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Cranberry Bliss Bars
Caroline

Cranberry Bliss Bars

These Cranberry Bliss Bars feature a soft blondie base loaded with white chocolate and cranberries, topped with a creamy orange-kissed frosting and finished with a white chocolate drizzle. Perfect for holiday baking and special occasions.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 24 bars
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1.5 cups light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • 0.75 cup dried cranberries
  • 1.33 cups white chocolate chips
  • 1.67 cups white chocolate, melted (for frosting)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1.5 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 1 tablespoon orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest (for frosting)
  • 0.5 cup chopped dried cranberries (topping)
  • 0.67 cup white chocolate, melted (drizzle)

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking pan
  • parchment paper or non-stick spray
  • mixing bowls
  • electric mixer
  • whisk and spatula
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • Sharp knife

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or spray with non-stick spray.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, combine melted butter and brown sugar. Stir in eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest until smooth.
  4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix just until combined. Fold in dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.
  5. Spread batter evenly in prepared pan and bake for 25 minutes or until set. Cool completely.
  6. Beat cream cheese until smooth. Mix in confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, orange juice, zest, and melted white chocolate until creamy.
  7. Spread frosting evenly over cooled blondies. Sprinkle with dried cranberries and drizzle with melted white chocolate.
  8. Refrigerate until set, then slice into bars and serve.

Notes

Allow bars to chill fully before slicing for clean edges. These bars store well in the refrigerator and taste even better the next day. Ideal for holiday trays, gifting, and festive gatherings.