Print

Best Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe with Easy White Chocolate Drizzle

cranberry bliss bars - featured image
Print Recipe

These Best Cranberry Bliss Bars are dense, buttery bars packed with tart dried cranberries and white chocolate, topped with a creamy orange-infused cream cheese frosting and a white chocolate drizzle. They’re a foolproof, make-ahead dessert that’s perfect for holiday parties and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) light brown sugar, packed
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup (85g) dried cranberries
  • ½ cup (85g) white chocolate chips, roughly chopped
  • 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (85g) white chocolate chips (for drizzle)
  • 1 teaspoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening
  • ¼ cup (28g) dried cranberries, roughly chopped (for garnish)
  • Pinch of fresh orange zest (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the long sides. Lightly grease the parchment.
  2. In a large bowl, beat softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and glossy.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Fold in dried cranberries and chopped white chocolate chips. Reserve a small handful for topping if desired.
  7. Spread batter evenly into prepared pan. Bake for 18-22 minutes, until edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
  9. For frosting: Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, then orange zest and vanilla. Beat until light and fluffy.
  10. Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars.
  11. For drizzle: Combine white chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
  12. Drizzle melted white chocolate over frosting. Sprinkle with chopped dried cranberries and orange zest.
  13. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before cutting into bars. Use a hot knife for clean cuts.

Notes

Room temperature ingredients are key for smooth frosting. Do not overbake; bars should look slightly underdone when removed. Chill thoroughly before cutting for clean slices. Bars can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Freeze individual bars for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry bliss bars, white chocolate drizzle, cream cheese frosting, holiday dessert, easy bars, cranberry dessert

Find it online: https://lolaspoon.com/best-cranberry-bliss-bars-recipe-with-easy-white-chocolate-drizzle/