Are you dreaming of cozy nights and delicious desserts? Look no further! These Cranberry Bliss Bars are the perfect blend of sweet and tart, featuring a buttery, flaky pie crust base topped with a vibrant cranberry sauce and a creamy, dreamy topping. This recipe is surprisingly easy, making it ideal for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros looking for a quick and impressive dessert. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a simple weeknight treat, these bars are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Prepare to be amazed by how easy it is to create this delicious homemade dessert!
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/4 cup ice water
For the Cranberry Sauce:
- 1 (12-ounce) bag fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Topping:
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions:
Make the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix!
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Prick the bottom with a fork several times.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Make the Cranberry Sauce:
- While the crust is baking, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, and cinnamon in a medium saucepan.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Make the Topping:
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Beat in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
Assemble and Bake:
- Spread the cooled cranberry sauce evenly over the baked crust.
- Spread the cream cheese topping evenly over the cranberry sauce.
- Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is set and lightly golden.
- Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer crust, use a combination of all-purpose and whole wheat flour.
- If you don't have fresh cranberries, frozen cranberries work perfectly well. Just make sure they are thawed before using.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the cranberry sauce for a warmer flavor.
- For a chocolate twist, add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the crust or swirl melted chocolate into the cream cheese topping.
- To make these bars ahead of time, assemble them completely and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking.
Nutritional Information (per bar, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 300-350 Fat: 15-20g Sugar: 25-30g Protein: 3-4g
These Cranberry Bliss Bars are the epitome of easy recipes and healthy meals. They're perfect quick dinner ideas, and a fantastic addition to your homemade cooking repertoire. Enjoy this delicious dish and impress your friends and family with your baking skills. This recipe is a must-try and definitely one of the best recipes around!