Description
Cranberry Bliss Bars are a delightful combination of a soft, buttery bar studded with dried cranberries and white chocolate chips, topped with a creamy orange-zested cream cheese frosting, extra dried cranberries, and a drizzle of melted white chocolate. Perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy, these bars are an ideal treat for holiday gatherings or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Bars
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- ¾ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
Frosting & Topping
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ⅓ cups powdered sugar
- ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- milk, to thin
- ⅛ teaspoon finely grated orange zest (optional)
- ¼ cup white chocolate chips, melted
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×11-inch pan with foil and grease the foil to prepare for baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and light brown sugar until well combined, at least one minute. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and whisk until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Incorporate this flour mixture into the wet ingredients by stirring with a rubber spatula until just combined.
- Add Cranberries and White Chocolate Chips: Fold in ½ cup of dried cranberries and ½ cup of white chocolate chips evenly into the batter.
- Spread Batter in Pan: Scoop the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Moisten your palm with water and gently press the batter to create a smooth, even surface.
- Bake the Bars: Bake for 18-22 minutes until bars have puffed slightly and are light brown. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean. Avoid overbaking as bars will continue to cook as they cool. Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare Frosting: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat softened cream cheese and softened butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and orange zest if using, then beat again until combined. Adjust consistency with a splash of milk to thin or additional powdered sugar to thicken as needed.
- Frost the Bars: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars.
- Add Toppings: Scatter the remaining dried cranberries on top of the frosting and drizzle with melted white chocolate for a decorative and delicious finish.
Notes
- For easier spreading, moisten your hand slightly and gently press the batter into the pan for even thickness.
- Do not overbake the bars as they continue to cook after being removed from the oven, which keeps them moist and tender.
- The orange zest in the frosting adds a refreshing citrus note but can be omitted if desired.
- To melt white chocolate chips, use short bursts in the microwave or a double boiler, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- These bars are best stored in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese frosting. Bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.
