Print

Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 104 reviews

Cranberry Bliss Bars are a delightful treat featuring a buttery blondie base studded with dried cranberries and white chocolate, topped with a creamy orange-vanilla frosting, extra cranberries, and a drizzle of white chocolate. This recipe combines rich flavors and textures perfect for festive gatherings or a special dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Blondie Base:

  • 1½ cups unbleached all-purpose flour (7.5oz, 213g)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder (3g)
  • ½ teaspoon table salt (3g)
  • 12 tablespoons unsalted butter (6oz, 170g)
  • 1½ cups packed light brown sugar (10.5 oz, 298g)
  • 2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest (3g)
  • ¾ cup dried cranberries, loosely packed (3.5oz, 100g)
  • 1⅓ cups white chocolate, chopped or white chocolate chips (8oz, 227g)

Frosting:

  • 1⅔ cups white chocolate, melted (10oz, 283g)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened (227g)
  • 1½ cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted (6oz, 170g)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 tablespoon orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest (3g)

Topping:

  • ½ cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped, loosely packed (2.3oz, 65g)
  • ⅔ cup white chocolate, melted (4oz, 113g)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Adjust your oven rack to the middle position and heat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
  2. Prepare Pan: Spray a 9 by 13-inch baking pan with nonstick baking spray. Line it with parchment paper trimmed to fit lengthwise with a few inches of overhang on both sides for easy removal. Spray the parchment lightly to prevent sticking.
  3. Brown Butter: In a light-colored saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Continue heating while stirring constantly to push foam aside, allowing the milk solids to brown until golden. Immediately remove from heat and transfer the browned butter to a bowl to cool and stop cooking.
  4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the cooled browned butter (including solids) with the brown sugar until combined. Add the lightly beaten eggs, vanilla, and grated orange zest, mixing well.
  6. Combine Ingredients: Using a rubber spatula, fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Then fold in the chopped white chocolate and dried cranberries.
  7. Bake Blondie: Transfer the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the surface. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until the edges are golden and the top is set but not overbaked. Remove and cool on a wire rack to room temperature.
  8. Prepare Frosting: In a medium bowl, combine the melted white chocolate, softened cream cheese, sifted confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, orange juice, and orange zest. Whisk or beat with an electric mixer until the frosting is well mixed and fluffy.
  9. Frost Bars: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled blondie base.
  10. Add Toppings: Sprinkle the roughly chopped dried cranberries over the frosting evenly.
  11. Drizzle White Chocolate: Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the frosting and cranberries for a decorative and delicious finish.
  12. Chill to Set: Refrigerate the bars until the frosting is firm, which helps with neat slicing.
  13. Slice and Serve: Using the parchment overhang, lift the blondie from the pan. Cut into triangles for serving.
  14. Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.

Notes

  • Be careful not to overbake the blondie; the center should still be slightly soft when you remove it from the oven to maintain moistness.
  • Browned butter adds a rich, nutty flavor—stir continuously during browning to avoid burning.
  • Use parchment with overhang on both sides of the pan for easy removal and clean slicing.
  • Chill the bars well before cutting to prevent the frosting from smearing and to ensure clean slices.
  • You can substitute dried cherries for cranberries if desired for a different flavor twist.

Keywords: cranberry bliss bars, white chocolate cranberry bars, blondie bars, holiday dessert, cream cheese frosting bars

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