Cranberry Bliss Bars (Printable Version)
# What You'll Need:
→ Bars
01 -
1 cup unsalted butter
02 -
1 ½ cups brown sugar
03 -
2 eggs
04 -
2 tsp orange zest
05 -
1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
06 -
¼ tsp ground ginger
07 -
1 tsp baking powder
08 -
½ tsp salt
09 -
2 cups + 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
10 -
1 cup white chocolate chips
11 -
¾ cup dried cranberries
→ Frosting
12 -
225g cream cheese, softened to room temperature
13 -
1 ½-2 cups powdered sugar
14 -
¼ tsp vanilla extract
15 -
½ cup dried cranberries, chopped
16 -
½ cup white chocolate chips, melted
# How to Make It:
01 -
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
02 -
Melt butter over low heat in a small pot. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until well combined.
03 -
Incorporate eggs, orange zest, and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture, whisking until smooth and homogeneous.
04 -
In a separate bowl, whisk together the ground ginger, baking powder, salt, and flour. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Fold in white chocolate chips and dried cranberries.
05 -
Spread the dough evenly in the prepared baking pan and bake for 22-24 minutes, until light golden brown around the edges. The center should remain relatively pale. Allow to cool completely before frosting.
06 -
Beat cream cheese in a mixing bowl for 1 minute until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, then continue beating until creamy. Adjust powdered sugar quantity as needed for desired consistency.
07 -
Spread frosting evenly over the cooled blondie base. Sprinkle with chopped dried cranberries and drizzle with melted white chocolate. Slice into triangular portions and serve.
# Handy Tips:
01 -
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Unfrosted bars can be kept at room temperature for up to a week.
02 -
For thicker frosting similar to the Starbucks version, increase powdered sugar quantity.
03 -
For perfect triangles: First slice the rectangle in half lengthwise, then cut each half into 4 rectangles, and finally cut each rectangle diagonally to form triangles.