Description

These Cranberry Bliss Bars are a delightful combination of soft, chewy blondie-like bars studded with dried cranberries and white chocolate chips, topped with a creamy orange-vanilla cream cheese frosting, extra cranberries, and a drizzle of melted white chocolate. Perfect as a festive holiday treat or any time you crave a rich, flavorful dessert bar with a balance of tart and sweet.

Ingredients

Scale

Bars

½ cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled slightly)
1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
1 large egg
¾ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 ⅓ cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup white chocolate chips

Frosting

4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
1 ⅓ cups powdered sugar
¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
milk (to thin frosting as needed)
⅛ teaspoon finely grated orange zest (optional)

Toppings

¼ cup white chocolate chips (melted)
¼ cup dried cranberries

Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×11 inch baking pan with foil and grease the foil thoroughly to ensure the bars don’t stick.
Prepare wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted and slightly cooled butter with the packed light brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined, about one full minute. Then add in the egg and vanilla extract, whisking well until fully incorporated.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a rubber spatula just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Add mix-ins: Fold in ½ cup dried cranberries and ½ cup white chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter.
Transfer batter to pan: Scoop the batter into the prepared pan and spread into an even layer. To get a smooth, uniform surface, moisten the palm of your hand with water and gently press the batter down.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes. The bars are done when they have puffed slightly, turn very light golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. They may look a little underbaked but will firm up as they cool. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft and chewy.
Cool: Remove from oven and let the bars cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
Prepare frosting: Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and orange zest (if using), continuing to beat until well combined. If the frosting is too thick, add a small splash of milk to thin it to spreading consistency; if too thin, add more powdered sugar to thicken.
Frost the bars: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the completely cooled bars.
Add toppings: Scatter ¼ cup dried cranberries evenly over the frosted bars. Then drizzle the melted white chocolate chips over the top for a beautiful and flavorful finish.

Notes

Ensure the butter for the bars is melted and slightly cooled to avoid cooking the egg when mixed.
Do not overmix the batter to maintain a tender crumb.
Bars will appear slightly underbaked when removed from oven but will firm up as they cool, ensuring soft and chewy texture.
Orange zest in frosting is optional but adds a nice citrus brightness.
If frosting consistency is off, adjust with milk or powdered sugar gradually for best spreading results.
Use foil to line the pan for easy removal and cleanup.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Cranberry Bliss Bars, cranberry bars, white chocolate bars, cream cheese frosting, holiday bars, soft dessert bars