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cranberry bliss bars recipe - featured image

Cranberry Bliss Bars

  • Author: Nora Winslow
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 16 servings 1x

Description

A festive holiday treat featuring a buttery base, tart dried cranberries, white chocolate chips, and a creamy cream cheese frosting with a hint of orange zest. Perfect for holiday gatherings and make-ahead friendly.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (120g) dried cranberries
  • 1 cup (170g) white chocolate chips
  • 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. Lightly grease the parchment paper with butter or baking spray.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with light brown sugar and granulated sugar using a hand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract until the batter is glossy and smooth.
  5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  6. Gently fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips using a spatula, ensuring even distribution.
  7. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, at least 45 minutes.
  9. For the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy.
  10. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing on low until combined, then increase speed until fluffy.
  11. Stir in the fresh orange zest.
  12. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars.
  13. Optional: Sprinkle a few dried cranberries or white chocolate chips on top.
  14. Chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set the frosting before slicing into squares.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for best results. Line the pan with parchment paper with overhang for easy removal. Do not frost warm bars to avoid melting frosting. Chill bars after frosting for easier slicing. Start checking for doneness at 25 minutes. Variations include adding nuts, using dark chocolate chips, or making gluten-free or vegan adaptations.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar (1/16th of rec
  • Calories: 250
  • Fat: 12
  • Carbohydrates: 32
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 3

Keywords: cranberry bliss bars, holiday dessert, cranberry bars, white chocolate, cream cheese frosting, holiday treats, easy baking

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Find it online: https://gentlerecipes.com/cranberry-bliss-bars-recipe-easy-homemade-holiday-treats-to-try/