There’s something utterly magical about biting into a Sweet Cranberry Bliss Bar. Picture this: a soft, chewy base filled with sweet-tart cranberries, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that practically dances on your taste buds. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around and indulge in these delightful treats.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>How to Make Sweet Cranberry Bliss Bars</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use frozen cranberries for sweet cranberry bliss bars?
- How do I know when sweet cranberry bliss bars are done?
- Can I make these bars gluten-free?
- 📖 Recipe Card
I remember the first time I made Sweet Cranberry Bliss Bars during a holiday gathering. Friends and family were buzzing around, and when I pulled these beauties from the oven, it was like I’d struck gold. The excitement in the room was palpable as they dove into my creation, their smiles saying it all. These bars are perfect for festive occasions or simply to brighten up an ordinary day.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Sweet Cranberry Bliss Bars are quick and easy to make, perfect for any skill level in the kitchen
- With their sweet-tart flavor and creamy frosting, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser
- Visually stunning with vibrant colors, they bring joy to any dessert table
- Enjoy them at holiday parties or as a delightful afternoon snack
I once brought these bars to a potluck, and you would think I had just won the lottery by the reactions!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
All-Purpose Flour: This is your base; sift it for lighter bars.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the batter; adjust based on your sweetness preference.
Cranberries: Fresh or dried cranberries work; use tart ones for that zing.
Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over salt levels.
Eggs: Large eggs help bind everything together beautifully.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is key for that dreamy frosting texture.
Powdered Sugar: This gives your frosting its sweetness; sift before mixing for smoothness.
Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor; always opt for pure vanilla if possible.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Sweet Cranberry Bliss Bars
Prepare Your Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Create the Base: In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Mix in eggs one at a time until fully incorporated.
Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in all-purpose flour until just combined; be careful not to overmix! Fold in cranberries gently using a spatula to maintain that lovely texture.
Bake Your Bars: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
Make the Frosting: While your bars cool, beat together softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract until combined.
Add Finishing Touches: Once cooled, spread your creamy frosting generously over the top of the bars. Cut into squares, serve on a platter, and watch them disappear!
And there you have it—your delightful journey into making Sweet Cranberry Bliss Bars is complete! Your family will love these scrumptious treats, perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself (no judgment here!). Enjoy every sweet bite!
You Must Know
- Sweet cranberry bliss bars are a delightful treat that balances tart cranberries with sweet cream cheese
- They’re perfect for holiday gatherings and easy to whip up
- The smell of baking bars will fill your home with warmth, making everyone eager for a taste
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F before preparing the batter. This ensures even cooking and allows the flavors to meld beautifully. While the oven heats, mix your ingredients efficiently, so everything is ready when you pop those beauties in.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out cranberries for chopped nuts or chocolate chips if you’re not a fan of tartness. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to elevate the flavor profile further and create your signature twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover sweet cranberry bliss bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. You can enjoy them cold or warm them slightly in the microwave for that fresh-baked feel.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Sweet cranberry bliss bars are all about balance; ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth mixing
- Avoid overbaking to keep them moist; they should be slightly firm yet soft in the center
- Lastly, let them cool completely before cutting for clean edges
Baking these sweet cranberry bliss bars always reminds me of the first holiday season I spent with my now-husband. He was skeptical about trying anything with cranberries until he took one bite and declared it his new favorite dessert!
FAQ
Can I use frozen cranberries for sweet cranberry bliss bars?
Yes, frozen cranberries work well; just toss them in flour before adding.
How do I know when sweet cranberry bliss bars are done?
Look for a golden edge and a slight jiggle in the center when baking.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute regular flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour for delicious results.
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📖 Recipe Card
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Sweet Cranberry Bliss Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Sweet Cranberry Bliss Bars are a delightful blend of sweet and tart flavors, featuring a soft, chewy base studded with cranberries and topped with creamy frosting. These treats are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a cozy afternoon snack, filling your home with a warm, inviting aroma. Easy to prepare and visually stunning, they’re sure to please everyone!
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time and mix well.
- Gradually incorporate all-purpose flour until just combined; fold in cranberries gently with a spatula.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- While cooling, beat together softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth; stir in vanilla extract.
- Once cooled, frost the bars generously, slice into squares, and serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (50g)
- Calories: 205
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
