Cranberry Bliss Bars

Cranberry Bliss Bars are a seasonal sensation that combines a buttery, cranberry-studded blondie base with a zesty orange cream cheese frosting. Finished with a white chocolate drizzle, these easy-to-make bars are a festive favorite for any holiday gathering or a sweet afternoon treat.

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The secret to these bars lies in the contrast between the rich, chewy blondie and the light, orange-infused frosting. They are as beautiful to look at as they are delicious to eat, making them a centerpiece of any dessert platter.

Ingredients

• Bar Base:
• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200 g) packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (120 g) dried cranberries, chopped
• 1/2 cup (90 g) white chocolate chips
• Orange Cream Cheese Frosting:
• 1/2 cup (113 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 orange)
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• Topping:
• 1/4 cup (45 g) dried cranberries, chopped (for garnish, optional)
• 1/3 cup (60 g) white chocolate, melted (for drizzle, optional)

Transfer liquids, oils, and dry ingredients cleanly into bottles and jars while cooking or baking.

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Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking pan and line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–5 minutes.

Step 3

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 4

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 5

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined (do not overmix).

Step 6

Fold in chopped dried cranberries and white chocolate chips with a spatula.

Step 7

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top.

Step 8

Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the edges are golden brown.

Step 9

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.

Step 10

While the bars cool, prepare the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Mix in orange zest and orange juice until creamy and spreadable.

Step 11

Once completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the bars.

Step 12

If desired, sprinkle with additional chopped dried cranberries. Drizzle melted white chocolate over the top using a spoon or piping bag.

Step 13

Cut into squares or rectangles and serve.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To prepare these bars perfectly, ensure you have a 9×13-inch baking pan, electric mixer, and wire rack ready. These bars taste even better the day after baking as the flavors meld together. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For an extra flavor kick, add 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger to the base batter. You can also substitute the cranberries with dried cherries or chopped dried apricots. To melt the white chocolate for the drizzle, microwave it in 15-second intervals, stirring frequently to prevent seizing.

Serviervorschläge

This recipe yields 24 bars and is suitable for a vegetarian diet. Each serving contains 220 calories, 10g fat, 30g carbohydrates, and 2g protein. These bars contain milk, eggs, wheat, and soy allergens; always check labels if processed in shared facilities.

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With their festive appearance and bright citrus aroma, Cranberry Bliss Bars are the perfect way to share a little joy. Whether at a holiday party or a cozy afternoon tea, they are sure to be a crowd-pleasing favorite.

Keeps spoons and utensils off counters while cooking, catching drips and keeping your stovetop clean.

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Recipe Questions

→ How long do these bars stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these bars will maintain their freshness and delightful flavor for up to 1 week. They often taste even better the day after baking as the flavors meld.

→ Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

While dried cranberries are recommended for their texture and sweetness balance in this particular treat, you could experiment with fresh. If using fresh, you might want to slightly reduce them on the stovetop with a touch of sugar first to prevent excess moisture and tartness.

→ What can I substitute for the orange zest in the frosting?

If you don't have an orange, you can use lemon zest for a similar bright, citrusy tang, or omit it entirely for a classic cream cheese frosting. A splash of vanilla extract can also enhance the flavor.

→ How do I ensure my bars don't dry out?

The key to moist bars is to avoid overmixing the dry ingredients into the wet and, more importantly, not to overbake them. Watch for a golden-brown edge and a toothpick inserted in the center coming out clean, but not completely dry.

→ Can these be frozen?

Yes, these bars can be frozen. For best results, freeze them unfrosted, then add the frosting after thawing. If freezing frosted bars, ensure they are individually wrapped or separated by parchment paper in an airtight container to prevent sticking and freezer burn. Thaw in the refrigerator.

→ Can I make these gluten-free?

You can certainly try. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a good quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Be aware that the texture might be slightly different, but the flavor profile should remain similar.