Save The first time I encountered Cranberry Bliss Bars was during a chaotic holiday baking marathon at my sister's house. Her kitchen was covered in flour, Christmas music was blaring, and these bars emerged from the oven like edible sunshine. Now they are the one treat I make every December without fail. That perfect balance of tart cranberry and sweet orange frosting has become synonymous with everything cozy about the season.
Last year I brought these to a cookie exchange and watched three different people ask for the recipe before even taking their first bite. My neighbor now texts me every November asking if I have started my annual batch. There is something about that white chocolate drizzle that makes people feel like they are eating something special.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened: Room temperature butter is nonnegotiable here for that perfectly tender crumb
- 1 cup packed brown sugar and 1/2 cup granulated sugar: The brown sugar adds moisture and depth while white sugar gives the tops that lovely crackly finish
- 3 large eggs: Bring these to room temperature too so they incorporate smoothly into the batter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Do not be tempted to use imitation here because real vanilla makes such a difference
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Spoon and level your flour instead of dipping directly into the bag
- 1 teaspoon baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: This duo gives the bars just enough lift without making them cakey
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: A little salt enhances all the other flavors especially the white chocolate
- 1 cup dried cranberries chopped: Rough chopping distributes the tart berries more evenly throughout
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips: These melt into lovely pockets throughout the base
- 1/2 cup cream cheese softened: Full fat cream cheese creates the most luscious frosting
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sift this first to avoid any lumps in your frosting
- 1 tablespoon orange zest: Use a microplane to get just the bright orange part avoiding the bitter pith
- 2 tablespoons orange juice: Fresh squeezed makes all the difference in that bright citrus flavor
Instructions
- Get your oven and pan ready:
- Preheat to 350°F and line a 9×13 pan with parchment paper letting the ends hang over like little handles
- Cream the butter and sugars:
- Beat butter brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture turns pale and fluffy about 3 to 5 minutes
- Add the eggs and vanilla:
- Drop in eggs one at a time letting each one fully incorporate before adding the next then stir in the vanilla
- Whisk the dry ingredients:
- In a separate bowl combine flour baking powder baking soda and salt so they are evenly distributed
- Combine wet and dry:
- Gradually mix the flour mixture into the butter mixture stopping as soon as no flour streaks remain
- Fold in the goodies:
- Gently fold in chopped cranberries and white chocolate chips taking care not to overwork the batter
- Spread and bake:
- Transfer batter to your prepared pan smooth the top and bake 25 to 30 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean
- Cool completely:
- Let bars rest in the pan 15 minutes then use those parchment handles to lift them onto a wire rack
- Make the frosting:
- Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth then mix in orange zest and juice until creamy
- Frost and finish:
- Spread frosting over cooled bars then add extra cranberries and drizzle with melted white chocolate
Save My daughter has claimed these as her birthday treat instead of cake for the past two years. Watching her carefully select the corner pieces with the most frosting has become one of those small holiday traditions I treasure.
Making Ahead
The unfrosted bars freeze beautifully wrapped tightly in plastic and foil for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.
Storage Secrets
Keep frosted bars refrigerated in an airtight container because that cream cheese frosting needs the cold. They actually develop deeper flavor after a day or two in the fridge.
Serving Suggestions
These bars shine at any holiday gathering but are equally wonderful with a cup of tea on a quiet afternoon.
- Pair with spiced chai or Earl Grey tea
- Cut into small squares for cookie platters
- Serve slightly chilled for the best texture
Save May your kitchen smell like orange zest and butter all season long.
Recipe FAQ Section
- → How should I store these bars to keep them fresh?
To maintain their freshness and flavor, store the cranberry bliss bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will remain delicious for up to one week.
- → Can I use different dried fruits instead of cranberries?
Absolutely! While cranberries provide a classic holiday flavor, you can certainly substitute them with other dried fruits like dried cherries or chopped dried apricots for a different twist.
- → What's the best way to tell if the bars are fully baked?
The bars are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges should also appear lightly golden brown. Be careful not to overbake, as this can make them dry.
- → Do you have any tips for making the perfect orange cream cheese frosting?
Ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before beating, which helps achieve a smooth, lump-free frosting. Add powdered sugar gradually, and adjust the amount of orange juice to reach your desired consistency.
- → Can these bars be prepared in advance for a special occasion?
Yes, these bars are an excellent make-ahead treat! In fact, the flavors often meld and deepen overnight, making them taste even better the day after baking. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- → What's the best method for melting white chocolate for the drizzle?
To melt white chocolate, place it in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 15-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval, until smooth. Be careful not to overheat, as white chocolate can seize easily.