If you’re looking for a delicious treat that brings a burst of holiday flavors with every bite, then you’ve landed in the right place! Cranberry Bliss Bars are the ultimate sweet indulgence, blending creamy white chocolate with tart cranberries, all wrapped up in a buttery, soft base.
Whether you’re preparing for a festive gathering or simply want something delightful to enjoy at home, this recipe has got you covered.
Let’s dive into this scrumptious journey together!
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try
These Cranberry Bliss Bars are not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying.
The combination of sweet and tart flavors is perfectly balanced, making them irresistible.
They’re also super versatile! Great for holiday parties, as a homemade gift, or as a cozy treat with your favorite cup of tea or coffee.
Trust me; you won’t be able to eat just one!
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups (300 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 cup (225 g) butter, melted
- 1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon orange extract
- 6 oz. (170 g) chopped white chocolate or about 1 cup white chocolate chips
- ¾ cup dried cranberries
How To Make Cranberry Bliss Bars
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
This will help your bars come out easily and keep them from sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground ginger.
This will ensure everything is well combined and your bars have a light texture.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the melted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
Whisk until you have a smooth mixture.
Then, add the eggs, vanilla extract, and orange extract.
Keep whisking until everything is thoroughly blended.
Step 4: Combine the Mixtures
Now, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
Be careful not to overmix; you just want everything to come together.
It’s okay if there are a few small lumps.
Step 5: Add Chocolate and Cranberries
Fold in the chopped white chocolate and dried cranberries.
This is where the magic happens! The sweetness of the chocolate combined with the tartness of the cranberries will make your bars divine.
Step 6: Bake!
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
Bake in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Cut
Once baked, let the bars cool in the pan on a wire rack.
After they’ve cooled completely, you can lift them out using the parchment paper and slice them into squares or bars.
Expert Tips
- Make sure your butter is melted but not hot when mixing with sugar to avoid cooking the eggs.
- If you like extra tang, add a bit more dried cranberries to the mix or sprinkle some on top before baking.
- Use high-quality white chocolate for the best flavor.
- Store the bars in an airtight container to keep them fresh and moist.
Variations and Customizations
- Add nuts like pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture.
- Substitute the white chocolate with dark chocolate if you prefer a richer taste.
- Experiment with different dried fruits like cherries or apricots.
- Top with a simple cream cheese frosting for a more indulgent treat!
How to Store Leftovers
To keep your Cranberry Bliss Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container.
They can last up to a week at room temperature.
If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them.
Just bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
FAQ
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour.
Just make sure it contains a binding agent to help the bars hold together.
What if I don’t have orange extract?
If you don’t have orange extract on hand, you can simply omit it or replace it with an equal amount of additional vanilla extract for a sweeter flavor.
Can I freeze Cranberry Bliss Bars?
Yes! Let them cool completely, then cut them into squares and freeze them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.
How can I tell when the bars are done baking?
Look for slightly golden edges and a center that doesn’t jiggle.
A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Conclusion
Cranberry Bliss Bars are a delightful way to celebrate the flavors of the season in a sweet, chewy treat.
They make a lovely addition to any dessert table and are perfect for sharing (if you’re feeling generous).
With the perfect balance of sweet and tart, they’re sure to become a favorite in your home.
So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy a batch of these delicious bars! Happy baking!
Cranberry Bliss Bars
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Dish
- Whisk
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2.5 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Ground ginger
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup Butter, melted
- 1 cup Light brown sugar
- 0.5 cup Granulated sugar
- 3 large Eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 0.5 teaspoon Orange extract
Add-ins
- 6 oz Chopped white chocolate or white chocolate chips
- 0.75 cup Dried cranberries
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground ginger.
- Step 3: In another bowl, combine the melted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Whisk until smooth, then add the eggs, vanilla extract, and orange extract, whisking until blended.
- Step 4: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Step 5: Fold in the chopped white chocolate and dried cranberries.
- Step 6: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until edges are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Step 7: Let the bars cool in the pan on a wire rack, then lift out using parchment paper and slice into squares or bars.
