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Cranberry Bliss Bars

Cranberry Bliss Bars are a delicious sweet treat featuring a chewy blondie base, cream cheese frosting, and a delightful sprinkle of cranberries, perfect for any festive occasion.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time21 minutes
Total Time41 minutes
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Cranberry Bliss Bars, Dessert Bars, Holiday Treat
Servings: 12 bars
Calories: 300kcal

Ingredients

For the Blondie Base

  • 1 cup salted butter, melted
  • 1.5 cups packed light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon orange extract
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips
  • 0.75 cup dried cranberries

For the Frosting

  • 1 (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
  • 1.5 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 0.5 teaspoon orange extract
  • 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.5 cup dried cranberries, coarsely chopped
  • 2 ounces almond bark, melted

Instructions

Preparation

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, cream together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth.
  • Mix in the eggs, 1 teaspoon orange extract, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground ginger, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, stirring until just combined.
  • Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and ¾ cup of dried cranberries.
  • Spread the blondie batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing it out evenly.

Baking

  • Bake for 18-21 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Do not overbake.
  • Let the bars cool completely on a wire rack.

Frosting

  • In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together using an electric mixer until smooth.
  • Mix in the remaining ½ teaspoon of orange extract and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract.
  • Frost the cooled blondie layer with an even layer of cream cheese frosting. Sprinkle the chopped cranberries on top.
  • Drizzle the melted almond bark over the frosting using a fork for an elegant touch.
  • Allow the frosting to set, which can be sped up by placing them in the refrigerator.
  • Once set, cut the bars into squares or triangles.
  • Store the bars in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Notes

Serve on a festive platter and pair with tea or coffee. You can add nuts, enhance with spices, or substitute dried fruits for variety.