The Simple Festive Cranberry Bliss Bars are a delightful holiday treat that combines the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors. These bars are made with a spiced blondie base, topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting, and finished off with a drizzle of white chocolate and crunchy cranberries. Think of them as a homemade version of the famous café treat, but much easier to make at home. They’re ideal for holiday gatherings, office parties, or just enjoying as a festive snack with your favorite beverage.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the origins of this beloved recipe, the ingredients needed to create it, the step-by-step preparation process, some variations to try, and a few frequently asked questions to make sure your cranberry bliss bars come out perfect every time.
What is the Simple Festive Cranberry Bliss Bars?
The Simple Festive Cranberry Bliss Bars are a twist on the classic blondie, a soft and chewy dessert bar that’s made with a sweetened butter base and a variety of mix-ins. This version is perfect for the holidays, as it incorporates tart dried cranberries, sweet white chocolate, and a layer of creamy cream cheese frosting. The addition of spices like cinnamon and ginger makes them even more aromatic and comforting, giving them the perfect festive flair. These bars are sweet, tangy, and rich, with a texture that melts in your mouth.
The Origin of Cranberry Bliss Bars
Cranberry Bliss Bars first became famous in the early 2000s, appearing on the menu at Starbucks during the holiday season. The café version of these bars quickly became a favorite treat for many, celebrated for their delicious combination of flavors and festive appearance. Over time, many home bakers have embraced the recipe, often making it even more indulgent by adding different toppings or flavors. The Simple Festive Cranberry Bliss Bars recipe here is an easy-to-follow homemade version that gives you the same delightful flavor, minus the cafe price tag.
Ingredients (Makes a 9×13 Pan)
Here’s a list of ingredients for making these Simple Festive Cranberry Bliss Bars. These ingredients come together to create a perfectly balanced treat that everyone will love.
For the Bars:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200g) brown sugar
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp orange zest (optional, but festive)
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¾ cup white chocolate chips
- ¾ cup dried cranberries
Frosting:
- 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup (56g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½–1 tsp orange zest (optional)
For the Topping:
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries, chopped
- ½ cup white chocolate, melted (for drizzling)
Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method
1. Make the Bars
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest (if using) to the butter mixture. Whisk until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, ginger, and cinnamon. Stir to combine.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until everything is incorporated.
- Fold in the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. (Do not overbake, as these bars should remain soft and chewy!)
- Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting.
2. Make the Frosting
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Continue beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- If desired, mix in orange zest to add a hint of citrus flavor.
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars.
3. Add the Toppings
- Sprinkle the chopped dried cranberries over the frosting, ensuring even coverage.
- Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the top in a thin zigzag pattern for a beautiful finish.
4. Chill & Slice
For best results, refrigerate the bars for about 1 hour to let the frosting set. Once chilled, slice the bars into squares or traditional triangle wedges, depending on your preference.
Tips & Variations: Simple Festive Cranberry Bliss Bars
- Add chopped pistachios on top of the frosting for an extra touch of holiday flair.
- If you don’t have fresh oranges, you can substitute orange extract in place of orange zest.
- Feel free to replace some of the dried cranberries with dried cherries or even dried apricots for a unique twist.
- For an added burst of spice, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the batter.
FAQs About Simple Festive Cranberry Bliss Bars
How do I store these cranberry bliss bars?
You can store these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They also freeze well for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw them before serving.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for baking. Be sure to use a blend that includes xanthan gum to help with the structure of the bars.
How do I get the perfect frosting texture?
To get a smooth, creamy frosting, make sure the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature. This will help them blend together more easily. Avoid overmixing the frosting, as this can make it too soft.
Can I use white chocolate chips in the frosting?
If you prefer a more indulgent frosting, you can melt some white chocolate chips and fold them into the frosting mixture for extra richness.
What is the best way to cut these bars?
After refrigerating the bars, use a sharp knife to cut them. For clean slices, you can dip the knife in warm water between cuts.
Conclusion: Simple Festive Cranberry Bliss Bars
These Simple Festive Cranberry Bliss Bars are the perfect treat for any holiday occasion. With their chewy, spiced blondie base, creamy frosting, and festive toppings, they’re sure to become a favorite. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking to enjoy a homemade holiday treat, these bars deliver on both flavor and ease. Try out this recipe today and enjoy a slice of holiday cheer!
