Go Back

Cranberry Bliss Bars

Delightful dessert bars with a buttery base, topped with cream cheese frosting, dried cranberries, and zesty orange.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 pieces
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Bakery
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 1 cup 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened Use unsalted butter for better control of saltiness.
  • 1 cup 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups 2 cups all-purpose flour Accurate measurement is key.
  • 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup 1 cup dried cranberries Can be substituted with raisins or chopped cherries.
  • 1/2 cup 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
For the Frosting
  • 8 oz 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
  • 1 unit Zest of 1 orange
Garnish
  • 1 unit Extra dried cranberries and orange zest for decoration

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, and mix in the vanilla extract.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully combined.
  4. Fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed in the batter.
Baking
  1. Spread the batter evenly in your prepared baking pan. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  2. Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Frosting and Serving
  1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, orange zest, and orange juice, mixing until smooth.
  2. Once the bars are fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting generously on top. Decorate with additional dried cranberries and a sprinkle of orange zest.
  3. Cut into squares and indulge in the delightful sweet and tart flavors!

Notes

For best results, measure ingredients accurately, allow bars to cool fully before frosting, and don’t skimp on the orange zest for enhanced flavor. Enjoy with coffee or tea, vanilla ice cream, or a light salad.