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Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe

Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe

This Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe is sweet, tart and perfect for holidays or everyday treats.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dessert / Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 16 bars
Calories 280 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Bars

  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 cups brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans optional

For the Frosting

  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk as needed for consistency

For Topping

  • 1/2 cup white chocolate melted
  • 2 tablespoons chopped pecans
  • Few dried cranberries

Instructions
  

Preheat Oven

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease 9x13 inch pan or line with parchment paper.

Mix Butter and Sugar

  • In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until creamy and smooth.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

  • Add eggs one at a time. Mix well. Stir in vanilla extract until combined.

Combine Dry Ingredients

  • In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder and salt.

Mix Dry with Wet

  • Gradually add dry ingredients to butter mixture. Stir until fully combined.

Add Mix-ins

  • Fold in dried cranberries, white chocolate chips, orange zest and chopped pecans.

Spread Batter in Pan

  • Spread batter evenly in prepared pan using spatula. Smooth top gently.

Bake the Bars

  • Bake for 25 minutes or until edges are golden and center is set.

Cool Completely

  • Remove pan from oven. Let bars cool completely in pan for about 30 minutes.

Prepare Frosting

  • Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Mix until creamy.

Adjust Frosting

  • Add milk one tablespoon at a time if frosting is too thick. Ensure smooth spreadable consistency.

Frost the Bars

  • Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars. Use spatula to cover all edges.

Add Toppings

  • Drizzle melted white chocolate on top. Sprinkle chopped pecans and dried cranberries for decoration.

Chill Bars

  • Place bars in fridge for 15–20 minutes to set frosting before cutting.

Slice and Serve

  • Use a sharp knife to cut into 16 even bars. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Toast pecans for extra crunch
  • Add orange extract for stronger citrus flavor
  • Swap white chocolate with milk or dark chocolate
  • Use mini white chocolate chips for easier distribution
  • Store in airtight container to maintain freshness
  • Freeze for up to 1 month; thaw before frosting
  • Sprinkle coarse sugar on top for sparkle
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon for warm flavor
Keyword Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe