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A stack of three homemade cranberry bliss bars with a cream cheese frosting, dried cranberries, and orange zest.

Cranberry Bliss Bars

Indulge in these festive Cranberry Bliss Bars, featuring a chewy, orange-infused blondie base, topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting, a delicate white chocolate drizzle, and a sprinkle of chopped dried cranberries. Perfect for holidays or a sweet everyday treat!
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 28 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Servings: 24 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 280
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cranberry Orange Bars
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled (1 stick)
  • 1 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp orange zest from 1 large orange
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup dried cranberries chopped
  • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips optional, for the bars
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened (1 block)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened (1/2 stick)
  • 2 cups powdered sugar sifted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp orange zest optional
For the Garnish
  • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips for drizzle
  • 2 tbsp dried cranberries finely chopped, for sprinkle

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Electric mixer (handheld or stand)
  • Spatula
  • Zester
  • Whisk
  • Small microwave-safe bowl

Method
 

Prepare the Cranberry Orange Bars
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars out later. Lightly grease the parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted and cooled butter with the brown sugar until well combined. Beat in the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and orange zest until smooth and creamy.
  3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Fold in the chopped dried cranberries and white chocolate chips (if using) until evenly distributed.
  5. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 25-28 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
  6. Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is crucial before frosting, typically 1-2 hours.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
  1. While the bars are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  2. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, beating on low speed until incorporated, then increase to medium-high and beat until smooth and creamy. Stir in the vanilla extract and orange zest (if using).
Assemble and Garnish
  1. Once the bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
  2. For the white chocolate drizzle, melt the 1/2 cup white chocolate chips in a small microwave-safe bowl in 15-20 second intervals, stirring well after each, until smooth. Alternatively, use a double boiler.
  3. Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the frosted bars using a spoon or by transferring the chocolate to a small ziplock bag, snipping a tiny corner, and piping.
  4. Immediately sprinkle the finely chopped dried cranberries over the white chocolate drizzle.
  5. Refrigerate the bars for at least 30 minutes to allow the frosting and white chocolate drizzle to set. Once chilled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Place on a cutting board and cut into 24 squares (or desired size).

Notes

Store Cranberry Bliss Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For best flavor, let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. You can freeze unfrosted bars for up to 3 months, wrapped tightly.