Cranberry Bliss Bars (Print)

Buttery cranberry bars with zesty orange cream cheese frosting and white chocolate drizzle. Perfect for any occasion.

# Ingredients:

→ Bar Base

01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 1 cup packed brown sugar
03 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
04 - 3 large eggs
05 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
06 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
07 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
09 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
10 - 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped
11 - 1/2 cup white chocolate chips

→ Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

12 - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
13 - 1 cup powdered sugar
14 - 1 tablespoon orange zest
15 - 2 tablespoons orange juice

→ Topping

16 - 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
17 - 1/3 cup white chocolate, melted

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–5 minutes.
03 - Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
05 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
06 - Fold in chopped dried cranberries and white chocolate chips with a spatula.
07 - Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the edges are golden brown.
08 - Allow bars to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then lift out using the parchment and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
09 - While the bars cool, beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Mix in orange zest and orange juice until creamy and spreadable.
10 - Once completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the bars. Sprinkle with additional chopped dried cranberries and drizzle melted white chocolate over the top.
11 - Cut into squares or rectangles and serve.

# Pro Tips:

01 -
  • The combination of tart cranberries and sweet white chocolate creates that perfect sweet-tart balance that keeps you reaching for just one more
  • The orange cream cheese frosting transforms an already delicious bar into something that feels like it came from a fancy bakery
  • These bars actually improve overnight as the flavors meld together making them perfect for making ahead of holiday gatherings
02 -
  • These bars must cool completely before frosting or the cream cheese will melt into a sticky mess
  • Room temperature ingredients mix together much more smoothly so plan ahead and set everything out about an hour before baking
  • The white chocolate drizzle sets quickly so work fast once you melt it or it will harden in your spoon
03 -
  • Use fresh oranges rather than bottled juice for the frosting as the bright citrus flavor really shines through
  • If your white chocolate seizes while melting stir in a teaspoon of vegetable oil to smooth it out again
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