Cranberry Bliss Bars

$- 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup packed brown sugar - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 2 tablespoons freshly grated orange zest - 1/2 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped - 1/2 cup white chocolate chips - 4 ounces cream cheese, softened - 1 cup powdered sugar - 1 tablespoon milk - Extra dried cranberries for garnish - Extra orange zest for garnish For perfect results, measure each ingredient with care. Use a dry measuring cup for flour and sugar. For butter, use a scale if possible. One cup of flour weighs about 120 grams. Brown sugar should be packed well into the cup. The egg should be large, and the orange zest should be fresh for best flavor. Cream cheese must be softened for easy mixing. If you need alternatives, here are some options: - Use gluten-free flour if you need a gluten-free version. - Swap unsalted butter for coconut oil for a dairy-free choice. - For a vegan option, use a flax egg instead of a large egg. - You can replace white chocolate chips with dairy-free chips or nuts if desired. These swaps help make the bars fit your needs while keeping them tasty! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take an 8x8-inch baking pan and grease it well. Next, line the pan with parchment paper. Let the paper hang over the edges. This step ensures easy removal of the bars later. In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix well until combined. Set this bowl aside for later. This mix adds structure to our bars. In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened butter and packed brown sugar. Mix until it gets light and fluffy. Then, add in one large egg and the pure vanilla extract. Beat these until they blend smoothly. Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the butter mixture. Stir gently until just combined; over-mixing can make the bars tough. Carefully fold in the freshly grated orange zest, chopped dried cranberries, and white chocolate chips. Make sure they spread evenly in the batter. Pour the thick batter into the prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly across the pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Look for golden edges and use a toothpick to check doneness. If it comes out clean, the bars are ready. Let them cool in the pan for 10 minutes before moving them to a wire rack. While the bars cool, you can make the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and one tablespoon of milk. Use the hand mixer until the mix is smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps. Once the bars cool completely, spread the frosting evenly over the top. To get the best texture, avoid over-mixing the batter. Over-mixing can make your bars tough, which is not what we want. Mix just until the flour blends in. This keeps the bars light and soft. After baking, let the bars cool for at least 10 minutes in the pan. This step helps them set properly. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your bars are ready. Make sure your oven is at the right temperature, too. An oven thermometer can ensure accuracy. Even a few degrees can change how your bars bake. For a beautiful finish, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly on top. Then, add extra dried cranberries and fresh orange zest for color. You can cut the bars into squares or rectangles for easy serving. Place them on a nice platter to impress your guests! Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother frosting. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Gently fold in the dry ingredients to maintain the light, fluffy texture of the bars. Overmixing can lead to dense bars. Cool Completely Before Frosting: Let the bars cool completely before adding the cream cheese frosting to prevent it from melting and sliding off. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add nuts, or swap cranberries for other dried fruits like cherries or apricots for a unique twist on the flavor profile. {{image_4}} You can change the fruits in this recipe. Instead of cranberries, try blueberries or raspberries. These fruits add a new taste. They also bring a nice color to your bars. Mix and match to find your favorite. This keeps the recipe fun and fresh! If you need vegan bars, swap the egg for applesauce or a flax egg. Use plant-based butter for the creamy texture. For gluten-free options, choose a gluten-free flour blend. These swaps make the bars fit your diet while keeping them tasty. Want to boost the flavor? Add nuts like walnuts or pecans. They give a nice crunch. You can also mix in spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. These spices add warmth and depth to the bars. Get creative and make this recipe your own! To keep your Cranberry Bliss Bars fresh, I suggest storing them in an airtight container. Layer parchment paper between the bars to prevent sticking. Place the container in a cool, dry place. If you want extra freshness, refrigerate them. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before serving. This way, they taste just as good as when you first made them. You can freeze Cranberry Bliss Bars for later enjoyment. First, let the bars cool completely. Then, wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This keeps them fresh for about three months. When you want to enjoy them, simply thaw in the fridge overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can thaw them at room temperature for a couple of hours. Cranberry Bliss Bars can last up to one week at room temperature. If stored in the fridge, they can stay fresh for two weeks. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If you notice any changes in smell or texture, it’s best to toss them. Enjoy your bars while they are at their best! Cranberry Bliss Bars are sweet, soft dessert bars. They have a rich taste from brown sugar and butter. The bars mix dried cranberries with white chocolate for a joyful bite. They often feature a creamy cream cheese frosting on top. This treat comes from coffee shops, becoming a popular holiday favorite. Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time. Bake the bars and let them cool completely. After cooling, cut them into squares. Store them in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to five days at room temperature. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Just wrap each square in plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw in the fridge before serving. Look for a golden brown edge to know your bars are done. Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, your bars are ready. They should feel firm but springy to the touch. Avoid over-baking to keep them soft and chewy. Cranberry Bliss Bars pair well with warm drinks. Try serving them with hot cocoa or coffee. A dollop of whipped cream adds a nice touch. You can also enjoy them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a festive dessert. Cranberry Bliss Bars are a delightful treat made with simple ingredients like flour and butter. We covered how to prepare the batter, bake it, and make cream cheese frosting. You can customize these bars with various fruits or dietary adjustments. Remember to store them correctly to keep them fresh. Enjoy making these tasty bars for yourself or to share. They are sure to impress anyone who tries them!$

Deliciously festive bars with a creamy frosting, perfect for the holidays.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 16

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 tablespoons freshly grated orange zest
0.5 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
0.5 cup white chocolate chips
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk
to taste extra dried cranberries for garnish
to taste extra orange zest for garnish

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8x8-inch baking pan by greasing it, then lining it with parchment paper. Make sure the parchment hangs over the edges to allow for easy removal of the bars later.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside, allowing the dry ingredients to blend.
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened butter and packed brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, forming a creamy consistency.
Add the large egg and pure vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until the ingredients are just combined, ensuring a smooth blend.
Gradually incorporate the dry flour mixture into the butter mixture. Stir gently until just combined; avoid over-mixing to keep the bars light.
Carefully fold in the freshly grated orange zest, chopped dried cranberries, and white chocolate chips. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Pour the thick batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform thickness.
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the bars cool, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and milk using a hand mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy, with no lumps.
Once the bars have cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top, creating a luscious, creamy layer.
Finish by garnishing with additional chopped dried cranberries and a sprinkle of fresh orange zest for a festive and colorful presentation. Cut into squares or bars, serve, and enjoy!

Notes

For best results, allow bars to cool completely before frosting.

Keyword bliss bars, cranberry, dessert, holiday