Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Oh gosh, I learned this the hard way (my poor taste testers)! Fresh cranberries are way too tart and watery for these bars. Trust me, the chewy sweetness of dried cranberries is exactly what makes them "blissful." If you're in a pinch, you could plump up raisins in warm orange juice—but honestly? Just wait till you can get the good dried stuff. You'll thank me later!

How do I keep my bars from turning out dry?

Overbaking is the number one culprit here. Pull them out just when the edges turn golden, even if the center looks slightly underdone (about 25 minutes is usually perfect). That residual heat keeps working as they cool. Oh, and don't skimp on the butter—this is holiday baking, after all! Properly creaming it with the sugar also works magic for moisture.

What's the trick for clean, pretty slices?

Chill them first! Pop the frosted pan in the fridge for 30 minutes before cutting. Run a sharp knife under hot water between each slice too—it glides right through the white chocolate drizzle without dragging. For those picture-perfect triangles? Use a plastic knife (weird but works) and wipe it clean after each cut. Your holiday cookie tray will look straight from a bakery case!

Irresistible Cranberry Bliss Bars: Better Than Starbucks!

Name: Cranberry Bliss Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups brown sugar; 3 eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup dried cranberries; 1/2 cup white chocolate chips; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped; 1/4 cup white chocolate, melted

Cranberry Bliss Bars

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A copycat Starbucks recipe featuring cream cheese frosting, white chocolate, and dried cranberries. Perfect for holiday baking and make-ahead desserts.

Author: Sophia Collins
Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 30 min
Total Time: 45 min
Yield: 16 bars 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
1/4 cup white chocolate, melted

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add to wet ingredients.
Fold in dried cranberries and white chocolate chips. Spread batter in the pan.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden. Let cool completely.
Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Spread over cooled bars.
Sprinkle chopped cranberries and drizzle melted white chocolate on top.
Cut into bars and serve.

Notes

Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freeze unfrosted bars for up to 3 months.
For meal planning, pair with a keto meal plan delivery for balanced holiday treats.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 280
Sugar: 22g
Sodium: 120mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 55mg

Find it online: https://kitchenuser.net/cranberry-bliss-bars-recipe-better-than-starbucks/