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Cranberry Bliss Bars

Cranberry Bliss Bars

  • Author: OliviaBennett

Description

There’s something about the holidays that makes kitchens feel magical. The scent of brown sugar, cinnamon, and citrus filling the air, warm mugs in hand, laughter echoing from every corner—these are the moments worth savoring. And what better way to kick off the festive season than with Cranberry Bliss Bars? Inspired by those iconic coffee shop treats, this homemade version takes the classic flavors—chewy blondie, tart cranberries, sweet white chocolate, and tangy cream cheese frosting—to the next level. They’re perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply enjoying a cozy bite by the fire.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Bars:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

  • 1½ cups packed brown sugar

  • 2 large eggs, room temperature

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 tablespoon orange zest

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

  • ½ teaspoon baking powder

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ¾ cup dried cranberries

  • ¾ cup white chocolate chips

For the Frosting & Topping:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened

  • 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted

  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

  • Optional: 1–2 teaspoons orange juice or zest

  • ½ cup dried cranberries, chopped

  • ½ cup white chocolate chips, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.

  2. Cream Butter & Sugar: Beat the softened butter and brown sugar for 2–3 minutes until pale and fluffy.

  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in eggs, one at a time, followed by vanilla and orange zest.

  4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.

  5. Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

  6. Fold in Cranberries & Chocolate: Gently fold in dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.

  7. Bake: Spread batter in prepared pan. Bake 22–25 minutes, until edges are golden and center is just set. Let cool completely.

  8. Make Frosting: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and optional orange juice/zest until smooth.

  9. Frost & Decorate: Spread frosting over cooled bars. Sprinkle chopped cranberries and drizzle melted white chocolate over top.

  10. Chill & Slice: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Cut into squares, then diagonally into triangles.

Notes

  • Softened Ingredients: Make sure butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for smooth mixing.

  • Don’t Overbake: The bars should be slightly soft in the center when you remove them—they’ll firm up as they cool.

  • Storage: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze unfrosted bars for up to 2 months. Frost after thawing.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 280 cal per bar
  • Sugar: 26g
  • Fat: 14g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Protein: 3g

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Find it online: https://kitchenconfide.com/cranberry-bliss-bars-2/