cocoa butter. Avoid “white baking chips” that may not contain real chocolate, as they don’t melt as smoothly or taste as rich.

Can I make these cranberry bliss bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! Cranberry bliss bars are an excellent make-ahead dessert. You can bake the base a day or two in advance and store it at room temperature, then frost and garnish closer to serving time. Once frosted, they can be stored in the refrigerator for several days, making them perfect for holiday meal prep.