Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe White Chocolate Cranberry Squares

What You’ll Need (Ingredients and Key Roles)

Here are the essential ingredients for these delightful cranberry bliss bars, along with their key roles and a few handy kitchen notes:

• All-purpose flour: 1 ½ cups (180g) – The base for a tender bar structure.
• Granulated sugar: ½ cup (100g) – For sweetness and a tender crumb.
• Brown sugar: ½ cup (100g) packed – Adds depth, moisture, and chewiness (light brown sugar works well).
• Unsalted butter: ½ cup (113g), softened – Provides richness and moisture (or use salted butter and reduce added salt by ¼ tsp).
• Large eggs: 2 – Bind ingredients and add structure.
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon – A classic flavor booster.
• White chocolate chips: 1 cup (170g) – For creamy sweetness (opt for good quality for best melt in your cranberry bliss bars).
• Dried cranberries: 1 cup (110g) – Adds a tangy pop (consider organic dried cranberries for a more natural option).
• Baking powder: 1 teaspoon – Helps the bars rise.
• Salt: ½ teaspoon – Balances the sweetness.

For the Frosting:

• Cream cheese: 4 oz (113g), softened – For the iconic tangy frosting.
• Unsalted butter: ¼ cup (57g), softened – Adds richness and smoothness.
• Powdered sugar: 2 cups (240g) – Sweetness and smooth frosting texture.
• Orange zest: 1 teaspoon – For that signature bright, fresh note (lemon zest also adds a lovely tang).

Dried cranberries are available year-round in the baking aisle. Fresh oranges are best for zesting, often available widely for this cranberry bliss bars recipe White Chocolate Cranberry Squares.

Step-by-Step Cooking Method

Follow these clear, numbered directions to create perfect white chocolate cranberry squares:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting. This ensures your bars won’t stick and are easy to remove.
2. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and both sugars using an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). The mixture should look pale and airy.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract until just combined. The batter will look smooth and emulsified.
4. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix; the batter should still have a few streaks of flour. If it looks dry, splash in 1-2 Tbsp milk or orange juice.
5. Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared 8×8 inch baking dish. The dough will be thick and studded with color.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter). The top will look set and slightly firm to the touch. Let the white chocolate cranberry squares cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
7. While bars cool, prepare the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and orange zest until smooth and creamy. The frosting should be light and spreadable.
8. Once bars are completely cool, spread the frosting generously over the top. Chill for at least 30 minutes before slicing for clean cuts. This makes your cranberry bliss bars recipe much easier to portion. Sometimes, if I’m short on time, I pop the frosted bars in the freezer for 10-15 minutes instead of the fridge for a quick chill before slicing. My kids can’t wait for these cranberry bliss bars!

Perfect Occasions and Pairings

These delightful white chocolate cranberry squares are perfect for holiday cookie exchanges, family gatherings, or a special after-school treat. They also make wonderful edible gifts or a cheerful addition to any brunch or potluck.

• Serve alongside a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a tall glass of cold milk. A sprinkle of extra orange zest before serving adds a fresh aroma and visual appeal.
• Store leftover cranberry bliss bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze unfrosted bars for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge and then frost when ready to serve.

Wellness and Everyday Benefits of Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe White Chocolate Cranberry Squares

While a sweet treat, our cranberry bliss bars offer delightful energy from carbohydrates, a touch of healthy fats, and the antioxidant benefits of cranberries. Enjoy them in moderation as a satisfying pick-me-up within your balanced diet. This cranberry bliss bars recipe is excellent as a festive nourishing snack to share or a dessert for best easy dinners.

• A comforting reward after a long day.
• An enjoyable addition to family meals, bringing everyone to the table.
• A bright, nourishing snack option when you need a sweet boost.
• Perfect for holiday healthy meal prep ideas when you want something homemade but easy.

Customizing the Recipe for Your Needs

For extra chewy bars, don’t overbake; a slight underbake results in a softer center. I sometimes add a pinch of ground cardamom to the dry ingredients for an extra layer of warmth, especially during cooler months. Always check labels for cross-contamination if dealing with severe allergies, particularly for white chocolate chips.

• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for these cranberry bliss bars.
• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter, cream cheese, and white chocolate alternatives for a dairy-free version.
• Lower Sugar: Reduce the granulated sugar by a quarter; the cranberries provide plenty of tang.

Common Questions Answered

Is this cranberry bliss bars recipe a healthy option?

While a sweet treat, the cranberries offer antioxidants. Enjoy these white chocolate cranberry squares in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Can I freeze these cranberry bliss bars for later?

Yes, unfrosted bars freeze beautifully for up to 2 months; wrap tightly, thaw in the fridge, then frost. Frosted bars can be frozen, but their texture may soften slightly upon thawing.

What’s the best substitute if I don’t have dried cranberries?

You can use other dried fruits like chopped dried cherries or even golden raisins. For a similar tangy profile, dried apricots are also a good swap in this cranberry bliss bars recipe.

Why are my white chocolate cranberry squares dry?

Overbaking is the most common culprit. Remove them from the oven as soon as a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.

How do I get clean slices of cranberry bliss bars?

Chill the frosted bars thoroughly for at least 30 minutes, or even an hour, before slicing. Use a sharp, warm knife wiped clean between each cut for perfect results. I always find a well-chilled bar makes for the neatest presentation.

Can I add nuts to this cranberry bliss bars recipe?

Absolutely! Toasted chopped pecans or walnuts would add a lovely crunch and depth of flavor. Fold them in with the white chocolate chips and cranberries.

What gives cranberry bliss bars their distinct flavor?

The combination of tangy dried cranberries, sweet white chocolate, and the bright citrus note from orange zest in the cream cheese frosting is what makes these white chocolate cranberry squares so unique.

These easy cranberry bliss bars offer a delightful moment of joy, perfect for brightening any day or celebrating a special occasion with family. Pin this cranberry bliss bars recipe for your next family dinner, or add it to your healthy meal prep ideas for a truly nourishing snack!

cranberry bliss bars recipe White Chocolate Cranberry Squares

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• Author: Amanda Miller
• Total Time: 145 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Diet: General

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Description

These white chocolate cranberry squares are a delightful treat featuring a tender bar base studded with white chocolate chips and tangy dried cranberries, topped with a creamy, zesty cream cheese frosting.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour (180g)
• 0.5 cup granulated sugar (100g)
• 0.5 cup brown sugar (100g), packed
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter (113g), softened (or use salted butter and reduce added salt by 0.25 tsp)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup white chocolate chips (170g)
• 1 cup dried cranberries (110g)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 4 oz cream cheese (113g), softened
• 0.25 cup unsalted butter (57g), softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar (240g)
• 1 teaspoon orange zest (lemon zest also adds a lovely tang)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting.
2. Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and both sugars using an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
3. Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract until just combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing on low speed until just combined (Do not overmix; if it looks dry, splash in 1-2 Tbsp milk or orange juice).
5. Fold In Add-Ins & Spread: Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared 8×8 inch baking dish.
6. Bake & Cool Bars: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter). Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
7. Prepare Frosting: While bars cool, prepare the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and orange zest until smooth and creamy.
8. Frost & Chill: Once bars are completely cool, spread the frosting generously over the top. Chill for at least 30 minutes before slicing for clean cuts (For a quick chill, pop frosted bars in the freezer for 10-15 minutes instead of the fridge).

Notes

Consider using good quality white chocolate chips for best melt. For a quick chill of the frosted bars, pop them in the freezer for 10-15 minutes instead of the fridge for 30 minutes.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar (approx 65 g)
• Calories: 350 calories
• Sugar: 40 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg

Keywords: cranberry bliss bars, white chocolate, dried cranberries, cream cheese frosting, dessert bars, baking, holiday treat, sweet treat, easy dessert