Indulge in a slice of bliss with our delightful Cranberry Bliss Bars recipe! These decadent bars are a heavenly combination of sweetened dried cranberries, zesty lemon, creamy white chocolate, and aromatic spices, all nestled in a buttery blondie base and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for holiday gatherings, special occasions, or simply as a treat for yourself, these Cranberry Bliss Bars are sure to brighten your day and tantalize your taste buds. So, let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to make these irresistible bars that will leave you craving for more!
Ingredients:
Produce:
- 4 tbsp Candied ginger
- 1 cup Sweetened dried cranberries
Refrigerated:
- 3 Eggs
Condiments:
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
Baking & Spices:
- 1 1/2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp Baking powder
- 1 cup Packed dark brown sugar
- 3 1/2 cups Powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 2 tsp Vanilla extract
Dairy:
- 3/4 cup Unsalted butter
- 1/2 (8 ounce) package Cream cheese
- 1 tbsp Heavy whipping cream
Other:
- 1 cup White chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- In a small bowl, combine the candied ginger and sweetened dried cranberries. Roughly chop the mixture and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon juice until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped candied ginger, cranberries, and white chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- While the bars are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract, and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Once the bars are cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Sprinkle with additional chopped candied ginger and cranberries for garnish, if desired.
- Chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the frosting to set.
- Once chilled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Place them on a cutting board and slice into squares or bars.
- Serve and enjoy these delectable Cranberry Bliss Bars with a cup of hot tea or coffee!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- For added flavor, you can toast the white chocolate chips before adding them to the batter. Simply spread them out on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- Feel free to add chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts to the batter for extra crunch and texture.
- If you prefer a tangier frosting, you can add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese frosting.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
Q: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
A: While dried cranberries are typically used in Cranberry Bliss Bars for their concentrated sweetness and chewy texture, you can certainly use fresh cranberries if preferred. Just keep in mind that fresh cranberries will add more moisture to the bars, so you may need to adjust the baking time accordingly.
Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A: Yes, Cranberry Bliss Bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply bring them to room temperature before serving.
Q: Can I freeze these bars?
A: Yes, these bars freeze well. Once frosted and chilled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1-2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
Keto Version:
- Substitute almond flour for the all-purpose flour and a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener for the brown sugar and powdered sugar to reduce the carb content.
- Use sugar-free white chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate for a lower-carb option.
- Replace the dried cranberries with freeze-dried cranberries or unsweetened dried cranberries to reduce the sugar content.
Low-Carb Version:
- Use a combination of almond flour and coconut flour in place of the all-purpose flour to lower the carb count.
- Opt for full-fat cream cheese and heavy whipping cream to increase the fat content and reduce the carbs in the frosting.
- Reduce the amount of sweetener used in the frosting or use a sugar-free sweetener to make it low-carb friendly.
In conclusion, Cranberry Bliss Bars are a delightful treat that combines the festive flavors of cranberries, ginger, and white chocolate into a heavenly dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re craving a sweet indulgence during the holidays or looking for a special treat to enjoy year-round, these bars are sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your guests. With their buttery blondie base, creamy frosting, and vibrant cranberry topping, these bars are a true delight for the senses. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience pure bliss with these irresistible Cranberry Bliss Bars!
