Indulge in the delightful flavors of cranberry and white chocolate with these Cranberry Bliss Bars. This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to make, making it perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or a sweet treat any day of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- The combination of tangy cranberries and sweet white chocolate creates a perfect balance of flavors.
- These bars can be whipped up in no time, making them ideal for last-minute dessert needs.
- They are great for meal prep and can be stored for a few days, allowing you to enjoy them throughout the week.
Ingredient Notes:
For the Blondie Bars:
- Butter adds richness and moisture.
- Brown sugar provides sweetness and a chewy texture.
- Eggs act as a binding agent.
- Vanilla extract and orange zest enhance the flavor profile.
- All-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, and cinnamon create the base of the bars.
- Dried cranberries and white chocolate add a burst of flavor and texture.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Cream cheese and butter create a creamy and tangy frosting.
- Powdered sugar adds sweetness and thickness.
- Vanilla extract, orange zest, salt, and melted white chocolate elevate the frosting’s taste.
For Topping:
- Additional dried cranberries, melted white chocolate, and extra orange zest for garnish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the oven and prepare a baking pan.
- Mix the wet ingredients, then add the dry ingredients.
- Fold in the cranberries and white chocolate.
- Pour the batter into the pan and bake until golden brown.
- Prepare the cream cheese frosting and spread it over the cooled bars.
- Sprinkle with cranberries, drizzle with melted white chocolate, and top with orange zest.
Helpful Tips:
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean slices.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Substitute dried cherries or blueberries for the cranberries for a different flavor profile.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
- Don’t overmix the batter to avoid a tough texture.
- Melt the white chocolate gently to prevent seizing.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these Cranberry Bliss Bars with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of milk for a delightful treat. They also pair well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To keep the bars fresh, store them in the refrigerator and bring them to room temperature before serving. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy them warm.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Yes, but adjust the sugar content accordingly. - Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. - Can I skip the cream cheese frosting?
Yes, but it adds a delicious creamy layer to the bars. - Can I use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate?
Absolutely, for a richer flavor profile.
Conclusion:
Try out these Cranberry Bliss Bars with White Chocolate for a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that is sure to impress your family and friends. Don’t forget to share your feedback and enjoy every bite of these delicious bars!
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Cranberry Bliss Bars with White Chocolate Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the irresistible combination of tart cranberries and sweet white chocolate with these Cranberry Bliss Bars. A chewy blondie base studded with cranberries and white chocolate is topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, creating a perfect holiday treat.
Ingredients
For the Blondie Bars:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1 & ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¾ cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
- ¾ cup white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp orange zest
- ¼ tsp salt
- 3 oz white chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
For Topping:
- ¼ cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
- 1 oz white chocolate, melted for drizzle
- Extra orange zest (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Blondie Bars: Preheat the oven, mix wet ingredients, combine dry ingredients, fold in cranberries and white chocolate, bake the blondie base.
- Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter, add powdered sugar, vanilla, orange zest, and melted white chocolate.
- Assemble the Bars: Spread frosting over cooled blondies, sprinkle with cranberries, drizzle with white chocolate, and orange zest if desired.
Notes
- For a festive touch, sprinkle with crushed candy canes on top.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg