Quick & Cozy Cranberry Bliss Cream Bars Recipe for the Holidays

Cranberry bliss cream bars tantalize taste buds with their vibrant, festive essence.

Sweet and tart flavors dance together in this delightful dessert creation.

Creamy layers promise indulgent moments of pure culinary pleasure.

Seasonal ingredients revamp simple baking into an extraordinary sensory experience.

Rich textures and bright colors make these bars a stunning centerpiece for gatherings.

Unexpected combinations elevate this treat from ordinary to exceptional.

Bakers of all skill levels can craft these irresistible delights with confidence.

Why You’ll Keep Making These Cream Bars

• Burst of Flavor Fusion: Experience a delightful combination of sweet cranberry, tangy pineapple, and rich cream cheese that creates a symphony of taste sensations in every bite.
• Texture Temptation: Enjoy the playful contrast between the smooth, creamy top layer and the jiggly jello base, topped with a satisfying crunch from the pecans that adds exciting mouthfeel.
• Effortless Entertaining Dessert: Whip up this impressive-looking dessert with minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for holiday gatherings or potluck parties where you want to wow guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

What’s Inside Cranberry Cream Bars

• Jell-O: Classic gelatin that provides the foundational layer with vibrant color and sweet flavor. Raspberry or strawberry flavor works best for this dessert.
• Boiling Water: Essential for dissolving the Jell-O powder completely and creating a smooth base.

• Crushed Pineapple: Adds tropical sweetness and texture to the jello layer. Canned pineapple with juice works perfectly.
• Whole Cranberry Sauce: Provides tart flavor and beautiful red color to the dessert. Homemade or store-bought sauce works well.
• Cranberry or Apple Juice: Enhances fruity flavor and helps blend ingredients smoothly.

• Pecans: Adds delightful crunch and nutty flavor to both jello and cream layers. Fresh, crisp pecans are recommended.
• Cream Cheese: Creates a rich, smooth base for the cream topping. Full-fat cream cheese provides the best texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the cream cheese layer. Sifted sugar ensures a smooth mixture.
• Sour Cream: Adds tangy flavor and creamy consistency to the topping. Full-fat version recommended for best results.

How to Bake the Creamiest Cranberry Bars

Step 1: Dissolve Jello Base

Boil water in a large bowl and add 2 Jello packets. Stir thoroughly until completely dissolved.

Step 2: Create Fruity Mixture

• Crushed pineapple (with juice)
• Whole cranberry sauce
• Chopped pecans
• Cranberry or apple juice

Use the back of a spoon to break up any large chunks while stirring.

Step 3: Chill Jello Layer

Pour the mixed ingredients into a 9×13-inch glass dish or jello mold. Refrigerate for 2 hours until fully set.

Step 4: Prepare Creamy Topping

In a separate mixing bowl, blend softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in sour cream, ensuring a consistent texture.

Step 5: Add Cream Layer and Finish

Spread the cream mixture evenly over the set jello layer. Sprinkle remaining chopped pecans on top. Return to refrigerator and chill for 30 minutes before serving.

Tips to Perfect Your Cream Bar Texture

• Dissolve Jell-O Perfectly: Stir the Jell-O packets in boiling water until completely dissolved to ensure a smooth, lump-free base.
• Break Down Chunks Smoothly: Use the back of a spoon to gently crush pineapple and cranberry sauce for an even, consistent texture.
• Chill with Precision: Refrigerate the jello layer for exactly 2 hours to achieve the ideal set without becoming too firm.
• Blend Cream Layer Carefully: Soften cream cheese at room temperature and mix with powdered sugar until completely smooth to prevent lumps.
• Garnish with Crunch: Sprinkle remaining pecans just before serving to maintain their crisp texture and add a delightful nutty flavor.

Keep Cranberry Bars Fresh and Soft

• Refrigeration: Store the Cranberry Bliss Cream Bars covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is airtight to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Freezing: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve the texture and flavor.
• Serving Tip: For the best taste and texture, remove the bars from the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the cream layer to soften slightly, making the dessert more enjoyable and easier to slice.

Serve Cranberry Cream Bars Like This

• Crack Open Cranberry Comfort: Pair these blissful bars with a warm, spiced chai latte that echoes the dessert's fruity and nutty undertones, creating a cozy flavor harmony that dances on your palate.
• Toast the Tangy Treat: A crisp, dry white wine like Riesling or Gewürztraminer complements the cranberry's tartness and cuts through the creamy richness, offering a sophisticated drinking companion.
• Nutty Nibble Sidekick: Serve alongside a small plate of candied pecans or a light almond biscotti to enhance the existing pecan crunch and add an extra layer of textural excitement to your dessert experience.
• Refresh with Fizz: A sparkling pomegranate spritzer provides a bright, effervescent contrast to the creamy, dense bars, cleansing the palate and adding a zesty, refreshing element to each bite.

New Twists on Cranberry Cream Bars

• Citrus Cranberry Fusion: Replace apple juice with orange juice and add orange zest for a bright, tangy flavor profile that complements the cranberries and cream layer.
• Nutty Maple Rendition: Swap pecans for toasted walnuts and drizzle maple syrup over the top for a rich, autumn-inspired dessert with deeper nutty undertones.
• Berry Burst Edition: Mix in fresh raspberries or blueberries with the cranberry sauce to create a more complex berry layer that adds vibrant color and additional fruity notes.
• Spiced Holiday Version: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon and ground nutmeg into the cream layer to give the dessert a warm, festive feel that hints at traditional holiday flavors.

Cranberry Bliss Cream Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Cranberry Bliss Cream Bars deliver a perfect winter dessert with creamy white chocolate and tangy cranberries. Rich layers of smooth cream cheese and zesty cranberry create an irresistible treat that melts in your mouth and leaves you craving more.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 20 ounces (567 grams) crushed pineapple (juice included)
• 1 (15-ounce/425 grams) can whole cranberry sauce
• 2 (3-ounce/85 grams) packages of cherry Jell-O (raspberry or cranberry can be substituted)

Dairy and Sweet Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (227 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream
• ½ cup (60 grams) powdered sugar

Liquid and Nuts:

• 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) boiling water
• ¾ cup (180 milliliters) cranberry or apple juice
• 1 cup (100 grams) chopped pecans

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Instructions

1. Boil water in a large mixing bowl, then add both Jell-O packets, stirring thoroughly until the gelatin completely dissolves into a smooth liquid.
2. Incorporate the entire can of crushed pineapple, including its juice, and the whole cranberry sauce. Use a spoon to break down any large fruit chunks, creating a uniform mixture.
3. Mix in of finely chopped pecans and the cranberry or apple juice, stirring until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the gelatin base.
4. Transfer the mixture carefully into a 9 x 13-inch (23 x 33-centimeter) glass dish or gelatin mold, ensuring an even surface for setting.
5. Refrigerate the gelatin layer for approximately 2 hours, or until it becomes completely firm and solid.
6. In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it reaches a smooth, creamy consistency, gradually adding powdered sugar to create a light, sweet mixture.
7. Gently fold the sour cream into the cream cheese mixture, blending until the texture becomes uniform and silky.
8. Once the gelatin layer has set, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly across the surface, creating a smooth, consistent layer.
9. Sprinkle the remaining chopped pecans over the cream layer for added texture and visual appeal.
10. Return the dessert to the refrigerator and chill for an additional 30 minutes to allow the cream layer to set and the flavors to meld together.

Notes

• Perfectly balance tart cranberry and sweet cream for a delightful dessert experience.
• Choose fresh ingredients to enhance the overall flavor and texture of the bars.
• Refrigeration is crucial for achieving the ideal set and creamy consistency.
• Toast pecans lightly before chopping to intensify their nutty flavor and add depth.
• Serve chilled for the most refreshing and satisfying dessert presentation.
• Prepare ahead of time, as the setting process takes approximately 2-3 hours total.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 240 kcal
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg