Description
Cranberry Bliss Bars with Orange are a delightful treat blending tart dried cranberries, creamy white chocolate, and a zesty orange-flavored cream cheese frosting. These bars feature a moist, buttery base with a soft texture, topped with a citrus-infused frosting and finished with extra cranberries and white chocolate drizzle, perfect for celebrations or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Bars
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
For the Frosting and Topping
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/3 cup white chocolate, melted
Instructions
- Prepare baking pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal of the bars later.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Incorporate eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to fully incorporate them. Then stir in the vanilla extract to infuse flavor uniformly.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.
- Add cranberries and chocolate: Fold in the chopped dried cranberries and white chocolate chips carefully using a spatula, ensuring even distribution without breaking up the chips or cranberries too much.
- Transfer batter to pan: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even surface.
- Bake bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the edges turn golden brown.
- Cool bars: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, use the parchment overhang to lift them out and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. Mix in the orange zest and orange juice until the frosting reaches a creamy, spreadable consistency.
- Frost bars: Once the bars have completely cooled, spread the orange cream cheese frosting evenly over the surface to cover all edges.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle the top with the additional chopped dried cranberries for a burst of tartness, then drizzle the melted white chocolate over the bars using a spoon or piping bag for an elegant finish.
- Cut and serve: Cut the frosted bars into squares or rectangles as desired. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for later enjoyment.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to avoid lumps in the frosting.
- Chop the dried cranberries finely for even distribution and easier cutting of the bars.
- The bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
- Allow bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent the cream cheese from melting.
- If white chocolate chips are unavailable, white chocolate chunks can be chopped as a substitute.
