Cranberry Bliss Bars
Ingredients
For The Blondies:
2 ½ cups (300 g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
1 cup (225 g) butter melted
1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar
½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
3 large eggs at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon orange extract
6 oz. (170 g) chopped white chocolate or about 1 cup white chocolate chips
¾ cup dried cranberries
For The Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 oz. (225 g) cream cheese softened to room temperature
6 oz. (170 g) white chocolate or about 1 ½ cups chocolate chips, divided
2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar
1-2 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
⅓ cup dried cranberries chopped
Instructions
Blondies:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C), or 160°C for a fan oven. Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and ginger; set aside.
Whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large bowl and stir until smooth. Add the eggs, vanilla, and orange extract and mix again.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix just until combined. Fold in the white chocolate chips and cranberries.
Smooth the batter evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the blondies comes out clean. Allow to cool completely in the pan.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
Melt the white chocolate using a double boiler or in the microwave. Microwave at 15-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth.
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, half the melted white chocolate, and half the powdered sugar until smooth. Gradually add the remaining powdered sugar and mix until it is fully combined. Add the milk, a teaspoon at a time, and the vanilla extract, stirring after each addition, until the desired consistency is reached.
Spread the frosting evenly on the cooled blondies. Sprinkle the chopped cranberries, drizzle the remaining white chocolate over the cranberries and frosting.
Allow to chill for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
ENJOY!!
Cranberry Bliss Bars are a festive treat loved by many during the holiday season. These bars combine the flavors of sweet white chocolate, tart cranberries, and a hint of ginger, making them irresistible. Making the blondie base is straightforward: simply mix together all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground ginger before adding your wet ingredients. For a decadent frosting, you're looking at creamy cream cheese paired with melted white chocolate and confectioners’ sugar, which creates a silky texture that perfectly complements the blondies. These bars can be customized with additional spices or nuts based on your preference. To enhance their presentation, consider topping your bars with a light drizzle of white chocolate or even some orange zest for added freshness. Serve them chilled for the best flavor experience! Perfect for holiday gatherings, these Cranberry Bliss Bars not only taste fantastic but also add a festive touch to any dessert table. They pair well with a hot cup of cocoa or a cold glass of milk, making them a must-try for both kids and adults alike. Don't hesitate to give this recipe a try and share it with friends and family!
