Easy Thanksgiving Dessert Recipe: Cranberry White Chocolate Bars
Welcome to a delightful culinary journey that will teach you how to make easy Thanksgiving Dessert – Cranberry White Chocolate Bars. These mouthwatering dessert bars offer the perfect blend of tart cranberry sauce, creamy white chocolate chips, and a buttery oat crust, creating a heavenly treat that will impress your friends and family. In this article, we will provide a detailed step-by-step guide, complete with all the ingredients you need and instructions for baking these delectable bars. So, let’s get started on this delightful baking adventure!
Ingredients
Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, let’s take a quick look at the ingredients you’ll need to make these luscious Cranberry White Chocolate Bars Thanksgiving Dessert:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups quick or old-fashioned oats
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 can whole cranberry sauce
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
The combination of these delightful ingredients results in a mouthwatering dessert that perfectly balances the sweetness of white chocolate with the tartness of cranberries.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s walk you through the step-by-step process of making these Thanksgiving Dessert:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking pan to ensure the bars don’t stick to the pan after baking.
2. Prepare the Oat Crust
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, oats, and packed light brown sugar. Add the softened butter and mix until the mixture becomes crumbly. Set aside 2 1/2 cups of the flour mixture for the topping. Use floured fingers to press the remaining mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan, forming the crust.
3. Prepare the Creamy Filling
Using a mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until it becomes creamy and smooth. Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, mixing until the filling becomes smooth and well combined.
4. Add the Cranberry Sauce
In a separate medium bowl, combine the whole cranberry sauce with cornstarch, stirring until the cornstarch is evenly distributed. Spoon this cranberry mixture over the cream cheese filling in the baking pan.
5. Sprinkle with White Chocolate Topping
Take the reserved flour mixture and combine it with the white chocolate chips. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cranberry layer.
6. Bake and Cool
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the center of the bars is set. Once done, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely on a wire rack.
7. Refrigerate and Serve
After the bars have cooled, cover the pan and refrigerate until serving time, which can be up to 1 day. Once ready to serve, cut the bars into squares and watch as everyone indulges in the delightful flavors of your homemade Cranberry White Chocolate Bars.
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FAQs
- Can I use frozen cranberries instead of canned cranberry sauce? Yes, you can use frozen cranberries in this recipe. Simply thaw the cranberries and use them as a substitute for the canned cranberry sauce.
- Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of white chocolate chips? Absolutely! If you prefer the rich flavor of dark chocolate, feel free to use dark chocolate chips instead.
- Can I make these bars ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the bars in advance and refrigerate them until you’re ready to serve.
- Can I use a different type of fruit filling? While cranberry sauce is the star of this recipe, you can experiment with other fruit fillings such as raspberry, blueberry, or cherry for a delicious twist.
- Can I freeze the bars for later consumption? Yes, you can freeze these bars for up to three months. Make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container.
- How many bars does this recipe yield? This recipe makes about 24 bars, depending on how large or small you cut them.
Congratulations! You’ve just learned how to make delectable Cranberry White Chocolate Bars from scratch. With a combination of tart cranberries, creamy white chocolate, and a buttery oat crust, these bars are a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking them for a family gathering or a special celebration, these bars are sure to impress everyone’s taste buds. So, put on your apron and get ready to create magic in your kitchen with these delicious bars. Happy baking!
