I can still hear the excited chatter around the kitchen as friends and family eagerly awaited the first taste of my Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars. With the warm, comforting scent wafting through the air, I knew I was onto something special. These delightful bars combine a soft, chewy blondie base with a tangy cream cheese frosting and a luscious white chocolate drizzle, making them an instant crowd-pleaser. Not only are they joyfully easy to make, but they also double as a make-ahead dessert, perfect for hectic holidays or cozy coffee dates. So, whether you’re entertaining guests or simply treating yourself, these bars bring a festive spirit that no one can resist. Are you ready to whip up a batch and share your very own bliss? Why Are These Bars a Must-Try? Irresistible flavor fusion: The soft, chewy base marries perfectly with creamy frosting and sweet white chocolate drizzle. Effortless preparation: Just mix, bake, and frost—no fancy techniques needed! Versatile delights: Customize with nuts or fresh cranberries for a unique twist. Perfect for sharing: These bars are ideal for gatherings, turning any occasion into a festive celebration. Make-ahead magic: Bake in advance and enjoy at your convenience, simplifying your holiday baking. Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars Ingredients For the Blondie Base Butter – Provides richness and moisture; use organic for an aromatic flavor. Brown Sugar – Contributes to sweetness and a chewy texture; substitute with coconut sugar for a unique twist. Eggs – Acts as a binder, creating structure; ensure they are at room temperature for better mixing. Vanilla Extract – Adds depth of flavor; opt for pure vanilla for the best taste. All-Purpose Flour – Forms the base for the bars; can be replaced with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option. Baking Powder – Helps the bars rise slightly; ensure it’s fresh for optimal effectiveness. Salt – Enhances flavors and balances sweetness. Dried Cranberries – Offers tartness and texture; consider fresh cranberries, but sweeten them for balance. White Chocolate Chips – Adds creaminess and sweetness; semi-sweet chocolate can substitute for a less sweet version. For the Frosting Cream Cheese – Provides a tangy flavor and creamy texture; use brick-style cream cheese for best results. Powdered Sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting; adjust quantity to taste. Lemon Zest – Brightens the frosting’s flavor; lime zest is a great substitute for a different twist. For the Drizzle and Garnish White Chocolate for Drizzle – Finishes the bars with a sweet decorative touch. Dried Cranberries for Garnish – Adds visual appeal and a pop of tartness. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. This ensures your Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars release easily after baking and prevents sticking, allowing you to achieve perfectly shaped treats. Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar In a mixing bowl, cream together ½ cup of softened butter and 1 cup of brown sugar using a hand or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step adds air to your mixture, ensuring the bars are light and chewy. Next, add two large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, and stir in 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract until fully combined. Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. This will help incorporate the leavening agent evenly throughout the flour. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix, which could lead to denser bars. Step 4: Fold in Cranberries and Chocolate Gently fold in 1 cup of dried cranberries and ½ cup of white chocolate chips using a rubber spatula. This technique preserves the airiness of the batter, ensuring the bars remain soft and chewy. The combination of tart cranberries and creamy chocolate will create delightful flavor contrasts in your Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars. Step 5: Bake the Blondies Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with your spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The bars may seem slightly soft in the middle but will set as they cool, creating that chewy texture everyone loves. Step 6: Cool Completely Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. It typically takes about 30-45 minutes for the bars to reach room temperature. This cooling time is essential, as it prevents the frosting from melting when you apply it, ensuring a beautiful finish on your Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars. Step 7: Prepare the Frosting In a mixing bowl, beat together 8 ounces of cream cheese, 2 cups of powdered sugar, and the zest of one lemon until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. This luscious frosting will add a tangy sweetness to your bars, perfectly complementing the cranberries and chocolate. Taste the frosting and adjust the sweetness as desired. Step 8: Frost the Bars Once the bars have cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using a spatula. Take your time to ensure each bite has the perfect amount of frosting, enhancing the overall flavor of your Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars. The velvety cream cheese layer adds a beautiful contrast to the blondie base. Step 9: Drizzle and Garnish Melt ½ cup of white chocolate in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the frosted bars for an elegant finish. To add a pop of color and texture, scatter some additional dried cranberries on top as garnish. Step 10: Slice and Serve Allow the chocolate to set for about 15-20 minutes at room temperature before slicing the bars into squares or triangles. This will make for clean cuts and a pleasant presentation. Serve your Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars at room temperature, sharing them with family and friends for a delightful treat! Expert Tips for Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars Room Temperature Eggs: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature to blend smoothly into the batter, resulting in a lighter texture when baked. Careful Mixing: Gently fold in the cranberries and chocolate to maintain the airiness of the batter, avoiding denser Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars. Prevent Overbaking: Keep a close eye on your bars while baking; they should be golden around the edges. Overbaking can dry them out. Cool Completely: Always let the bars cool in the pan fully before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting into a gooey mess. Make-ahead Option: These bars can be made in advance. Just store them in an airtight container and frost them right before serving for optimal freshness. Garnish for Appeal: Adding extra dried cranberries on top not only enhances flavor but also makes for beautiful presentation! Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars Variations Feel free to get creative and customize these bars to suit your taste or dietary needs for an unforgettable treat! Pistachios: Add finely chopped pistachios for an extra crunch and a pop of color. The nutty flavor complements the cranberries beautifully. Nuts or Semi-Sweet Chocolate: Swap white chocolate chips for chopped nuts or semi-sweet chocolate to vary the sweetness and texture. Each bite becomes a delicious surprise. Fresh Cranberries: Use fresh cranberries instead of dried during the season. They bring a delightful tartness, but remember to add a touch of extra sugar to balance the flavors. Spice It Up: Incorporate warming spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter for a seasonal twist. This not only elevates the flavor profile but also creates a cozy aroma while baking. Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate gluten sensitivities. This ensures that everyone can enjoy your blissful creation without compromise. Cream Cheese Frosting Alternatives: For a nut-free option, try using a coconut cream frosting, maintaining that creamy consistency without the dairy. Lower Sugar Version: Substitute brown sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup for a lighter option. This allows you to enjoy the bars with a touch of guilt-free indulgence. Add Orange Zest: Brighten up the frosting by adding orange zest alongside or in place of lime. The citrus complement enhances the overall holiday vibe! While experimenting with these variations, don’t forget to check out our perfectly paired recipes like Baking Tips for Holiday Treats and Delicious Coffee Pairings to make your serving experience even more delightful! Make Ahead Options These Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy their delightful flavors even on your busiest days! You can prepare the blondie base up to 24 hours in advance by baking it and letting it cool completely before covering it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerating. The cream cheese frosting can also be made up to 3 days ahead; just store it in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it fresh. When you’re ready to serve, simply frost the chilled blondies, drizzle with white chocolate, and garnish with dried cranberries for those gorgeous, festive finishes. This way, you can have your delicious dessert ready with minimal effort, simply waiting to be enjoyed! What to Serve with Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars The delightful sweetness of these bars can be perfectly complemented by a variety of tasty options, creating a well-rounded dessert experience. Rich Coffee: A cup of bold coffee enhances the sweetness and contrasts beautifully with the tangy frosting, making each bite a joy. Herbal Tea: The calming flavors of herbal tea provide a soothing accompaniment, balancing the bars’ sweetness with their gentle notes. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a delightful chill and a rich creaminess that beautifully complements the tart cranberries. Chocolate Fondue: Dip fresh fruits, like strawberries or bananas, into warm chocolate fondue for a fun and interactive dessert experience alongside the bliss bars. Cheese Platter: A selection of soft cheeses and crackers can create a savory contrast on your dessert table, enhancing the overall flavor journey. Holiday Punch: A festive holiday punch, with fruity notes and a touch of spice, elevates the dessert experience, adding a celebratory flair to gatherings. Pistachio Cookies: These nutty cookies can be a crunchy contrast to the Chewy bars, providing an exciting texture and flavor pairing. Chocolate Covered Strawberries: Fresh strawberries edged in rich chocolate offer a burst of freshness and sweetness that pairs delightfully with the bars. Storage Tips for Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars Room Temperature: Store your Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them chewy and fresh, perfect for snacking! Fridge: If you’d like to extend their life, refrigerate the bars for up to a week in an airtight container. Just make sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor. Freezer: Freeze the bars for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying. Reheating: To bring back their delightful softness, warm the bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Enjoy them slightly warm for a comforting treat! Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe FAQs How do I choose ripe dried cranberries? Absolutely! When selecting dried cranberries, look for ones that are plump and have a vibrant color. Avoid any with dark spots or a hard texture, as these likely indicate they are old or not properly stored. If you prefer a chewier texture, opt for cranberries labeled as “juicy” or “plumped.” What is the best way to store leftover bars? Very! Store your Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving to enhance their flavor and texture. Can I freeze these bars for later? Absolutely! To freeze your Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil individually, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight, or warm them briefly in the microwave for a delightful treat! What do I do if my bars are too dry? If you find your Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars are too dry, there are a couple of steps you can take. First, monitor your baking time closely; the bars should be golden around the edges but still soft in the center. If they turn out dry despite following the recipe, try adding a drizzle of simple syrup or cream over the bars before frosting them. This can help add moisture back in. Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of with these bars? Very! If you’re making these bars for someone with dietary restrictions, consider using gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version, and ensure that the white chocolate chips are free from common allergens if necessary. Additionally, if you’re concerned about added sugars, you can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar or use less powdered sugar in the frosting to suit your needs. Can my pets eat cranberries? While dried cranberries can be safe for dogs in small amounts, they should be kept far away from your Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars, particularly because they contain sugar and chocolate, which are not safe for pets. Always check with your veterinarian before introducing new foods into your pet’s diet to avoid any health risks. Irresistibly Easy Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars You'll Love These Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars combine a chewy blondie base with tangy cream cheese frosting and white chocolate drizzle, creating a delightful dessert experience. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 25 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsCooling Time 45 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins Servings: 12 barsCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Blondie Base1/2 cup Butter softened1 cup Brown Sugar can substitute with coconut sugar2 large Eggs at room temperature2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract preferably pure2 cups All-Purpose Flour can replace with gluten-free flour1 teaspoon Baking Powder ensure it's fresh1/2 teaspoon Salt1 cup Dried Cranberries can substitute with fresh but sweetened1/2 cup White Chocolate Chips can substitute with semi-sweetFor the Frosting8 ounces Cream Cheese preferably brick-style2 cups Powdered Sugar adjust to taste1 tablespoon Lemon Zest can substitute with lime zestFor the Drizzle and Garnish1/2 cup White Chocolate for Drizzle1/4 cup Dried Cranberries for Garnish Equipment Mixing Bowlstand mixerSpatulaBaking panparchment paper Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Copycat Cranberry Bliss BarsPreheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.Cream together 1/2 cup butter and 1 cup brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time and mix in 2 teaspoons vanilla.In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Gradually combine with the wet mixture.Fold in 1 cup dried cranberries and 1/2 cup white chocolate chips.Spread the batter in the baking pan and bake for 18-20 minutes until golden. Cool in the pan for 30-45 minutes.Beat together 8 ounces cream cheese, 2 cups powdered sugar, and lemon zest until smooth.Frost the cooled bars with the cream cheese frosting.Melt 1/2 cup white chocolate and drizzle over the frosted bars. Garnish with dried cranberries.Allow chocolate to set for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving. Nutrition Serving: 1barCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 0.5mg NotesEnsure the eggs are at room temperature for better mixing. Cool the bars completely to prevent the frosting from melting. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
