How long do Cranberry Bliss Bars last?

Cranberry Bliss Bars, when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, will stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days. For optimal flavor and texture, it's best to enjoy them within 2-3 days.

Can I freeze Cranberry Bliss Bars?

Yes, Cranberry Bliss Bars freeze wonderfully! You can freeze the unfrosted bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months. Thaw, then frost and garnish. Alternatively, you can freeze frosted bars by first flash-freezing them on a baking sheet until firm, then wrapping individual bars in plastic wrap and placing them in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

What's the secret to the perfect Cranberry Bliss Bar frosting?

The secret to the perfect tangy, creamy frosting lies in using full-fat cream cheese and unsalted butter, both at room temperature. Ensure they are thoroughly creamed together until smooth before gradually adding powdered sugar. The fresh orange zest added to the frosting is also crucial for that signature 'bliss' flavor, providing a bright counterpoint to the sweetness.

Can I substitute fresh cranberries for dried cranberries in this Cranberry bliss bars recipe?

While dried cranberries are traditional for this Cranberry bliss bars recipe due to their concentrated sweetness and chewiness, you could experiment with fresh cranberries. If using fresh, chop them finely and be aware that they will add more tartness and moisture to the bars, potentially requiring a slight adjustment in baking time or sugar. However, for the classic flavor and texture, dried cranberries are highly recommended.

Cranberry bliss bars recipe: 16 Steps to Holiday Bliss

Name: The Ultimate Cranberry Bliss Bars
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp baking soda; ¼ tsp salt; 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 1 ½ cups packed light brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tbsp fresh orange zest (for the bars); 1 ½ cups dried cranberries; 1 cup white chocolate chips; 8 oz (1 block) cream cheese, softened; ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting); 3 cups powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting); 1 tbsp fresh orange zest (for the frosting); ¼ cup dried cranberries, for garnish; ¼ cup chopped white chocolate or white chocolate drizzle, for garnish

Description

Chewy, citrusy, and sweet bars loaded with dried cranberries and white chocolate, topped with a dreamy, tangy cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of festive garnishes. This Cranberry bliss bars recipe is a holiday must-make!

Ingredients

Scale

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp fresh orange zest (for the bars)
1 ½ cups dried cranberries
1 cup white chocolate chips
8 oz (1 block) cream cheese, softened
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
3 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
1 tbsp fresh orange zest (for the frosting)
¼ cup dried cranberries, for garnish
¼ cup chopped white chocolate or white chocolate drizzle, for garnish

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting. Grease the parchment paper lightly.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and packed light brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until well combined, then stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest (for the bars). Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 6: Gently fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 7: Press the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. It will be thick. Use a spatula or your hands (lightly floured) to spread it out.
Step 8: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached (not wet batter).
Step 9: Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
Step 10: For the frosting, in a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and ½ cup softened butter until smooth and creamy.
Step 11: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth and lump-free.
Step 12: Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest (for the frosting). Mix until just combined.
Step 13: Once the bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
Step 14: Sprinkle an additional ¼ cup dried cranberries and ¼ cup chopped white chocolate (or white chocolate drizzle) over the frosting for garnish.
Step 15: Refrigerate the bars for at least 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set before cutting.
Step 16: Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the entire slab of bars out of the pan. Place on a cutting board and cut into squares or rectangles. For clean cuts, use a sharp knife wiped clean after each slice.

Notes

For best results, ensure butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for the frosting. The bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. Always cool bars completely before frosting.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert, Bars, Holiday
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 Bar
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 35g
Sodium: 120mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 55mg