Cranberry Bliss Bars
Delicious dessert bars combining white chocolate and cranberries, perfect for holiday gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Bars
- 1.5 cups unbleached all-purpose flour Sifted if desired.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon table salt
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter Softened at room temperature.
- 1.5 cups packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs Lightly beaten.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
- 0.75 cup dried cranberries Loosely packed.
- 1.33 cups white chocolate (chopped or white chocolate chips)
For the Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese Softened.
- 1.5 cups confectioners' sugar Sifted.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
For the Topping
- 1.67 cups white chocolate (melted)
- 0.5 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped Loosely packed.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs, vanilla, and orange zest until well combined.
- Gradually mix the flour mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in the dried cranberries and chopped white chocolate.
- Pour the batter into the prepared dish and smooth it into an even layer.
Baking
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
Frosting
- In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and confectioners' sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Mix in the vanilla, orange juice, and orange zest until well blended.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars.
Topping
- Melt the additional white chocolate and drizzle it over the frosted bars.
- Top with roughly chopped cranberries.
- Allow the chocolate to set before cutting into squares.
Notes
For best results, slice cooled bars with a hot knife for cleaner edges. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
