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Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe

4.5 from 149 reviews

Cranberry Bliss Bars are a luscious holiday treat featuring a buttery blondie base topped with tangy cream cheese frosting, dried cranberries, and white chocolate drizzle. Perfect for festive gatherings, these bars combine chewy, sweet, and tart flavors into one delightful dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Blondie Base

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Frosting

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Toppings

  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips or white chocolate, melted for drizzle

Instructions

  1. Prepare Blondie Base: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine melted butter and brown sugar; mix until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Pour batter evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
  2. Bake Blondie Base: Bake the blondie base in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan.
  3. Make Frosting: While the blondie cools, prepare the cream cheese frosting. Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
  4. Frost Blondie Base: Once the blondie base is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
  5. Add Toppings: Sprinkle dried cranberries evenly over the frosted blondie. Drizzle melted white chocolate over the cranberries and frosting using a spoon or piping bag to create a decorative pattern.
  6. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour to set the frosting and chocolate drizzle. Cut into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Make sure the blondie base is completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
  • You can substitute dried cherries or raisins for the cranberries if preferred.
  • For easier cutting, chill the bars before slicing.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • White chocolate can be melted gently in a microwave or a double boiler.

Keywords: Cranberry Bliss Bars, blondies, cream cheese frosting, holiday dessert, white chocolate, cranberry dessert