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Cranberry Bliss Bars

Delicious dessert bars combining cream cheese, white chocolate, and tangy cranberries, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Cranberry Bliss Bars, Cream Cheese Frosting, Dessert Bars, holiday treats, white chocolate
Servings: 12 bars
Calories: 250kcal

Ingredients

For the Blondie Base

  • 1.5 cups unbleached all-purpose flour 7.5 oz, 213 g
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder 3 g
  • 0.5 teaspoon table salt 3 g
  • 12 tablespoons unsalted butter 6 oz, 170 g
  • 1.5 cups packed light brown sugar 10.5 oz, 298 g
  • 2 large eggs lightly beaten
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest 3 g
  • 0.75 cup dried cranberries loosely packed, 3.5 oz, 100 g
  • 1.33 cups white chocolate, chopped or white chocolate chips 8 oz, 227 g

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened 227 g
  • 1.5 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted 6 oz, 170 g
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest 3 g

For the Topping

  • 0.5 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped loosely packed, 2.3 oz, 65 g
  • 0.67 cup white chocolate, melted 4 oz, 113 g

Instructions

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
  • In a large bowl, melt the butter. Add the light brown sugar and mix until combined. Stir in the lightly beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest.
  • Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Gently fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chunks.
  • Pour the blondie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow it to cool completely in the pan.

Frosting and Topping

  • In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the sifted confectioners' sugar, followed by the vanilla extract, orange juice, and orange zest. Mix until well combined.
  • Once the blondies are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
  • Sprinkle the roughly chopped cranberries over the frosted bars, followed by a drizzle of melted white chocolate.

Chilling and Serving

  • Place the bars in the fridge for about 30 minutes to set. Once firm, lift them out of the pan and slice them into desired portions.

Notes

Mix-in ideas: Feel free to add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch. Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. They also freeze well; just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to three months.