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Cranberry Bliss Bars Made Easy

Cranberry Bliss Bars Made Easy

Buttery cranberry-studded blondies topped with orange-kissed cream cheese frosting and a white chocolate drizzle. Simple to make, bakery-style festive bars at home.
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Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 22 minutes
Total Time: 47 minutes
Servings: 16

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 0.75 cup unsalted butter softened; for the base
  • 1 cup light brown sugar packed; for the base
  • 0.25 cup granulated sugar for the base
  • 3.5 oz eggs lightly beaten; about 2 large; for the base
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract for the base
  • 1.5 cup all-purpose flour for the base
  • 0.5 tsp baking powder for the base
  • 0.5 tsp kosher salt for the base
  • 0.75 tsp ground ginger for the base
  • 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon optional; for the base
  • 0.75 cup white chocolate chips for the base
  • 0.75 cup dried cranberries roughly chopped; for the base
  • 1 tsp orange zest for the base
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened; for frosting
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter room temperature; for frosting
  • 1.5 cup powdered sugar for frosting
  • 0.75 tsp vanilla extract for frosting
  • 1 tsp orange zest for frosting
  • 1 tbsp orange juice optional; to loosen frosting
  • 0.5 cup dried cranberries chopped; for topping
  • 3 oz white chocolate melted; for drizzle

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Heat oven to 350°F. Line a 9-inch square pan with parchment and lightly grease.
  • Beat softened butter with both sugars until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
  • Mix in eggs, vanilla, and orange zest until smooth and creamy.
  • Whisk flour, baking powder, salt, ginger, and cinnamon in a separate bowl.
  • Stir dry ingredients into the butter mixture just until combined. Do not overmix.
  • Fold in white chocolate chips and chopped cranberries until evenly distributed.
  • Spread batter into the pan and smooth the top with an offset spatula.
  • Bake 20–24 minutes until edges are set and a tester lifts a few moist crumbs.
  • Cool completely in the pan on a rack before frosting.
  • Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and zest; blend. Splash in orange juice if needed for spreadability.
  • Spread frosting over cooled bars. Scatter chopped cranberries on top and drizzle with melted white chocolate.
  • Chill 15 minutes for clean cuts. Slice into squares or triangles and serve.

Notes

For a twist, swap in chopped dried cherries for half the cranberries or add a pinch of cardamom to the batter. For neat slices, chill the frosted slab and wipe the knife between cuts. Store covered in the fridge up to 5 days, or freeze (well wrapped) for up to 2 months.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Cranberry Bliss Bars Made Easy flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.