Cranberry bliss bars are a yummy treat that is both sweet and tangy. They mix dried cranberries and cream cheese and white chocolate with a bit of ginger in a soft cake‐like base. You get that zing from the cranberries and the smoothness from the frosting, then the white chocolate melts in your mouth and the ginger adds a tiny warmth. They is super popular at holiday parties and almost everyone loves them.
In this article we’ll look at where these bars came from, break down why they taste so good, and show you what stuff you need. You’ll find a step-by-step recipe, tips on how to make them look nice, and other ways to change them if you need gluten-free or vegan options. By the end you’ll be ready to bake your own cranberry bliss bars and share them with family or friends.
What Are Cranberry Bliss Bars?
Cranberry bliss bars is a kinda fancy dessert that mixes both sweet and tart flavors all at once. They have a soft, cake-like bottom topped with a creamy frosting. Inside the bar you’ll find chewy dried cranberries, little bits of white chocolate, and a hint of ginger that gives it a warm taste. It’s a flavour combo that feels just right for winter celebrations.
These bars first showed up at big coffeehouse chains in the United States as a seasonal special. People tried them with their lattes and got hooked fast. Soon home bakers started to make them too, and before long cranberry bliss bars became a must-have on holiday dessert tables and family get-togethers.
The taste profile is simple but perfect: the dried cranberries bring some tartness that balances the sweet cream cheese frosting, the white chocolate adds extra creamy sugar, and the ginger brings a soft spicy warmth. Together they create a treat thats hard to put down.
Ingredient Breakdown
To make cranberry bliss bars just right, you need a few key ingredients that work together to give you that special taste and texture:
- Cream Cheese: This is the main thing for the frosting. It gives a tangy creaminess that goes with the sweet base.
- Dried Cranberries: They’re the star here, adding a chewy tart punch in every bite.
- Ginger: Either fresh or ground, it brings a warm spice that makes the bars feel festive.
- White Chocolate: These chips or chunks melt into a sweet, rich creaminess that you cant resist.
Those ingredients are the classic ones, but you can switch them up. Maybe use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese, or dark chocolate chips in place of white chocolate. You can even swap in gluten-free flour or vegan butter if you need.
While cranberry bliss bars is a treat, they do have some good stuff too. Dried cranberries have antioxidants, and ginger can fight inflammation. Just watch your sugar, especially if you add extra sweeteners.
Equipment Needed
Before you start, make sure you have these tools:
- Baking Pan: A 9×13-inch dish is best for the right thickness.
- Mixing Bowls: A few differnt sizes help when combining wet and dry parts.
- Electric Mixer: It saves time creaming butter, sugar, and mixing frosting.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measuring is key for baking success.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Cranberry Bliss Bars
Ingredients
Gather the stuff you need for both the base and the frosting:
- For the base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- For the frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Additional dried cranberries for topping
Directions
- Preheat the oven: Heat to 350°F (175°C) so you bake evenly.
- Prepare the dish: Grease your pan with butter or line it with parchment paper.
- Make the base: In a big bowl cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each. In another bowl whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir the dry mix into the wet till just combined. Fold in cranberries, ginger, and white chocolate chips.
- Bake the bars: Spread batter in pan and bake about 25–30 minutes or till a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely in pan.
- Make the frosting: While bars cool, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla till creamy.
- Assemble: After bars are cool, spread frosting on top. Sprinkle extra cranberries over it.
Expert Advice for Perfect Bars
Here are some handy tips:
- Texture: Use room-temp butter for fluffier bars.
- Storage: Keep bars in an airtight container in fridge for up to a week. Bring to room temp before eating.
- Make-ahead: They often taste even better the next day, so bake them a day before your event.
Serving Suggestions
- With drinks: Pair bars with hot chocolate, coffee, or spiced cider.
- Presentation: Cut into small squares on a pretty platter. Add mint sprigs or edible flowers if you like.
- Extras: Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Popular Variations
- Gluten-free: Swap in a gluten-free flour blend.
- Vegan: Use vegan cream cheese, egg replacer, and plant-based butter.
- Flavor twists: Try adding nuts, nutmeg, or allspice to the base.
Health Aspects and Nutritional Information
- Nutritional notes: They’re kinda high in sugar and calories, so enjoy in moderation.
- Good stuff: Dried cranberries have antioxidants and ginger is anti-inflammatory.
- Health tweaks: Use less sugar or swap maple syrup for a natural sweetener.
FAQs
What ingredients are in cranberry bliss bars?
The main stuff is cream cheese, dried cranberries, ginger, and white chocolate all in a soft cake base.
Can I make cranberry bliss bars in advance?
Yes! You can bake them a day or two ahead. Keep in the fridge and let sit at room temp before serving for best taste.
How should I store leftover cranberry bliss bars?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay good up to a week.
What can I substitute for cream cheese in the frosting?
You can use mascarpone, Greek yogurt, or a non-dairy cream cheese for different diets.
Are cranberry bliss bars suitable for freezing?
Yes, wrap them well in plastic or foil and put in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge before you eat.
Conclusion
Cranberry bliss bars is the perfect holiday treat, blending tangy cranberries, rich frosting, and white chocolate with a touch of ginger. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or mix it up, these bars will impress your family and friends. Give the recipe a try and share your own tweaks and pics too!
cranberry bliss bars
Equipment
- 1 9x13 inch baking pan
- multiple mixing bowls
- 1 electric mixer
- 1 rubber spatula
- 1 set measuring cups and spoons
- 1 offset spatula or knife
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter 2 sticks
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups dried cranberries
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup dried cranberries chopped (for garnish)
- ¼ cup white chocolate shavings (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy using an electric mixer.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips with a rubber spatula.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the bars are baking, prepare the frosting by beating together the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture, mixing until smooth.
- Once the bars are out of the oven and completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
- Garnish with chopped dried cranberries and white chocolate shavings.
- Cut the bars into squares and serve.
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