Description

Cranberry Bliss Bars are a delightful treat combining a buttery, orange-zested base loaded with white chocolate chips and dried cranberries, topped with a creamy white chocolate cream cheese frosting and extra dried cranberries. Perfect for festive occasions or an indulgent snack, these bars offer a perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors with a rich texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Cranberry Bliss Bar

1 cup unsalted butter melted
1 1/2 cups light brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons orange zest
1 cup white chocolate chips
3/4 cup dried cranberries

Cream Cheese Frosting

6 ounces white chocolate baking chocolate
8 ounces full-fat cream cheese (brick-style)
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1-2 tablespoons whipping cream

Topping

2 ounces white chocolate
2 tablespoons dried cranberries

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Instructions

Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9×13 inch pan with non-stick cooking spray and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang around the edges for easy removal.
Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the melted butter and light brown sugar until well combined. Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract thoroughly.
Add dry ingredients: With the mixer on low speed, gradually mix in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to form a smooth batter.
Incorporate flavorings: Gently fold in the orange zest, white chocolate chips, and dried cranberries into the batter until evenly distributed.
Bake the bars: Spoon the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
Melt white chocolate for frosting: Chop the white chocolate finely and place it into a heatproof bowl. Microwave on medium power for 45 seconds, stirring well, and repeat if necessary until smooth.
Make cream cheese frosting: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until soft and creamy. With the mixer on low speed, slowly beat in the melted white chocolate, then gradually add powdered sugar. Mix in whipping cream, starting with 1 tablespoon, to achieve a spreadable consistency.
Frost the cooled bars: Once the bars have fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top, smoothing with a spatula.
Prepare topping drizzle: Chop and melt the remaining 2 ounces of white chocolate in the microwave on medium power in 45-second intervals until smooth. Drizzle this melted white chocolate over the frosted bars and sprinkle with dried cranberries for garnish.
Slice and serve: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan onto a cutting board. Slice into 16 bars using a sharp knife, wiping the knife clean between slices for neat cuts. Serve or store as desired.

Notes

Make Ahead: Bake and fully cool the bars before covering them. Frost the bars the next day for best flavor and texture.
Storage: Store the frosted bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
Freezing: Bake and cool bars completely, then wrap tightly and freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting.
Use brick-style cream cheese for frosting to prevent excess moisture in the final topping.
Microwave chocolate on medium power and stir frequently to avoid burning or overheating.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 30 g
Sodium: 150 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 3 g
Cholesterol: 55 mg