Description
Cranberry Bliss Bars are a moist and chewy blondie base featuring tart dried cranberries, creamy white chocolate chunks, and a hint of zesty orange. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, more cranberries, and a drizzle of white chocolate, these bars are the perfect festive treat for holidays or year-round indulgence.
Ingredients
- Blondie Base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, browned and cooled
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup white chocolate chunks
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries
- Frosting and Garnish:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup white chocolate, melted and cooled
- 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp orange juice
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries (for topping)
- 1/4 cup white chocolate, melted (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Pan:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and grease lightly. - Brown the Butter:
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until it foams and milk solids turn golden brown. Remove from heat and let cool. - Mix Blondie Batter:
- Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- In a separate bowl, mix browned butter and brown sugar. Add eggs, vanilla, and orange zest.
- Gradually fold in dry ingredients, then stir in white chocolate and cranberries.
- Bake:
Spread batter evenly into prepared pan. Bake 18–21 minutes or until edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely. - Prepare Frosting:
Beat cream cheese until smooth. Mix in melted white chocolate, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, orange juice, and zest until creamy. - Frost and Garnish:
- Spread frosting over cooled blondie.
- Sprinkle dried cranberries and drizzle melted white chocolate.
- Serve:
Allow frosting to set. Slice into squares, then halve diagonally for classic triangles.
Notes
- Substitute gluten-free flour for dietary needs.
- Nuts like pecans or walnuts can be added for texture.
- Store bars in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
