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Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe

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4.4 from 9 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 16 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Cranberry Bliss Bars are a delightful holiday treat combining a moist buttery bar base infused with ginger and dried cranberries, topped with a creamy orange-infused cream cheese frosting, dried cranberries, and a drizzle of melted white chocolate. These bars offer a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and rich flavors, making them an excellent dessert for festive occasions or any time you crave a decadent yet refreshing treat.

Ingredients

BARS:

  • 3/4 cup butter, softened
  • 1 1/4 cups brown sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
  • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips

FROSTING:

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon orange zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

TOPPINGS:

  • 2 tablespoons dried cranberries, chopped
  • 1/4 cup white chocolate, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the bars.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a stand mixer or large mixing bowl, combine 3/4 cup softened butter with 1 1/4 cups brown sugar. Mix until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
  3. Add Eggs and Flavorings: Add 3 eggs, 1 teaspoon ginger, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix thoroughly until the batter is smooth and even in texture.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1 teaspoon baking powder and 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour to evenly distribute the leavening agent.
  5. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet butter mixture, mixing until just combined, about a couple of minutes, forming a cohesive dough.
  6. Add Cranberries and White Chocolate Chips: Fold in 1/2 cup chopped dried cranberries and 1/2 cup white chocolate chips to the batter, ensuring even distribution throughout.
  7. Prepare Baking Pan: Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray. Spread the batter evenly in the pan using a knife or spatula for a uniform thickness.
  8. Bake Bars: Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  9. Cool Bars: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to set the texture for frosting.
  10. Prepare Frosting – Orange Zest: Zest an orange to collect 1/2 teaspoon of zest, setting it aside for the frosting.
  11. Make Frosting: In a medium mixing bowl, beat together 4 ounces softened cream cheese, 2 tablespoons softened butter, 2 cups powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon orange zest, and 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and glossy.
  12. Frost the Bars: Spread the prepared frosting evenly over the cooled bars to cover the entire surface.
  13. Add Cranberry Topping: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of chopped dried cranberries over the frosted bars for added texture and flavor.
  14. Melt White Chocolate: Place 1/4 cup white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, to gently melt without overheating or clumping.
  15. Drizzle White Chocolate: Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the top of the frosted bars to decorate and add sweetness.
  16. Chill Bars: Refrigerate the bars until the frosting firms up and the white chocolate drizzle sets, allowing for clean slicing.
  17. Serve: Slice into 16 bars and enjoy this festive, flavorful dessert.

Notes

  • Ensure the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for smooth mixing of batter and frosting.
  • Do not overheat the white chocolate during melting; stirring frequently prevents clumping or burning.
  • Chilling the bars before slicing helps maintain clean, neat pieces.
  • These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Feel free to substitute dried cherries for cranberries for a slightly different flavor.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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