Name: Cranberry Pistachio Bliss Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup butter, room temperature; 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar; 2 eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour; 1/2 cup chopped dried cranberries; 1/2 cup chopped pistachios; 1/2 cup white chocolate chips; 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, room temperature; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup white chocolate chips, melted; Chopped dried cranberries for garnish; Chopped pistachios for garnish

If you’re craving something that perfectly balances tart, sweet, and a little bit nutty, you’re in for a real treat with this Cranberry Pistachio Bliss Bars Recipe. I absolutely love how these bars come together with their tender crumb, creamy frosting, and the festive pop from cranberries and pistachios—it’s like a party for your taste buds! Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a potluck, or just because, these bars will quickly become a favorite you’ll want to make again and again.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Flavor Combo: Tart cranberries and rich pistachios pair beautifully to create a uniquely satisfying taste.
Easy to Make: You don’t need to be a pro baker to nail these bars—the step-by-step is straightforward and forgiving.
Creamy Frosting Finish: The dreamy cream cheese frosting ties everything together with a smooth, indulgent touch.
Great for Gifting & Sharing: These bars look gorgeous and taste even better, making them ideal for sharing with friends and family.

The image shows square dessert bars with two layers. The bottom layer is thick and crumbly, light brown in color, with visible pieces of green pistachios and red dried cranberries embedded throughout. The top layer is a smooth, creamy white frosting that covers the entire surface evenly. On top of the frosting, there are scattered nut pieces and dried cranberries placed irregularly, adding contrast and texture. The bars sit on white parchment paper on a dark tray, with a few nuts and crumbs scattered around. The background has a soft focus with more bars visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cranberry Pistachio Bliss Bars, Cranberry Pistachio Bars, holiday dessert bars, festive nut and berry bars, easy fruit and nut bars

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Cranberry Pistachio Bliss Bars Recipe comes from the simple, wholesome ingredients that harmonize so well. When shopping, look for quality dried cranberries and fresh pistachios for the best texture and flavor.

Flat lay of a small square block of pale yellow butter, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small mound of packed light brown sugar, a small white bowl of vanilla extract, a small white bowl of baking powder, a small white bowl of kosher salt, a small heap of all purpose flour, a small white bowl filled with chopped dried red cranberries, a small white bowl with shelled green pistachios, a small white bowl of white chocolate chips, a rectangular block of cream cheese, and a small white bowl filled with fine powdered sugar placed symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Cranberry Pistachio Bliss Bars, Cranberry Pistachio Bars, holiday dessert bars, festive nut and berry bars, easy fruit and nut bars

Butter: Use unsalted and room temperature butter to get a silky batter and control the saltiness perfectly.
Light Brown Sugar: Adds a mellow, caramel-like sweetness that deepens the flavor.
Eggs: They provide structure and moisture—make sure they’re room temperature for easier mixing.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla brings warmth and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Baking Powder: Gives those bars just enough lift without making them cakey.
Kosher Salt: Balances the sweet elements and enhances the nuts and fruit.
All-Purpose Flour: The sturdy base for these bars.
Dried Cranberries: Tart and chewy, they add fantastic bursts of flavor.
Pistachios: Give these bars their signature crunch and a lovely green touch.
White Chocolate Chips: The sweet creaminess pairs perfectly with cranberries and pistachios.
Cream Cheese: Use full-fat and at room temperature for the richest, smoothest frosting.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese frosting and gives it that velvety texture.
Melted White Chocolate Chips: For the glossy drizzle on top that looks and tastes amazing.
Additional Dried Cranberries & Pistachios: Optional for garnish, but I promise they make these bars look stunning.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love playing around with this Cranberry Pistachio Bliss Bars Recipe depending on the season or occasion. Feel free to make these bars your own by tweaking nuts, fruits, or even the frosting to suit your cravings.

Nut Swap: I once used almonds instead of pistachios and it was fantastic—still crunchy but with a milder flavor.
Fruit Variations: You can try dried cherries or blueberries in place of cranberries; just keep them chopped for even distribution.
Chocolate Options: Dark chocolate chips can replace the white chocolate if you prefer a less sweet option.
Dairy-Free Alternative: Use a dairy-free cream cheese substitute and coconut oil instead of butter for a delicious vegan twist.

How to Make Cranberry Pistachio Bliss Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prep your pan and oven

First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil, making sure to leave some overhang for easy removal later. Give the pan a good spray with nonstick cooking spray. This step saves you from any sticking issues and makes clean-up a breeze.

Step 2: Cream your butter and sugar

Using your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the room temperature butter and packed light brown sugar on medium speed for about 2 minutes. It should become fluffy and smooth, with no big lumps of butter. This creaming step is crucial for that tender texture in the bars.

Step 3: Add eggs and flavorings

Next, add in the eggs, vanilla extract, baking powder, and kosher salt. Mix everything together for another minute or so until smooth and combined, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is well mixed.

Step 4: Incorporate flour and mix-ins

Turn your mixer down to low and slowly add in the all-purpose flour just until it’s incorporated—don’t overmix, or the bars can get tough. Then, gently fold in the chopped dried cranberries, pistachios, and white chocolate chips with a spatula until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 5: Bake your bars

Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. You want the center just set—don’t overbake because that can dry them out. A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out with a few moist crumbs attached.

Step 6: Cool completely before frosting

This one’s important! Let those bars cool completely in the pan before frosting. If you frost while warm, the cream cheese frosting will melt and slide right off. I usually set mine on a wire rack and let the patience pay off—it’s worth it.

Step 7: Make and spread the cream cheese frosting

In your stand mixer bowl fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together until perfectly smooth and luscious. Spread the frosting evenly over your cooled bars with an offset spatula for that professional look.

Step 8: Garnish and drizzle

Sprinkle some extra chopped dried cranberries and pistachios on top for a festive finish. Then, warm the remaining white chocolate chips just until melted (watch carefully so it doesn’t burn) and drizzle it over the bars. Let the chocolate set before slicing into squares.

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Pro Tips for Making Cranberry Pistachio Bliss Bars Recipe

Room Temperature Ingredients: Always let your butter, eggs, and cream cheese come to room temp for smooth mixing and better texture.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your bars towards the end of baking. Overbaking dries them out; the center should still be slightly soft when you pull them out.
Use Parchment Paper: It makes lifting the bars out so much easier and keeps their edges intact when cutting.
Melt Chocolate Carefully: Melt white chocolate chips in short bursts in the microwave and stir often to avoid burning and graininess.

How to Serve Cranberry Pistachio Bliss Bars Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a square dessert bar with two layers. The bottom layer is light brown with a crumbly texture and visible green pistachio pieces inside. The top layer is a thick white creamy frosting, scattered with small dark red dried fruit pieces and thin white chocolate shavings. A woman's hand has taken a bite from one bar, leaving an uneven edge. The bars rest on white parchment paper with scattered pistachio pieces around them, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cranberry Pistachio Bliss Bars, Cranberry Pistachio Bars, holiday dessert bars, festive nut and berry bars, easy fruit and nut bars

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple by sprinkling a handful of chopped dried cranberries and pistachios on top. Not only do they add a lovely crunch and tartness, but they also make the bars look irresistible. Sometimes, I like to add a light dusting of powdered sugar for a festive touch, especially around the holidays.

Side Dishes

These bars pair wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee or tea—perfect for brunch or an afternoon snack. I’ve also enjoyed them alongside a fresh fruit salad for a lighter contrast. During the holidays, I like to serve them with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve cut the bars into mini squares and stacked them on pretty platters with festive garnishes like edible flowers or fresh mint. You can even arrange them in a decorative tin wrapped with a ribbon to gift to a friend. Another fun idea is to turn these bars into small bites by cutting them smaller and using mini cupcake liners—perfect for parties or potlucks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

My family always asks me to save some for later, so I store these bars in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh for about 4-5 days. I recommend keeping them chilled because the cream cheese frosting is best enjoyed cool and fresh — plus, it helps the bars maintain their shape when cutting.

Freezing

When I want to prep in advance, I freeze the uncut bars (with frosting) wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To thaw, I move them from the freezer to the fridge overnight which helps maintain texture and flavor wonderfully.

Reheating

Since these bars are best served chilled, I don’t recommend reheating. However, if you prefer a softer texture, let them sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before enjoying. This brings out the flavors and softens the edges without compromising the cream cheese frosting.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried in the Cranberry Pistachio Bliss Bars Recipe?

Fresh cranberries are much juicier and have a different texture than dried ones, so they aren’t a great substitute in this recipe. They could release too much moisture and affect the bar’s texture. If you want to use fresh, consider drying them yourself or chopping dried cranberries instead for the ideal chewiness and flavor balance.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that can be substituted 1:1 in baking. Just make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to give the bars the right texture. The flavor combination will stay the same, and you’ll still get that tender crumb.
How do I cut the bars cleanly after frosting?

For clean slices, chill the bars in the fridge for at least 30 minutes after frosting. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts to prevent dragging or smearing. I like to warm my knife under hot water, then dry it off before slicing for even neater edges.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of white chocolate chips?

You sure can! Milk chocolate adds a sweeter, more mellow flavor that pairs nicely with the pistachios and cranberries. Just keep in mind that it will change the look a bit, as white chocolate gives a lovely contrast in color that’s very festive.
What’s the best way to store these bars for gifting?

Pack the bars in an airtight container and store in the fridge until gifting. If you’re traveling, adding a layer of parchment or wax paper between layers prevents sticking. These bars transport well and taste fantastic even a day or two later!

Final Thoughts

I always feel a little extra joy when I make this Cranberry Pistachio Bliss Bars Recipe because it reminds me of cozy kitchen moments with family—and the smiles when everyone takes that first bite. It’s simple, approachable, and bursting with flavor, making it a must-try for your dessert rotation. So go ahead, grab those ingredients, and give this recipe a whirl—you’ll be so glad you did!