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Cranberry Bliss Bars

Cranberry Bliss Bars: The 15 Ultimate Steps for the Best Holiday Treat

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Chewy, spiced blondie bars topped with tangy cream cheese frosting, dried cranberries, and a white chocolate drizzle — the perfect homemade holiday treat.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 24 bars 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Blondie Base:

1 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 1/2 cups light brown sugar, packed

3 large eggs

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup white chocolate chips

1 cup dried cranberries

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened

2 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 tablespoon orange zest

For the Topping and Drizzle:

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup white chocolate melting wafers or chips

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until well combined.

3. Add the eggs and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and glossy.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, ground ginger, and salt.

5. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined.

6. Fold in the white chocolate chips and 1 cup of dried cranberries.

7. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.

8. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs.

9. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.

10. In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until fluffy.

11. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until smooth.

12. Mix in the vanilla extract and orange zest until combined.

13. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled blondie base.

14. Sprinkle the remaining dried cranberries on top of the frosting.

15. Melt the white chocolate in 30-second intervals in the microwave, stirring between each, until smooth.

16. Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the bars.

17. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing into triangles or squares.

Notes

Use parchment paper with overhang to easily lift the bars out of the pan for clean slicing.

Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps in the frosting.

Do not overbake — the bars should remain soft and chewy.

For variations, add chopped nuts or substitute cranberries with dried cherries.

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze unfrosted bars for up to 2 months.

  • Author: Jessica Lupone!
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Sodium: 115mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg