Introduction

Cranberry Bliss Bars are a delightful blend of buttery blondie, tart cranberries, and creamy white chocolate frosting. This festive treat is perfect for holidays or whenever you crave a sweet, tangy bar with a rich finish.

The image shows several triangular dessert bars arranged on a white marbled surface. Each bar has two visible layers: a bottom layer of light brown cookie or cake with small nut pieces, and a thick top layer of smooth white frosting. The frosting is decorated with scattered dark red dried fruit pieces and thin lines of white drizzle. Around the bars, there are two small white bowls, one filled with pale yellow chocolate pieces and the other with dark red dried fruit. Two orange peel spirals are also placed near the bars, adding a pop of bright color. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1½ cups unbleached all-purpose flour (7.5 oz, 213 g)
1 teaspoon baking powder (3 g)
½ teaspoon table salt (3 g)
12 tablespoons unsalted butter (6 oz, 170 g)
1½ cups packed light brown sugar (10.5 oz, 298 g)
2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest (3 g)
¾ cup dried cranberries (loosely packed, 3.5 oz, 100 g)
1⅓ cups white chocolate (chopped or white chocolate chips, 8 oz, 227 g)
1⅔ cups white chocolate (melted, 10 oz, 283 g)
8 oz cream cheese (softened, 227 g)
1½ cups confectioners’ sugar (sifted, 6 oz, 170 g)
1 teaspoon vanilla (for frosting)
1 tablespoon orange juice
1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest (3 g, for frosting)
½ cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped (loosely packed, 2.3 oz, 65 g)
⅔ cup melted white chocolate (4 oz, 113 g, for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: Adjust your oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2: Spray a 9 by 13-inch baking pan with nonstick baking spray. Line it with parchment paper trimmed to fit the pan lengthwise, leaving a few inches of overhang on both sides for easy lifting. Spray the parchment paper as well.
Step 3: Brown the butter by melting it in a light-colored saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously and watch the milk solids as they turn a golden brown. Once browned, remove from heat and transfer to a bowl to cool.
Step 4: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 5: In another medium bowl, combine the cooled browned butter and brown sugar until well mixed. Add eggs, vanilla, and orange zest and mix thoroughly.
Step 6: Using a rubber spatula, fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Fold in chopped white chocolate and dried cranberries.
Step 7: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with the spatula. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until the edges are golden and the top is set. Avoid overbaking.
Step 8: Allow the blondie to cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 9: For the frosting, combine softened cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, orange juice, and grated orange zest in a medium bowl. Beat with an electric mixer or whisk until fluffy and well combined.
Step 10: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars.
Step 11: Sprinkle the roughly chopped dried cranberries over the frosting.
Step 12: Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the frosting and cranberries for a beautiful finish.
Step 13: Refrigerate the bars until the frosting firms up, which makes slicing neat and easy.
Step 14: Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper edges and cut into triangles.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, toast the dried cranberries lightly before folding them into the batter.
Substitute orange zest with lemon zest for a brighter citrus note.
Use white chocolate chips instead of chopped chocolate to save time.
To make these bars nut-free, omit any optional nuts or substitutes commonly used in variations.

Storage

Store the cranberry bliss bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Before serving, let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes for the best texture. If desired, gently rewarm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften the frosting slightly.

How to Serve

The image shows several triangular slices of a dessert arranged on a white marbled surface. Each slice has two layers: a thick, brown base layer with visible chunks of white nuts and cranberries, and a creamy white frosting layer on top, which is decorated with scattered pieces of dried red cranberries and thin white chocolate drizzle. The texture of the base appears soft and slightly crumbly, while the top layer looks smooth and rich. The slices are placed close to each other with some space in between, showcasing the clean cut and fresh topping. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars can be made a day or two in advance. Keep them refrigerated and slice just before serving for the freshest taste.

What can I substitute for dried cranberries?

Dried cherries or raisins work well as substitutes if you prefer a different dried fruit. Just ensure they are chopped roughly to match the texture.