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Cranberry Bliss Bars

Deliciously rich bars featuring a buttery base, tart cranberries, and a creamy white chocolate frosting, reminiscent of holiday street food.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 26 minutes
Total Time 46 minutes
Servings: 16 pieces
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 220
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Bars
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled Ensure it's not too hot to avoid cooking the eggs.
  • 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature Room-temp eggs help create a silkier crumb.
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp orange zest Use a fine grater for best results.
  • 1 and 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 3/4 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
  • 3/4 cup white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
For the Frosting & Topping
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp orange zest
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 3 oz white chocolate, melted and slightly cooled Melt gently to avoid seizing.
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped, for topping
  • 1 oz white chocolate, melted, for drizzle
  • extra orange zest, for garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth and glossy.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla and orange zest, mixing until just combined.
  4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, and cinnamon.
  5. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gently until no streaks of flour remain.
  6. Fold in the chopped cranberries and white chocolate chips.
Baking
  1. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and smooth the top.
  2. Bake for 22–26 minutes until the edges are set and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  3. Let cool on a wire rack until room temperature.
Frosting
  1. Beat the cream cheese and butter until fluffy, then add powdered sugar, vanilla, orange zest, and salt.
  2. Blend in melted white chocolate until smooth.
  3. Spread the frosting over cooled bars, sprinkle chopped cranberries on top, and drizzle with remaining melted white chocolate.
Setting
  1. Refrigerate until the topping is set, about 30–60 minutes, then lift out and cut into squares.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freeze individual squares for up to 2 months. Tips include using room-temperature eggs for better incorporation and not overbaking.