Cranberry Orange Dream Bars: A Festive No-Bake Holiday Dessert Inspired by “Nine Ladies Dancing”
The holiday season is officially upon us, a time filled with warmth, family, and, of course, delicious treats. This year, as we dive into the festive spirit, I’m thrilled to share a dessert that perfectly encapsulates the joy and merriment of this special time: these incredible Cranberry Orange Dream Bars. Inspired by the charming “Nine Ladies Dancing” verse from the beloved “Twelve Days of Christmas” song, this no-bake marvel is designed to bring a touch of lightness and elegance to your holiday table, making every bite feel like a celebration.
Embracing the Holiday Spirit: Music, Memories, and Giving
It’s hard to believe how quickly the holidays arrive each year. For me, this season brings a sense of calm and excitement. I’ve managed to get a head start on my gift shopping and decorations, especially with a playful puppy now part of our family, keeping things lively! But beyond the hustle and bustle, what truly defines the holidays for me is the cherished time spent with loved ones, and undoubtedly, the enchanting music that fills the air. Holiday music has always held a special place in my heart, evoking fond memories and a deep sense of gratitude.
I recall my high school Concert Choir days when we would go caroling at local nursing homes every year. It was an experience that profoundly shaped my understanding of compassion and community. As teenagers, we often felt invincible, with our whole lives stretched out before us. Yet, walking into those nursing homes, seeing the faces of elderly individuals who could no longer care for themselves, often without family visitors, was truly humbling. It was a stark reminder of our blessings and the simple, yet profound, impact we could have by sharing our time and talents.
Those visits, though sometimes emotional, never failed to ignite the true spirit of the holidays within us. We witnessed smiles illuminate faces, eyes sparkling with appreciation. Residents would clap along, tap their feet, and some even rose to dance. Hearing them sing along with us was the most rewarding gift of all, far more precious than any present under a tree. It taught us that the greatest joy often comes from giving and connecting with others.
Introducing the Cranberry Orange Dream Bars: A Sweet’N Low Holiday Creation
This year, that same spirit of joy and lightness inspired these delightful Cranberry Orange Dream Bars. I’ve had the pleasure of partnering with Sweet’N Low®, joining 11 other talented bloggers to create a unique collection of 12 recipes, each representing a verse from “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” Our Cranberry Orange Dream Bars are my playful tribute to “Nine Ladies Dancing” – a dessert that’s as light, smooth, and gracefully layered as a dance. With a delicate ladyfinger crust, a vibrant cranberry orange layer sweetened with Sweet’N Low, rich white chocolate pudding, and a cloud of stabilized whipped cream, these bars are a harmonious blend of festive flavors and textures. One bite, and you might just find yourself dancing!
During the holiday season, when tempting sweet treats abound, it’s wonderful to know you can enjoy decadent desserts without all the extra sugar and calories. Sweet’N Low offers a fantastic solution, allowing you to indulge in delicious creations like these Cranberry Orange Dream Bars while maintaining your dietary preferences. You can find Sweet’N Low at your local grocery store, available in convenient packets for sweetening beverages or in a bulk size perfect for all your baking and cooking needs.
Baking with Sweet’N Low: Tips for Success
Using Sweet’N Low in your recipes is incredibly straightforward. Each packet provides the sweetness equivalent of about 2 teaspoons of sugar. For baking and cooking, the bulk size is ideal, with each pink spoonful offering the sweetness of approximately 1 teaspoon of sugar. It contains less than 1/2 gram of carbohydrates, making it a great choice for those mindful of their sugar intake.
When substituting sugar with Sweet’N Low in baking, a general guideline is to retain half of the original sugar quantity in the recipe. This helps ensure proper volume, texture, and browning, which sugar contributes to beyond just sweetness. Experimenting with ratios will allow you to find the perfect balance for your desired results, ensuring your desserts are not only delicious but also beautifully presented. For more fantastic recipe ideas and tips, be sure to visit the Sweet’N Low website.
Explore More “Twelve Days of Christmas” Sweet’N Low Recipes!
As part of our special collaboration, I encourage you to check out these amazing Sweet’N Low recipes from all the participating bloggers. Each one is a creative interpretation of a verse from “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” offering a diverse array of delightful treats for your holiday celebrations!
~ The 12 Days of Sweet’N Low Recipes ~
Day 1: Partridge In A Pear Tree Pie – Mommy’s Memorandum
Day 2: Turtle Cheesecake – Words of Deliciousness
Day 3: French Butter Cookies – Grandma’s Briefs
Day 4: Four Calling Birds Cupcakes- Simply Southern Mom
Day 5: Apple Fritter Rings – Belly Full
Day 6: Chocolate Mousse Parfait – From Val’s Kitchen
Day 7: Swans Profiteroles – Mom Skoop
Day 8: Caramel Pots de Crème – Hungry Couple
Day 9: Cranberry Orange Dream Bars – You’re on it!
Day 10: Earl Grey Chocolate Truffles – Lowcarb-ology
Day 11: Christmas Tree Meringues – Close To Home
Day 12: Mini Cheesecake Drums – Thrifty Jinxy
Cranberry Orange Dream Bars Recipe
Cranberry Orange Dream Bars
Layers of goodness, including a ladyfinger crust, a Sweet’N Low cranberry orange layer, sugar-free white chocolate pudding, and stabilized whipped cream, make this a fun and festive no-bake holiday dessert.
Course: Dessert | Cuisine: American | Prep Time: 30 minutes | Yields: 9 servings
Print Recipe |
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
Ladyfinger Crust
- 24 Ladyfingers (or enough for 2 1/4 cups crumbs)
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Layer
- ¾ cup fresh cranberries
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 2 packets Sweet’N Low® or 1/2 teaspoon Sweet’N Low® (8 oz. bulk)
- ¾ teaspoon orange extract
- Pinch of kosher salt
Pudding Layer
- 1 ounce sugar-free cheesecake pudding mix
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
Stabilized Whipped Cream
- 6 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 ¾ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 2 packets Sweet’N Low® or 1/2 teaspoon Sweet’N Low® (8 oz. bulk)
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- Prepare a 9×9-inch baking pan by lining the bottom and sides with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, prepare the sugar-free pudding mix with 1 1/2 cups milk as directed. Place in the refrigerator to chill.
Ladyfinger Crust
- In a food processor, pulse the ladyfingers into fine crumbs.
- In a medium bowl, combine the ladyfinger crumbs with the orange zest. Add the melted butter and mix until thoroughly combined.
- Press the crumbs evenly into the prepared baking pan, extending to the edges and corners. Freeze for a minimum of 30 minutes to set.
Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Layer
- In a food processor, pulse the fresh cranberries until finely chopped.
- In a medium bowl, combine the chopped cranberries, cream cheese, orange extract, salt, and Sweet’N Low®. Mix until completely smooth.
Stabilized Whipped Cream
- In another medium mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the vanilla, orange zest, and Sweet’N Low®, and combine well.
- With the mixer on low speed, gradually pour in the heavy whipping cream, slowly increasing speed as it incorporates. Once thoroughly mixed with the cream cheese, turn the mixer to high and beat for about a minute, until nice, creamy peaks form.
Assembly
- Gently place dollops of the cranberry orange cream cheese layer onto the frozen crust and spread evenly with an offset spatula.
- Repeat this process with the chilled cheesecake pudding layer, spreading it gently over the cranberry layer.
- Carefully place dollops of the stabilized whipped cream onto the pudding layer and spread evenly to create the top layer.
- Place the assembled bars into the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours, or in the freezer for two hours, to chill completely before serving.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 491kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 40g | Saturated Fat: 23g | Cholesterol: 188mg | Sodium: 344mg | Potassium: 184mg | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1600IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 131mg | Iron: 1.2mg
Discover More Dream Bar Delights!
If you’ve fallen in love with these Cranberry Orange Dream Bars, you’re in for a treat! Explore some of my other popular Dream Bar recipes – each one a unique, no-bake sensation perfect for any occasion:
Chocolate Mint Dream Bars
Strawberry Cheesecake Dream Bars
Red Velvet Cherry Dream Bars
Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars
Connect with Sweet’N Low and 365 Days of Baking & More!
Stay updated on the latest recipes, tips, and sweet inspirations by following Sweet’N Low and me on social media:
Follow Sweet’N Low® on:
Facebook ~ Twitter
Pinterest ~ Instagram
~ FOLLOW ME ~
FACEBOOK ~ PINTEREST
INSTAGRAM ~ TWITTER
SIGN UP FOR THE
365 DAYS OF BAKING & MORE NEWSLETTER BELOW!
JOIN THE365 DAYS OF BAKING AND MORE FACEBOOK GROUPTO RECEIVE ADVANCE NOTICE OF MY LIVE FB VIDEOS,SHARE RECIPES AND MORE!
We hope you enjoy making and sharing these Cranberry Orange Dream Bars as much as we loved creating them. Happy holidays and happy baking!
Did you make this recipe?
Share it with me on Instagram and make sure to follow me on Pinterest for more recipes.
Email Recipe |
Pin Recipe |
Share Recipe