In the heart of the holiday season, when the days grow shorter and the spirit of togetherness fills the air, Cranberry Bliss Bars emerge as a delightful ode to warmth and indulgence. These bars, with their harmonious blend of sweet and tart, carry the essence of joy in every bite—each layer more enchanting than the last. As the aroma of freshly baked goods wafts through your kitchen, so too does the promise of bliss linger in the air.
Why make this recipe?
The allure of Cranberry Bliss Bars lies not only in their exquisite taste but also in the moments shared over a warm slice with friends and family. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a masterpiece that sings with flavors. The creamy, tangy frosting that coats the dense, buttery base creates a dreamy texture, while the cranberries deliver bursts of vibrant tartness. It is a treat that invites you to savor the sweetness of life.
How to make Cranberry Bliss Bars
Creating these bars is both an art and a science, where patience meets creativity, and every measure is thoughtfully considered. Let us journey together into the world of baking, where the magic unfolds.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 and 1/2 cups brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp orange zest
- 1 and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups plus 2 tablespoon Bob’s Red Mill All Purpose Flour
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 and 1/2 to 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup melted white chocolate chips
Directions:
Begin by inviting your oven to warm up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, while you line a 9×13 inch baking dish with delicate parchment paper, preparing it for the sweet embrace of your batter. In a gentle reverie, melt the butter in a small pot over low heat, letting its silken texture transform before your eyes. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and the brown sugar until they harmonize into a smooth blend of richness.
Introduce the eggs, fresh orange zest, and vanilla to this luscious mixture, whisking until it becomes a symphony of flavors. In a separate bowl, combine the ground ginger, baking powder, salt, and flour, creating a dry mixture that holds secrets yet to be unveiled. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet, mixing just until they unite. Like stars scattering across the night sky, add the white chocolate chips and cranberries, folding them in to create pockets of fruity indulgence.
Spread this enchanting dough into the prepared pan with care, creating an even layer that bakes into a golden wonder in about 22 to 24 minutes. Watch attentively, letting the edges turn light brown while the top remains a perfect pale canvas, signaling it is time to emerge from the oven’s warm embrace.
While the bars cool, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese for about a minute, inviting softness. Gradually add in a dusting of powdered sugar and a touch of vanilla, mixing until you achieve that plush, creamy consistency. Adjust as needed, allowing this sweet crown to find its perfect texture.
Spread this heavenly cream cheese frosting over the cooled bars, letting it cascade with joy. Adorn the top with chopped cranberries, and with a gentle hand, drizzle the melted white chocolate, creating a visual feast unlike any other. Slice into elegant triangles, inviting friends and family to share in this creation, and store any delightful leftovers in the refrigerator, where they can preserve their charm.
How to serve Cranberry Bliss Bars
Present your bars on a lovely platter, garnished with extra cranberries or a dusting of powdered sugar for that extra touch of elegance. Paired with a warm cup of tea or coffee, these bars become a cherished indulgence that elevates even the simplest of occasions into a celebration.
How to store Cranberry Bliss Bars
To maintain the charm of your creation, store the cooled bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will remain fresh and delightful for several days. A brief moment at room temperature before serving can restore their forgiving softness.
Tips to make Cranberry Bliss Bars
- For enhanced flavors, allow the baked bars to cool completely before frosting, ensuring a smooth application.
- Adjust the amount of powdered sugar in the frosting to achieve your preferred sweetness level – each palate finds joy in different measures.
- Experiment with the types of nuts added, such as chopped pecans or walnuts, to introduce more texture if desired.
Variations
For a festive twist, consider folding in chopped orange peel or using dark chocolate chips instead of white, allowing the flavors to dance in a new direction. Additionally, for a gluten-free alternative, Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour can create a delightful rendition of this classic treat.
FAQs
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Can I freeze Cranberry Bliss Bars?
Yes, you can! Wrap the cooled bars tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy. -
Can I use fresh cranberries?
Fresh cranberries provide a burst of tartness, but you’ll want to add extra sugar since they are more sour than dried. Lightly sweetening them can transform the experience. -
How long do these bars last?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, these bars can retain their delightful flavors for up to a week. However, their allure often beckons them to be enjoyed long before then.
In the realm of baking, each recipe tells a story, and with every stir of the batter, we weave our own threads of memory and delight. As we embrace the art of creating, may we find beauty in the patience it takes to bake, allowing ourselves to savor the journey—one blissful bar at a time.
Cranberry Bliss Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Melt the butter in a small pot over low heat.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs, orange zest, and vanilla extract, whisking until combined.
- In a separate bowl, combine the ground ginger, baking powder, salt, and flour.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 22 to 24 minutes until the edges are light brown and the top is pale.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla until creamy.
- Spread the frosting over the cooled bars.
- Top with chopped cranberries and drizzle melted white chocolate.
- Slice into triangles and serve on a platter, optionally garnished with extra cranberries or powdered sugar.