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Cranberry Bliss Bars

Delicious dessert bars combining white chocolate and cranberries, perfect for holiday gatherings and special occasions.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

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.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Beat in the eggs, vanilla, and orange zest until well combined.
  5. Gradually mix the flour mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.
  6. Fold in the dried cranberries and chopped white chocolate.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared dish and smooth it into an even layer.
Baking
  1. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  2. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
Frosting
  1. In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and confectioners' sugar until smooth and creamy.
  2. Mix in the vanilla, orange juice, and orange zest until well blended.
  3. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars.
Topping
  1. Melt the additional white chocolate and drizzle it over the frosted bars.
  2. Top with roughly chopped cranberries.
  3. 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.