Name: Bliss Bars with Cranberries and White Chocolate Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ cups unbleached all-purpose flour (7.5oz, 213g); 1 teaspoon baking powder (3g); ½ teaspoon table salt (3g); 12 tablespoons unsalted butter (6oz, 170g); 1½ cups packed light brown sugar (10.5 oz, 298g); 2 large eggs (lightly beaten); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest (3g); ¾ cup dried cranberries (loosely packed, 3.5oz, 100g); 1⅓ cups white chocolate (chopped or white chocolate chips, 8oz, 227g); 1⅔ cups white chocolate (melted, 10oz, 283g); 8 oz cream cheese (softened, 227g); 1½ cups confectioners’ sugar (sifted, 6oz, 170g); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon orange juice; 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest (3g); ½ cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped (loosely packed, 2.3oz, 65g); ⅔ cup white chocolate (melted, 4oz, 113g)

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If you have a sweet tooth and love the combination of tart cranberries with smooth white chocolate, you are going to adore this Bliss Bars with Cranberries and White Chocolate Recipe. These bars bring together the irresistible chewiness of a butter-browned blondie with bursts of tangy dried cranberries and creamy white chocolate in every bite, then top it all with a luscious cream cheese frosting and a dazzling drizzle of white chocolate. They are perfect for celebrations, gifting, or treating yourself any day of the week. I’m so excited to take you through this recipe that always brightens up my kitchen and soul.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with a thick light brown batter forms the base. On top of the batter are two separate piles: one of small, pale yellow chunks of white chocolate on the right side, and one of dark red dried cranberries on the left side. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, with a metal knife with a pale orangeish spread lying beside it on the right. In the second part, the same bowl shows the batter mixed with the white chocolate chunks and cranberries fully blended into a smooth, swirled light brown mixture, with the knife still beside it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe is all about simple yet carefully chosen ingredients that create layers of flavor and texture, each playing an essential role. From the nuttiness of browned butter to the zing of fresh orange zest, every component makes these bars pop with deliciousness.

Unbleached all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives the bars their perfect tender crumb.
Baking powder: Helps these bars rise just enough to stay fluffy without losing their chewy goodness.
Table salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
Unsalted butter: Browned to add a nutty depth, this is the star for that rich, caramel-like flavor.
Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a toffee-like sweetness.
Large eggs: Bind all the ingredients together and add richness.
Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and rounds out the flavor profile.
Orange zest: Gives a bright, fresh citrus lift that keeps each bite vibrant.
Dried cranberries: Packed with tartness that contrasts the sweetness in a delightful way.
White chocolate (chopped or chips): Melts into pockets of creamy sweetness in the blondie.
Melted white chocolate: Used for drizzling on top for an elegant finish.
Cream cheese: Softened to create a tangy, smooth frosting layer you won’t want to miss.
Confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting perfectly.
Orange juice: Adds a subtle zing to the frosting that pairs with the zest beautifully.

How to Make Bliss Bars with Cranberries and White Chocolate Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by adjusting your oven rack to the middle position and heating it to 350 degrees. Then, grab a 9 by 13-inch baking pan and give it a light spray with nonstick spray. Line it with parchment paper trimmed to size, leaving a couple inches of overhang on the sides so you can easily lift the bars out later. Spraying the parchment paper again ensures nothing will stick.

Step 2: Brown the Butter Like a Pro

This step makes all the difference for the flavor. Melt the butter in a light saucepan over medium heat, stirring continuously so the milk solids brown without burning. You’ll notice the butter foams and then those solids turn a beautiful golden brown—the smell is downright addictive! Immediately transfer the browned butter into a bowl to stop it cooking further and let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate medium bowl. Keeping these dry ingredients ready makes the next blending step seamless.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients and Sugar

In another bowl, combine the cooled brown butter with the light brown sugar. Add the beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and the freshly grated orange zest. Mixing these just until incorporated ensures your batter stays tender.

Step 5: Fold the Batter Together

Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined—taking care not to overmix. Then fold in the chopped white chocolate and dried cranberries, distributing them evenly before transferring the batter to your prepared pan. Smooth the top with your spatula.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake the blondie until the edges turn golden brown and the top is set but still moist, about 18 to 22 minutes. It’s key to not overbake here to preserve softness and chew. Once done, cool the pan on a wire rack to room temperature before adding frosting.

Step 7: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting

Mix cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, orange juice, and orange zest together until fluffy using an electric mixer or a whisk. This tangy, sweet frosting elevates the bars with its creamy texture and subtle citrus notes.

Step 8: Frost and Add Topping

Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Then sprinkle on roughly chopped dried cranberries for bursts of color and chew. Drizzle melted white chocolate over the top in elegant ribbons for a sweet finish. Refrigerate the whole pan until the frosting firms up enough for neat slicing.

Step 9: Slice and Serve

Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper edges and cut into triangles for a pretty presentation that’s both inviting and easy to hold.

How to Serve Bliss Bars with Cranberries and White Chocolate Recipe

The image shows several triangle-shaped dessert bars arranged on white marbled paper. Each bar has two layers: a brown base layer with a soft, slightly crumbly texture, and a thick, creamy white top layer that looks smooth and is decorated with scattered pieces of red dried cranberries. There are fine white drizzles on the top layer, adding a decorative touch. The bars are surrounded by two small white bowls, one filled with square pieces of white chocolate and the other with dried cranberries. Small orange peel curls are placed near the bars, adding color contrast. The overall setting is bright and clean with a casual, inviting feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes take your Bliss Bars with Cranberries and White Chocolate Recipe from delicious to dazzling. Sprinkle extra dried cranberries or white chocolate shavings right before serving, or add a few edible flower petals for a pop of color. A tiny dusting of orange zest on top amps up that citrus brightness.

Side Dishes

These bars are perfect with a cup of hot tea, freshly brewed coffee, or even a glass of cold milk. For a breakfast spread, serve alongside Greek yogurt and fresh berries to balance sweetness with tangy creaminess.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow guests, arrange the bars on a beautiful wooden board mixed with clusters of cranberries, white chocolate curls, and sprigs of fresh mint. For parties, serve individual bars on decorative cupcake liners or stack them in a pretty box tied with ribbon for edible gifts that feel truly special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying the glorious Bliss Bars with Cranberries and White Chocolate Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to five days without losing moisture or flavor, making for a perfect make-ahead treat.

Freezing

If you want to keep these bars fresh even longer, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for a soft and luscious treat that tastes freshly baked.

Reheating

To enjoy the bars warm, let them come to room temperature or gently microwave individual slices for 10 to 15 seconds. This warms the white chocolate and cream cheese frosting just slightly, making them melt-in-your-mouth irresistible.

FAQs

Can I substitute dried cherries instead of cranberries?

Absolutely! Dried cherries will add a similar tartness with a touch more sweetness. They pair wonderfully with the white chocolate and orange zest in this Bliss Bars with Cranberries and White Chocolate Recipe.

Is it necessary to brown the butter?

Browning the butter is a game-changer—it brings a rich, nutty flavor that lifts the entire dessert. While you could skip this step, you’ll miss out on the unique depth that makes these bars truly special.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for structure. The bars might be slightly different in texture but will still be fantastic.

What is the best way to cut the bars for serving?

Once the frosting has firmed up in the fridge, using a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry helps achieve clean cuts, especially when slicing into triangles, as suggested in the recipe.

Can I use white chocolate chips for melting?

Yes! White chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate chunks both work well for melting and drizzling. Make sure to melt gently over low heat or a double boiler to avoid seizing.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly joyful about making and sharing these Bliss Bars with Cranberries and White Chocolate Recipe. With layers of flavor, a luscious frosting, and a gorgeous presentation, they are sure to become a favorite for family, friends, and special occasions alike. I hope you have as much fun making and savoring them as I do every time!