Cranberry Bliss Bars with Orange Frosting (Printable Version)

Buttery bars loaded with cranberries, topped with tangy orange cream cheese frosting and white chocolate 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
17 - 1/3 cup white chocolate, melted

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan and line with parchment paper, allowing overhang on sides for easy removal.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together 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.
05 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
06 - Using a spatula, fold chopped dried cranberries and white chocolate chips into the batter.
07 - Spread batter evenly into prepared baking pan and smooth the top surface.
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. Using parchment overhang, lift bars out and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
10 - In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Mix in orange zest and orange juice until creamy and spreadable.
11 - Once bars are completely cool, spread frosting evenly over the entire surface.
12 - Sprinkle with chopped dried cranberries if desired. Drizzle melted white chocolate over the top using a spoon or piping bag.
13 - Cut bars into squares or rectangles and serve.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • These bars capture everything perfect about holiday baking in one pan
  • The orange cream cheese frosting alone is worth keeping this recipe in your back pocket
  • They actually improve overnight, making them ideal for prepare-ahead entertaining
02 -
  • Room temperature ingredients are non-negotiable for both the batter and frosting
  • Letting these bars rest overnight transforms the texture from good to incredible
  • The white chocolate drizzle is worth the extra five minutes for the visual appeal
03 -
  • Chop cranberries while slightly frozen to prevent sticking to your knife
  • Add the orange juice gradually to achieve your preferred frosting consistency
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