Cranberry Bliss Bars with Orange Frosting (Print version)

Buttery bars loaded with dried cranberries and white chocolate, topped with tangy orange cream cheese frosting and a sweet drizzle.

# Required ingredients:

→ Bar Base

01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 1 cup packed brown sugar
03 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
04 - 3 large eggs
05 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
06 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
07 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
09 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
10 - 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped
11 - 1/2 cup white chocolate chips

→ Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

12 - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
13 - 1 cup powdered sugar
14 - 1 tablespoon orange zest
15 - 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

→ Topping

16 - 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
17 - 1/3 cup white chocolate, melted

# How to make it:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan and line with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 3-5 minutes.
03 - Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract until fully combined.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
05 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
06 - Fold in chopped dried cranberries and white chocolate chips with a spatula using gentle strokes.
07 - Spread batter evenly into prepared pan, smoothing the top surface.
08 - Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean and edges are golden brown.
09 - Allow bars to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then lift out using parchment and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
10 - In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Mix in orange zest and orange juice until creamy and spreadable.
11 - Once completely cooled, spread frosting evenly over bars.
12 - Sprinkle with chopped dried cranberries and drizzle melted white chocolate over the top using a spoon or piping bag.
13 - Cut into squares or rectangles and serve.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The orange cream cheese frosting cuts through the sweetness in a way that makes you reach for a second bar without thinking.
  • You can mix the batter in one bowl and have them in the oven before your coffee gets cold.
  • They hold up beautifully in a tin, so you can bake ahead and actually enjoy your own party.
02 -
  • If you frost the bars while theyre even slightly warm, the cream cheese will slide right off and pool at the edges.
  • Chopping the cranberries keeps them from sinking to the bottom and makes every bite more balanced.
  • Letting the bars sit overnight in the fridge makes the flavors meld and the texture even better.
03 -
  • Melt the white chocolate for drizzling in 15 second bursts in the microwave, stirring between each one, so it stays smooth and doesnt seize.
  • Use a bench scraper or offset spatula to spread the frosting evenly without tearing the bars underneath.
  • If the batter seems thick, dont panic; it should be dense and almost cookie dough like, not pourable.
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