why make this recipe
Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars are a delightful treat that bring the flavors of the holiday season to your kitchen. They are a perfect blend of sweet and tart, with soft textures and rich cream cheese frosting. Making these bars at home is not only satisfying but also lets you enjoy a beloved café favorite anytime you want. Plus, you can customize them to suit your taste!
how to make Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (Can substitute with gluten-free blend)
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (Toasted for extra flavor (optional))
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (Helps the bars rise)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (Enhances flavors)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (Can use vegan butter)
- 1 cup brown sugar (Provides moisture and sweetness)
- 1 large egg (Flax egg for vegan version)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup dried cranberries (Can substitute with cherries or apricots)
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (Use dark chocolate for a bolder flavor)
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened (Use dairy-free for a dairy-free option)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Directions:
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan.
- Mix Base: In a bowl, combine flour, oats, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add in the egg and vanilla, mixing well.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir in the cranberries and white chocolate chips.
- Bake: Spread the mixture in the prepared baking pan. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and Frost: Let the bars cool completely before frosting. Whip together the cream cheese and powdered sugar to make the frosting, then spread it over the cooled bars.
- Serve: Cut into squares and enjoy!
how to serve Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars
Serve these delicious cranberry bliss bars as a snack, dessert, or treat for your guests. They pair nicely with tea or coffee, making them a great addition to a cozy afternoon gathering. You can also sprinkle some extra cranberries or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top for presentation.
how to store Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars
To store, place the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. For extended storage, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
tips to make Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars
- Toast the oats for a richer flavor before adding them to the batter.
- If you prefer a tangier frosting, add a bit of lemon juice to the cream cheese frosting.
- Experiment with different dried fruits like cherries or apricots to find your favorite combination.
variation
For a different twist, try adding nuts like pecans or walnuts into the mixture. You can also use dark chocolate chips instead of white for a more intense flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
2. Can I use a different type of fruit?
Absolutely! You can replace the dried cranberries with cherries or apricots based on your preference.
3. How can I make these bars dairy-free?
You can use vegan butter and dairy-free cream cheese to make the bars completely dairy-free. Also, ensure that your chocolate chips are dairy-free.
Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (Can substitute with gluten-free blend)
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (Toasted for extra flavor (optional))
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (Helps the bars rise)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (Enhances flavors)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (Can use vegan butter)
- 1 cup brown sugar (Provides moisture and sweetness)
- 1 large egg (Flax egg for vegan version)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix-ins
- 1 cup dried cranberries (Can substitute with cherries or apricots)
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (Use dark chocolate for a bolder flavor)
Frosting
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened (Use dairy-free for a dairy-free option)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan.
Mix Base
- In a bowl, combine flour, oats, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add in the egg and vanilla, mixing well.
Combine Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
- Stir in the cranberries and white chocolate chips.
Bake
- Spread the mixture in the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool and Frost
- Let the bars cool completely before frosting.
- Whip together the cream cheese and powdered sugar to make the frosting, then spread it over the cooled bars.
Serve
- Cut into squares and enjoy!