Introduction

Cranberry Bliss Bars are a delightful treat combining a soft, spiced cake base with luscious cream cheese frosting, studded with dried cranberries and white chocolate. Perfect for holiday gatherings or an indulgent snack, these bars balance tartness and sweetness beautifully.

A slice of cake is shown on a white plate, placed on a white marbled textured surface. The cake has three layers: the bottom layer is thick and dense with a light brown color dotted with dark red cranberries and small chunks of white filling, the middle layer is creamy and pale yellow, and the top layer is smooth white frosting with whole dried cranberries scattered across it. The cake looks moist and soft. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/4 cup softened butter
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 cup dried cranberries (chopped)
1.5 oz (40g) white chocolate (roughly chopped)
1.5 oz (40g) cream cheese at room temperature
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon dried cranberries (chopped, for topping)
3 tablespoons powdered sugar (for drizzled icing)
1 teaspoon milk
3/4 teaspoon vegetable shortening

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease or line a standard-size loaf tin.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add the egg, ground ginger, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt; beat until combined.
Step 4: Gently stir in the flour and baking powder until just incorporated.
Step 5: Fold in the chopped dried cranberries and white chocolate pieces evenly.
Step 6: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared loaf tin and bake for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown and springy to the touch.
Step 7: Allow the cake to cool completely in the tin before frosting.
Step 8: To make the frosting, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth and spreadable.
Step 9: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake, then sprinkle the chopped dried cranberries on top and gently press them into the frosting.
Step 10: For the drizzled icing, beat together the powdered sugar, milk, and vegetable shortening until smooth.
Step 11: Drizzle the icing in thin diagonal strips over the frosted cake.
Step 12: Cover the cake with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to meld before slicing into bars.

Tips & Variations

For extra zest, add a teaspoon of orange zest to the cake batter for a citrusy twist.
Substitute white chocolate with milk or dark chocolate chunks for a different flavor profile.
Use fresh cranberries if dried are not available; chop finely and toss in a little flour before mixing in to prevent sinking.
Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature to achieve a smooth frosting without lumps.

Storage

Store Cranberry Bliss Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the bars (unfrosted or frosted) wrapped tightly for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before serving. Let refrigerated bars come to room temperature briefly for the best texture before enjoying.

How to Serve

A single slice of cake is placed on a white plate on a surface with a white marbled texture. There are three clear layers: the bottom is a thick, crumbly, light brown baked base with visible red berries and white chunks inside; the middle layer is creamy and pale yellow embedded within the base; the top layer is a smooth white icing covering the whole slice evenly, decorated with pieces of dried red berries scattered on it. 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, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Be sure to check your baking powder is gluten-free as well.

Can these bars be made ahead of time?

Absolutely. In fact, letting them chill overnight helps the flavors meld beautifully and makes slicing cleaner and easier.