Dessert

Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe

ByRita Bennet December 22, 2025December 22, 2025

Introduction

Cranberry Bliss Bars are a delightful treat combining buttery blondies with tangy cranberries and smooth cream cheese frosting. Perfect for holidays or any special occasion, these bars offer a balance of sweet and tart flavors in every bite.

The image shows seven triangular dessert bars arranged on a white plate with a raised, decorative edge. Each bar has a thick, light brown base layer that looks crumbly or cake-like. The top layer is a smooth, creamy white frosting spread evenly. Small red pieces, likely dried fruit, are scattered on the frosting, and thin white drizzle decorates the top in crisscross patterns. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a hint of a red cloth visible beneath it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

¾ cup (1½ sticks) salted butter, cubed
1½ cups packed light brown sugar

2 large eggs
¾ teaspoon vanilla extract

2¼ cups all-purpose flour
1½ teaspoons baking powder

¼ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ cup dried cranberries

6 ounces white baking chocolate, coarsely chopped
8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
1 cup powdered sugar, sifted

6 ounces white baking chocolate, melted
½ cup dried cranberries, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.

Step 2: Prepare the blondie layer by melting the butter in a medium bowl for one minute in the microwave. Stir in the brown sugar, then scrape the mixture into a large bowl and let it cool to room temperature.
Step 3: Use an electric mixer to beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until combined.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture and stir until combined.

Step 5: Fold in the dried cranberries and chopped white chocolate. The batter will be thick.
Step 6: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish and bake for 18 to 21 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 7: Prepare the frosting by beating the cream cheese and powdered sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer until smooth and well blended.

Step 8: Gradually add half of the melted white chocolate to the frosting and beat until combined.
Step 9: Frost the cooled blondies with the cream cheese mixture. Sprinkle chopped cranberries over the top and drizzle with the remaining melted white chocolate.
Step 10: Cut into 30 bars, shaped as squares or triangles. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Tips & Variations

For extra texture, toast the dried cranberries lightly before adding them to the batter.
Swap white baking chocolate for white chocolate chips if preferred.
Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the batter for a citrusy twist.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To serve, let them come to room temperature for about 15 minutes. You can also freeze the bars for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

How to Serve

A single slice of dessert bar is placed on a white square plate. The dessert has two layers: the bottom layer is thick, light brown with visible bits of white nuts and small pieces of red fruit inside, showing a chewy texture. The top layer is thin, white frosting spread smoothly with scattered small dried red fruit pieces and thin white chocolate shavings on top. The plate is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. Make sure other ingredients like baking powder are gluten-free as well.

Can I prepare the bars ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can bake the blondie layer a day in advance and store it wrapped in plastic wrap. Add the frosting and toppings just before serving for the freshest taste.