Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Apr 07, 2025

27

Share

Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe: A Festive Holiday Treat

The holidays are just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious and festive treat? These Cranberry Bliss Bars are the perfect addition to your holiday baking repertoire. They're easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. This recipe focuses on achieving that perfect balance of tart cranberries, creamy white chocolate, and a hint of orange zest for a truly delightful experience.

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe yields approximately 24 bars. Adjust as needed depending on your pan size.

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

For the Cranberry Filling:

• 1 (14-ounce) can whole berry cranberry sauce
• ¼ cup orange zest
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the White Chocolate Topping:

• 12 ounces white chocolate chips
• ½ cup heavy cream

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Making the Crust:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
2. Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press into Pan: Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking pan. Ensure an even layer.
4. Bake the Crust (Optional): For a crispier crust, bake for 10-12 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Allow to cool completely before adding the filling.

Preparing the Cranberry Filling:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract.
2. Simmer: Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is warmed through and slightly thickened. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Creating the White Chocolate Topping:

1. Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
2. Pour and Spread: Once the cranberry filling has cooled slightly, pour it evenly over the crust. Then, pour the melted white chocolate over the cranberry layer and spread evenly.

Finishing Touches and Baking:

1. Chill: Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow them to set completely.
2. Cut and Serve: Once set, cut into squares and serve.

Tips and Variations:

• Add Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts would be a delicious addition to the crust.
• Use Fresh Cranberries: If you prefer, you can substitute fresh cranberries for the canned cranberry sauce. Just be sure to cook them down until they burst and thicken.
• Garnish: Garnish with extra orange zest or a sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving.
• Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

These Cranberry Bliss Bars are a delightful treat for any holiday gathering. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible. Enjoy! Remember to share your creations on social media using #CranberryBlissBars!