Cranberry Bliss Bars Orange Frosting (Printer-Friendly)

Buttery bars loaded with dried cranberries and white chocolate, crowned with tangy orange frosting and sweet 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 for garnish
17 - 1/3 cup white chocolate, melted for drizzle

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan and line with parchment paper, leaving 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 to 5 minutes.
03 - Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract until fully combined.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly distributed.
05 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix the batter.
06 - Using a spatula, fold chopped dried cranberries and white chocolate chips into the batter until evenly distributed.
07 - Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top surface with a spatula.
08 - Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and edges are golden brown.
09 - Allow bars to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then lift out using parchment paper and transfer to a 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 cooled, spread frosting evenly over the bars using an offset spatula or knife.
12 - If desired, sprinkle chopped dried cranberries over frosting. Drizzle melted white chocolate across the top using a spoon or piping bag.
13 - Cut into squares or rectangles and serve immediately or store for later enjoyment.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The orange cream cheese frosting cuts through the sweetness and adds a brightness that makes these bars feel special without extra effort.
  • They look bakery-perfect with minimal decorating skills, thanks to the simple white chocolate drizzle and cranberry garnish.
  • The texture is tender and buttery, somewhere between a blondie and a soft cookie bar.
  • You can make them a day ahead and they actually improve as the flavors settle together in the fridge.
02 -
  • Do not frost warm bars or the cream cheese frosting will melt into a puddle and ruin the clean look you worked for.
  • Chop the cranberries before folding them in, whole ones create uneven texture and make cutting the bars a messy struggle.
  • Soften your butter and cream cheese at room temperature for at least an hour, microwaving them creates an oily mess that won't cream properly.
03 -
  • Chill the frosted bars for 30 minutes before cutting, this firms up the frosting and gives you bakery-clean edges.
  • Toast the white chocolate chips lightly in a dry skillet before folding them in for a deeper, nuttier flavor that surprises everyone.
  • Double the orange zest if you love citrus, it won't overpower the bars and it makes the frosting unforgettable.
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