Description
Homemade cranberry bliss cream bars deliver a delightful dessert experience from Pacific Northwest baking traditions. Sweet-tart cranberries and creamy white chocolate combine for an irresistible treat you cannot resist.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (15 oz/425 g) can whole cranberry sauce
- 2 (3 oz/85 g) packages cherry Jell-O (raspberry or cranberry can be substituted)
- 20 oz (567 g) crushed pineapple (juice included)
- 8 oz (227 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) boiling water
- ¾ cup (180 ml) cranberry or apple juice
- 1 cup (100 g) chopped pecans
Instructions
- Gelatin Preparation: Dissolve Jell-O packets in boiling water, creating a smooth, translucent liquid base that will form the foundation of the dessert.
- Fruit Fusion: Integrate crushed pineapple and whole cranberry sauce into the gelatin, meticulously breaking down larger fruit pieces to achieve a harmonious texture and consistent blend.
- Nutty Enhancement: Fold in finely chopped pecans and cranberry juice, ensuring even distribution throughout the gelatin mixture for a balanced flavor profile.
- Initial Setting: Pour the combined mixture into a 9 x 13-inch glass dish, carefully leveling the surface to create a uniform gelatin layer. Refrigerate for approximately 2 hours until completely solidified.
- Cream Cheese Layer: Whip softened cream cheese until velvety smooth, gradually incorporating powdered sugar to develop a light, airy consistency. Gently fold in sour cream until the mixture becomes silky and well-integrated.
- Final Assembly: Once the gelatin layer has set, delicately spread the cream cheese mixture across the surface. Garnish with remaining chopped pecans for a crunchy contrast and visual appeal.
- Chilling and Melding: Return the dessert to the refrigerator for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the cream layer to set and the flavors to harmonize into a delectable, refreshing treat.
Notes
- Chill Carefully: Refrigeration is crucial for perfect texture; allow full 2-hour setting time for gelatin base and 30-minute chilling for cream layer to ensure firm, clean-cut bars.
- Smooth Mixing Technique: Break down fruit chunks thoroughly and stir ingredients evenly to prevent lumpy texture and ensure consistent flavor distribution throughout the dessert.
- Cream Cheese Precision: Soften cream cheese completely and beat until ultra-smooth before adding powdered sugar to prevent grainy consistency and achieve silky cream layer.
- Pecan Placement: Chopped pecans add critical crunch and nutty depth; sprinkle generously over top layer for maximum textural contrast and enhanced visual presentation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 195
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg