Cranberry Bliss Bars with Orange Frosting (Print version)

Tender bars loaded with dried cranberries and white chocolate, crowned with zesty orange frosting and chocolate drizzle

# What You'll Need:

→ Bar Base

01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 1 cup packed brown sugar
03 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
04 - 3 large eggs
05 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
06 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
07 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
09 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
10 - 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped
11 - 1/2 cup white chocolate chips

→ Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

12 - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
13 - 1 cup powdered sugar
14 - 1 tablespoon orange zest
15 - 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

→ Topping

16 - 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped (optional)
17 - 1/3 cup white chocolate, melted (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan and line with parchment paper, allowing overhang on sides for easy removal.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 3-5 minutes.
03 - Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract until fully combined.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
05 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
06 - Fold in chopped dried cranberries and white chocolate chips using a spatula.
07 - Transfer batter to prepared pan and spread evenly, smoothing the top surface.
08 - Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and edges are golden brown.
09 - Cool bars in the pan for 15 minutes, then carefully lift out using parchment paper and transfer to wire rack for complete cooling.
10 - In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Mix in orange zest and fresh orange juice until creamy and spreadable.
11 - Once completely cool, spread frosting evenly across the entire surface of the bars.
12 - If desired, sprinkle additional chopped dried cranberries over frosting. Drizzle melted white chocolate over top using a spoon or piping bag.
13 - Cut into squares or rectangles and serve immediately or store for later.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The orange cream cheese frosting cuts through the sweetness in a way that makes you reach for a second bar before you've finished the first.
  • Chopped cranberries give every bite a tart little surprise that keeps things interesting.
  • They look festive enough to impress guests but come together with pantry staples and zero fuss.
  • The white chocolate drizzle isn't just pretty, it adds a creamy finish that ties everything together.
02 -
  • Softening the butter and cream cheese at room temperature is non-negotiable, cold butter won't cream properly and cold cream cheese makes lumpy frosting.
  • Don't skip lining the pan with parchment, it's the difference between lifting out perfect bars and scraping crumbs off the bottom.
  • Let the bars cool completely before frosting or the heat will turn your beautiful frosting into a runny glaze.
03 -
  • Chill the frosted bars for 20 minutes before drizzling the white chocolate, it sets faster and looks sharper.
  • Toast the white chocolate chips lightly in a dry skillet before folding them in for a deeper, almost caramel-like flavor.
  • Line your pan in both directions with parchment so you can lift the entire slab out in one piece without any wrestling.
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