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Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe

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4.3 from 83 reviews

Cranberry Bliss Bars are a delightful treat combining a soft, buttery blondie base studded with white chocolate chips and dried cranberries, topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting, chopped cranberries, and drizzled almond bark. These bars offer a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors with festive hints of orange and ginger, making them an ideal dessert or snack for holidays or special gatherings.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 16 servings

Ingredients

Blondie Layer

  • 1 cup salted butter, melted
  • 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon orange extract
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips
  • 3/4 cup dried cranberries

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1/2 teaspoon orange extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries, coarsely chopped
  • 2 ounces almond bark, melted (or white chocolate)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by spraying it with nonstick spray or lining it with parchment paper.
  2. Make the blondie batter: In a large bowl, cream together the melted butter and brown sugar until well blended. Add the eggs, orange extract, and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly to combine.
  3. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground ginger, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, stirring gently. Fold in the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries; the batter will be thick.
  4. Bake the blondies: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-21 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake. Once done, remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack.
  5. Prepare the frosting: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and combined. Mix in the orange extract and vanilla extract thoroughly.
  6. Frost and decorate: Spread an even layer of the cream cheese frosting over the cooled blondies. Sprinkle coarsely chopped dried cranberries over the top. Drizzle melted almond bark or white chocolate on top using a fork for a decorative touch.
  7. Set and serve: Allow the frosting to set. To speed this up, place the bars in the refrigerator. Once set, cut into square or triangle-shaped bars. Store them refrigerated until ready to serve.

Notes

  • Do not overbake the blondie layer to maintain a soft, chewy texture.
  • Using room temperature cream cheese ensures a smooth frosting without lumps.
  • Chilling the bars helps the frosting set and makes cutting easier.
  • You can substitute almond bark with good quality white chocolate for the drizzle.
  • These bars keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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