Gather round, my friends! Today, we’re embarking on a delightful journey to create the ultimate no-bake treat – Cranberry Bliss Bars. These festive, cozy bars are a perfect make-ahead dessert that will fill your kitchen with the aroma of winter spices and leave your taste buds craving more. Get ready to experience the perfect balance of tart cranberries, rich cream cheese, and a hint of orange zest – all wrapped in a buttery, crunchy crust. Let’s dive in and discover the joy of homemade bliss!

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Why You’ll Love This No-Bake Cranberry Bliss Bars

These no-bake Cranberry Bliss Bars are the epitome of holiday indulgence without the hassle of baking. They’re incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal hands-on time and no oven necessary. The result is a luscious, creamy, and zesty dessert that’s sure to impress your friends and family. Plus, the no-bake nature means you can whip them up in advance, making them the perfect make-ahead treat for all your festive gatherings. Get ready to savor the cozy flavors of the season in every bite!

Ingredients

To create these irresistible Cranberry Bliss Bars, you’ll need a simple list of ingredients, most of which you may already have in your pantry. The star of the show is, of course, the juicy, tart cranberries, which will be complemented by a rich cream cheese filling and a buttery, crunchy crust. Finish it off with a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of white chocolate for the ultimate festive touch.

1 cup (150g) – Almonds, finely chopped
1/2 cup (113g) – Unsalted butter, melted
1/4 teaspoon – Salt
16 ounces (453g) – Cream cheese, softened
1 cup (120g) – Powdered sugar
1 teaspoon – Orange zest
1 1/2 cups (170g) – Fresh or frozen cranberries
4 ounces (113g) – White chocolate, chopped

Ingredient Substitutions

Nut-free crust: Swap out the almonds for crushed graham crackers or digestive biscuits.
Chocolate topping: Swap the white chocolate drizzle for dark chocolate or even a dusting of cocoa powder for a richer flavor.

How to Make No-Bake Cranberry Bliss Bars

Get ready to create these irresistible no-bake treats in just a few simple steps!

Step 1: Prep Work

Begin by lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. In a food processor, pulse the almonds until they reach a coarse, sandy texture. In a medium bowl, combine the crushed almonds, melted butter, and a pinch of salt. Press this mixture firmly into the prepared pan, creating an even crust.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, orange zest, and a pinch of salt, mixing until well combined. Gently fold in the fresh or frozen cranberries, being careful not to break them down too much. Spread the cranberry cream cheese filling over the prepared crust.

Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly

Melt the white chocolate in a double boiler or microwave, being careful not to overheat it. Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the top of the cranberry filling in a zigzag pattern. Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours, or until the filling is firm.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Dust the top generously with powdered sugar and slice into squares. Serve the no-bake Cranberry Bliss Bars chilled and enjoy the perfect balance of tart and sweet in every bite!

How to make No-Bake Cranberry Bliss Bars — key cooking step

Recipe Variations & Tips

Festive Topping: For an extra festive touch, sprinkle the top of the bars with chopped candied pecans or walnuts.
Flavor Variations: Experiment with different types of white chocolate, such as a vanilla bean or peppermint variety, to complement the cranberries. If you prefer a more pronounced orange flavor, increase the amount of orange zest or even add a splash of orange juice to the filling.

Serving & Storage

Serve with: a warm mug of mulled wine or a festive cocktail.

Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months, making them a perfect make-ahead dessert option for the busy holiday season.

Reheat: These bars are best served chilled, as the cream cheese filling will be delightfully creamy and the crust will maintain its crisp texture.

Make-Ahead: You can prepare the bars in advance and refrigerate them for up to 5 days before serving.

For more serving ideas, dessert inspiration, and holiday dessert boards, visit our Pinterest

Nutrition Information

Each serving of these no-bake Cranberry Bliss Bars contains approximately 250 calories, 13 grams of fat, 30 grams of carbohydrates, and 3 grams of protein. They’re a rich and indulgent treat, so be sure to enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 250 kcal
Protein: 3 g
Carbs: 30 g
Fat: 13 g
Sodium: 200 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Dried cranberries work great in this recipe. Just be sure to plump them up by soaking them in hot water for 10-15 minutes before adding them to the filling.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, these no-bake Cranberry Bliss Bars are perfect for making in advance. Prepare the bars as directed, then cover and refrigerate them for up to 5 days before serving.

How do I get the bars to cut cleanly?

For the cleanest cuts, make sure to refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours, or until the filling is firm. Use a sharp knife and make clean, straight cuts, wiping the knife between slices.

Can I use a different type of nut in the crust?

Definitely! Pecans, walnuts, or even a mix of nuts would work well in the crust. Just be sure to pulse them in the food processor until they reach a coarse, sandy texture.

How should I store the leftover bars?

Store any leftover Cranberry Bliss Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months, making them a great make-ahead dessert option.

Irresistible No-Bake Cranberry Bliss Bars