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Cranberry Bliss Bars

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Rich, chewy blondie-style bars packed with dried cranberries and white chocolate, topped with orange-infused cream cheese frosting and a white chocolate drizzle for a festive and indulgent treat.

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp orange extract or 1 tbsp orange zest
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for softness)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger (optional)
  • 3/4 cup white chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp orange extract or 1 tsp orange zest
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped (for topping)
  • 1/4 cup white chocolate, melted (for drizzle)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a mixing bowl, stir together melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in vanilla and orange extract (or zest).
  3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and ginger (if using). Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing until just combined.
  4. Fold in white chocolate chips and dried cranberries. Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan.
  5. Bake for 18–25 minutes, until edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool completely in the pan.
  6. For the frosting, beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in vanilla and orange extract (or zest) until creamy.
  7. Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars. Sprinkle chopped dried cranberries on top.
  8. Melt white chocolate gently (microwave or double boiler) and drizzle over the top. Chill until set.
  9. Lift bars from the pan, cut into squares or triangles, and serve.

Notes

  • Cool bars completely before frosting to prevent melting.
  • Use orange zest for natural citrus flavor if extract is unavailable.
  • For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend.
  • Bars keep best refrigerated and taste even better the next day.
  • Perfect for holidays, gifting, or party desserts.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/cranberry-bliss-bars/