Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe

There's a certain magic that happens when tart cranberries meet sweet cream cheese frosting, all perched on a chewy, spiced blondie base.

These bars aren't just a treat; they're a full-blown experience, one that has a knack for disappearing from platters almost instantly.

Why This Recipe Beats the Bakery Counter

If you've ever tasted the famous seasonal version, you know the draw—that perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Making them at home, though, takes things to a new level; you get a fresher, more vibrant bar, and the pride of creating it yourself is the sweetest ingredient of all.

Ingredients Needed for the Recipe

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to bliss. Here’s what you’ll need, broken down by component so nothing gets missed.

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our sturdy, yet tender, blondie base.
• Light Brown Sugar: Packed for that deep molasses flavor and signature chew.
• Unsalted Butter: Melted for the base, softened for the frosting, providing rich moisture.
• Eggs: They bind everything together for the perfect bar texture.
• Orange Zest: The secret weapon, its citrus oils brighten every single bite.
• Ground Ginger & Cinnamon: Warm spices that whisper of the holidays in the background.
• Baking Soda & Salt: For lift and to balance all the sweetness on deck.
• Vanilla Extract: A dash in both the base and frosting for aromatic depth.
• Sweetened Dried Cranberries: They offer little bursts of tangy fruitiness throughout.
• White Chocolate Chips: Melty pockets of creamy sweetness that complement the tart cranberries.
• Cream Cheese: The star of the frosting; use the block kind for best results.
• Confectioner’s Sugar: Sifted, it creates a smooth, lump-free frosting every time.

How to make Cranberry Bliss Bars?

Follow these steps carefully, and you'll be rewarded with a pan of absolute joy. The process is straightforward but has a few clever tricks.

Step 1 - Prep and Mix Dry Ingredients

Start by heating your oven to 350°F and lining a 9x13 inch pan with parchment paper, letting some hang over the sides for easy lifting later.

In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt; this ensures the spices are evenly distributed from the get-go.

Step 2 - Create the Fragrant Sugar Base

This is the fun part. In a large bowl, combine the light brown sugar and all of that fresh orange zest.

Use your fingertips to rub the zest into the sugar for a minute—this releases incredible citrus oils and makes the whole kitchen smell amazing.

Step 3 - Combine Wet and Dry

Whisk the melted butter into the orange-sugar mixture until it's smooth and glossy. Then, add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla.

Now, gently fold the bowl of dry ingredients into these wet ingredients using a spatula, just until you see no more streaks of flour.

Step 4 - Fold and Bake

Carefully fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips, then spread the thick, glorious batter into your prepared pan.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the edges are golden and a tester comes out clean from the center.

Step 5 - Cool and Frost

Let the blondie base cool in the pan for about 20 minutes, then use the parchment paper to lift it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

For the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until fluffy, then mix in the sifted powdered sugar and vanilla until silky smooth.

Step 6 - Finish and Chill

Spread that luscious frosting evenly over the completely cooled base. Scatter the top with extra chopped cranberries and a sprinkle of orange zest.

Finally, refrigerate the whole pan for about an hour to set the frosting; this makes cutting clean, beautiful triangles a breeze.

Storing Your Masterpiece

Because of the cream cheese frosting, these bars must be stored in the refrigerator to stay fresh and safe to eat.

Keep them in an airtight container, with parchment between layers if stacked, and they'll be perfect for up to five days—if they last that long.

Tips

• For the blondie base, room temperature eggs incorporate more evenly, giving you a better texture.
• Don't skip rubbing the orange zest into the sugar; it infuses the entire bake with a brighter flavor.
• Always sift your confectioner’s sugar for the frosting to avoid any pesky, gritty lumps.
• Let the base cool completely before frosting, or you'll end up with a melted, runny mess.
• Use a sharp knife, cleaned between cuts, for those pristine, professional-looking triangle slices.

Creative Variations to Try

The classic recipe is divine, but don't be afraid to make it your own with a few simple swaps and additions.

You could stir in a half-cup of toasted pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch right in the blondie base.

For a different twist, substitute chopped candied ginger for some of the cranberries, amplifying that warm, spicy note.

And if you're not a white chocolate fan, buttery macadamia nuts or even dark chocolate chunks would be wonderful here.