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Cranberry Bliss Bars

Homemade Cranberry Bliss Bars: Sweet Holiday Indulgence

Delight in these Cranberry Bliss Bars, a sweet blend of vanilla cake and tart cranberries, topped with cream cheese frosting, perfect for holiday gatherings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Cooling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 22 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour can use gluten-free flour for a GF alternative
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder acts as a leavening agent
  • 1/2 teaspoon table salt enhances flavor
  • 1 cup unsalted butter try browning it for deeper flavor
  • 1 cup light brown sugar contributes sweetness and moisture
  • 2 large eggs binds ingredients together
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract infuses flavor into the batter
  • 1 tablespoon grated orange zest offers fresh citrus flavor
  • 1 cup dried cranberries provides tartness
  • 1 cup white chocolate (chopped or chips) opt for high-quality brands
For the Frosting
  • 8 oz cream cheese ensure it’s softened
  • 2 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 1 tablespoon orange juice enhances flavor
For the Topping
  • 1 cup additional white chocolate (melted) drizzle over the top
  • 1/2 cup chopped dried cranberries for sprinkling on top

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking pan
  • medium saucepan
  • large mixing bowls
  • Spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray and parchment paper.
  2. Melt 1 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat until golden brown, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Set aside.
  4. In another bowl, combine cooled butter, 1 cup brown sugar, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and zest from 1 orange. Mix until smooth.
  5. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, then add 1 cup dried cranberries and 1 cup chopped white chocolate.
  6. Spread the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 18–22 minutes until edges are golden. Cool completely in the pan.
  7. In a medium bowl, beat together cream cheese, 2 cups confectioners' sugar, 1 tablespoon orange juice, and 1 teaspoon vanilla until fluffy.
  8. Spread frosting over cooled bars and sprinkle with chopped cranberries and drizzle with melted white chocolate.
  9. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set the frosting, then slice into squares and serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 160mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 6mg

Notes

For best results, use high-quality ingredients and allow bars to cool completely before frosting.

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