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Cranberry Bliss Bars

Irresistible Cranberry Bliss Bars for Your Holiday Bliss

Enjoy the delightful flavors of homemade Cranberry Bliss Bars, perfect for holiday bliss and gatherings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 12 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

For the Bars
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour Substitution: Gluten-free flour blend for a GF option.
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder No substitutions; crucial for rise.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Table Salt Substitution: Sea salt, same quantity.
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter Substitution: Margarine for dairy-free.
  • 1 cup Light Brown Sugar Substitution: Granulated sugar with a touch of molasses.
  • 2 Large Eggs No substitutions for desired texture.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Substitution: Vanilla bean or paste.
  • 1 tablespoon Grated Orange Zest Substitution: Lemon zest for an alternate flavor profile.
  • 1 cup Dried Cranberries Substitution: Dried cherries or raisins.
  • 1 cup White Chocolate (Chopped or Chips) Substitution: Butterscotch chips for a different sweetness.
For the Frosting
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese Substitution: Vegan cream cheese for dairy-free alternatives.
  • 2 cups Confectioners' Sugar No substitutions; powdered sugar needed for smoothness.
  • 2 tablespoons Orange Juice Substitution: Lemon juice if preferred.
For the Topping
  • 1/4 cup Chopped Dried Cranberries Substitution: Chopped nuts for crunch.
  • 1/2 cup Melted White Chocolate No substitutions for desired effect.

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Mixing bowls
  • 9x13-inch baking pan

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x13-inch baking pan. Lightly coat the pan with nonstick spray, then line it with parchment paper, allowing some excess to hang over the edges for easy removal.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Then allow the butter to cool for about 10 minutes.
  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until thoroughly combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine the cooled browned butter with the light brown sugar. Mix until smooth, then add the large eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and orange zest.
  5. Gradually fold the dry flour mixture into the butter-sugar mixture until mostly incorporated, then fold in the dried cranberries and chopped white chocolate.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
  7. Beat the cream cheese with confectioners' sugar, then add the vanilla extract, orange juice, and zest. Mix until smooth and fluffy.
  8. Once the bars have cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Sprinkle chopped dried cranberries and drizzle melted white chocolate over the top.
  9. Refrigerate the frosted bars for at least 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set. Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang and slice them into squares.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 2gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

Make sure to refrigerate the bars after frosting for cleaner cuts. Customize with your favorite nuts or dried fruits for a unique flavor profile.

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