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Cranberry Bliss Bars

Irresistibly Indulgent Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe

These Cranberry Bliss Bars are a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Cooling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 12 minutes
Course Desserts
Cuisine American
Servings 16 slices
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • 9×13-inch baking pan
  • mixing bowls
  • whisk
  • spatula

Ingredients
  

For the Batter

  • 1 cup butter, melted This rich base adds moisture and flavor to the bars.
  • 1 ¼ cups brown sugar Brings a deep sweetness and slight caramel notes.
  • 2 large eggs Provides structure and keeps the bars tender and chewy.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances the overall flavor profile.
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest Adds a refreshing citrus note.
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour The backbone of the bars.
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder Helps the bars rise.
  • ½ teaspoon salt Balances the sweetness.
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips Melts into pockets of sweetness.
  • ¾ cup dried cranberries Provides the signature tartness.

For the Frosting

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened Creates a rich and creamy base.
  • ⅓ cup butter, softened Adds extra creaminess.
  • 2 cups powdered sugar Sweetens the frosting.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Adds depth of flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest Brightens the frosting.

For the Garnish

  • ⅓ cup chopped dried cranberries For extra flavor and visual appeal.
  • ½ cup melted white chocolate (optional) Drizzle for elevated taste.

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, combine melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Whisk in eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest until incorporated.
  • In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold into the wet mixture.
  • Fold in white chocolate chips and dried cranberries gently.
  • Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 18 to 22 minutes until golden brown.
  • Cool bars in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely.
  • Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and orange zest.
  • Frost the cooled bars evenly with the cream cheese frosting.
  • Sprinkle chopped dried cranberries over the frosting and drizzle with melted white chocolate, if desired.
  • Chill for 30 minutes before slicing into squares.

Notes

Ensure butter and cream cheese are at room temperature. Don’t overmix to avoid tough bars. Cool completely before frosting.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg
Keyword baking, Cranberry Bliss Bars, cream cheese frosting, dessert, Holiday Treats, sweets
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