Description
Skip the trip to Starbucks and make homemade Cranberry Bliss Bars instead! These cranberry bars start with a chewy blondie base that is studded with dried cranberries and white chocolate, warmly spiced with a hint of orange, then topped with a swirl of tangy cream cheese frosting to balance the sweetness. Make it even more festive with extra cranberries on top and a white chocolate drizzle. Perfect for the holidays!
Ingredients
For the cranberry bars:
- 2 cups + 2 tablespoons (255 grams) all purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup (220 grams) light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) white sugar
- zest of 1 orange
- 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/4 teaspoon orange extract (optional)
- 1 cup (180 grams) white chocolate chips
- 1 cup (180 grams) dried cranberries
For the cream cheese frosting:
- 8 ounce (250 grams) block cream cheese, softened at room temperature
- 1/4 cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
- 3 ½ cups (420 grams) confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- pinch of salt
- zest of 1 orange
For the toppings:
- 1/3 cup (60 grams) dried cranberries, chopped (for topping)
- 2 ounces (47 grams) white chocolate, melted (for topping)
Instructions
Make the cranberry bliss bars:
- Preheat the oven to 350F. Prepare a 9x13-inch baking pan with cooking spray and line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on 2 sides for easy removal.
- In a medium to large sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, ginger, and cinnamon, until well-combined. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the brown sugar, white sugar, and orange zest. Use your fingers to rub the orange zest together with the sugars. Next, add in the melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and orange extract (if using), until very smooth and well-combined.
- Add the dry mixture into the wet, then stir until fully-combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and dried cranberries.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, then place into the oven to bake for 25-30 minutes. When done, allow to cool fully before frosting. Then, use the parchment paper overhang to carefully remove it and place on a wire rack.
Make the cream cheese frosting:
- Add the cream cheese, butter, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, salt, and orange zest to a large mixing bowl. Using an electric hand mixer, beat the frosting together until smooth and well-combined.
- Evenly spread the frosting over top of the cooled cookie bars.
- In a small mixing bowl, add the white chocolate. Place into the microwave and heat in 30 second intervals, stirring in between, until full melted and smooth.
- Sprinkle the frosted bars with chopped dried cranberries, and drizzle with melted white chocolate.
- Place into the fridge for 30 minutes to 1 hour, until set. You can also sprinkle some extra orange zest, if desired.
- Slice the bars into 8 rectangles by making one vertical slice in the middle lengthwise, and 1 horizontal slice in the middle crosswise. Then add 2 more slices crosswise above and below the center slice. Slice each of those rectangles diagonally into triangles.
Notes
How to store: Since these bars are topped with cream cheese frosting, they need to be refrigerated for freshness. Store them in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place a piece of parchment between any layers to avoid damaging the topping.
How to freeze: Cranberry bliss bars freeze very well! You can either freeze the bars and frosting separately or freeze the frosted bars on a sheet pan until solid. Wrap each one well with plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Let the bars thaw in the fridge for a few hours, then let them warm up at room temperature for the best flavor and softest texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American