Cranberry Bliss Bars

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Cranberry Bliss Bars are a timeless holiday dessert that combines rich blondie layers, creamy white chocolate frosting, and bursts of tangy dried cranberries. Inspired by bakery-style treats but made easily at home, this recipe delivers indulgent flavor, festive presentation, and crowd-pleasing texture in every bite.

Perfect for holiday baking, dessert platters, potlucks, or homemade gift boxes, these bars strike the ideal balance between sweetness and citrus brightness. The orange zest enhances the white chocolate, while the cranberries cut through the richness, making each slice irresistible without being overpowering.

If you’re looking for a high-impact dessert recipe that feels luxurious, photographs beautifully, and stores well, Cranberry Bliss Bars are a must-add to your baking rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bakery-quality results using simple pantry ingredients
• Perfect balance of sweet white chocolate and tart cranberries
• Ideal for holidays, parties, and dessert tables
• Easy-to-slice bars with clean layers
• Make-ahead friendly and freezer-safe
• Visually stunning for food photography and social media

These bars are rich without being heavy, festive without being complicated, and familiar while still feeling special.

Ingredients Breakdown

Blondie Base

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure while keeping the base soft and tender
• Baking powder: Gives the blondies a light lift without making them cake-like
• Unsalted butter (melted): Adds moisture and rich flavor
• Light brown sugar: Creates chewiness and caramel undertones
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and add structure
• Vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness and depth
• Orange zest: Brightens the flavor and complements the cranberries
• Dried cranberries: Add tart contrast and festive color
• White chocolate chips: Melt into creamy pockets of sweetness

Frosting

• Cream cheese: Adds tang and balances the sweetness
• White chocolate (melted): Creates a silky, luxurious texture
• Confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens smoothly without graininess
• Orange juice and zest: Freshens the frosting and ties flavors together

Topping

• Chopped dried cranberries: Adds texture and visual appeal
• Melted white chocolate drizzle: Finishes the bars with a professional bakery look

Tips and Tricks

• Always let the blondie base cool completely before frosting
• Use parchment paper for easy removal and clean slicing
• Melt white chocolate gently to avoid seizing
• Chill bars before cutting for sharp, clean edges
• Use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts

For best results, refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to fully develop.

Variations and Customizations

1. Chocolate Swap
   Use dark or milk chocolate instead of white for a richer flavor profile.
2. Nut Addition
   Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the blondie base for crunch.
3. Citrus Twist
   Substitute orange zest with lemon zest for a brighter flavor.
4. Gluten-Free Option
   Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend without altering other ingredients.
5. Mini Bars
   Bake in a sheet pan and cut into smaller squares for party platters.

Pairing Suggestions

• Serve with hot coffee, espresso, or cappuccino
• Pair with spiced tea or hot chocolate
• Add fresh berries on the side for contrast
• Serve slightly chilled for best texture

These bars are rich, so smaller portions pair beautifully with warm beverages.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days
• Freezer: Freeze uncut or sliced bars for up to 2 months
• Thawing: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving

For best texture, keep bars chilled until ready to serve.

Popular Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, these bars are ideal for making 1–2 days in advance.

Do they need to stay refrigerated?
Yes, due to the cream cheese frosting.

Can I reduce the sweetness?
You can slightly reduce confectioners’ sugar, but balance is key.

Why did my white chocolate seize?
White chocolate overheats easily. Melt slowly using low heat.

Caroline

Cranberry Bliss Bars

These Cranberry Bliss Bars feature a soft blondie base loaded with white chocolate and cranberries, topped with a creamy orange-kissed frosting and finished with a white chocolate drizzle. Perfect for holiday baking and special occasions.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 24 bars

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1.5 cups light brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 0.75 cup dried cranberries
• 1.33 cups white chocolate chips
• 1.67 cups white chocolate, melted (for frosting)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1.5 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
• 1 tablespoon orange juice
• 1 teaspoon orange zest (for frosting)
• 0.5 cup chopped dried cranberries (topping)
• 0.67 cup white chocolate, melted (drizzle)

Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking pan
• parchment paper or non-stick spray
• mixing bowls
• electric mixer
• whisk and spatula
• measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or spray with non-stick spray.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine melted butter and brown sugar. Stir in eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest until smooth.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix just until combined. Fold in dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.
5. Spread batter evenly in prepared pan and bake for 25 minutes or until set. Cool completely.
6. Beat cream cheese until smooth. Mix in confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, orange juice, zest, and melted white chocolate until creamy.
7. Spread frosting evenly over cooled blondies. Sprinkle with dried cranberries and drizzle with melted white chocolate.
8. Refrigerate until set, then slice into bars and serve.

Notes

Allow bars to chill fully before slicing for clean edges. These bars store well in the refrigerator and taste even better the next day. Ideal for holiday trays, gifting, and festive gatherings.

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