Print

Cozy Cranberry Bliss Bars with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

cranberry bliss bars - featured image
Print Recipe

These buttery shortbread bars feature a tart cranberry filling, white chocolate, and a silky orange cream cheese frosting. A perfect holiday treat that balances sweet and tart flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups dried cranberries
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable oil
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the long sides.
  2. Make the shortbread crust: Beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add vanilla extract and beat 30 seconds. Whisk flour and salt together, then gradually add to butter mixture, mixing on low until just combined. Press dough evenly into prepared pan. Bake 18-20 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Cook the cranberry filling: In a medium saucepan, combine dried cranberries, fresh cranberries, sugar, water, orange juice, and orange zest. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and cook 8-10 minutes until cranberries soften and mixture thickens. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and let cool 10 minutes.
  4. Add the white chocolate layer: Melt white chocolate chips with coconut oil in microwave (20-second bursts) or double boiler. Pour over warm shortbread crust and spread evenly. Refrigerate 5 minutes to set.
  5. Assemble the bars: Spoon cooled cranberry filling over white chocolate layer and spread gently. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes until filling is firm.
  6. Make the orange cream cheese frosting: Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth, about 2 minutes. Add sifted powdered sugar, orange juice, orange zest, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat on low until combined, then medium for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
  7. Frost and chill: Spread frosting evenly over chilled cranberry filling. Sprinkle with extra orange zest. Refrigerate at least 1 hour or overnight.
  8. Slice and serve: Use parchment handles to lift bars out of pan. Cut into 24 squares with a sharp knife, wiping clean between cuts. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

For clean slices, chill bars thoroughly and wipe knife between cuts. White chocolate can seize if exposed to moisture; keep utensils dry. Room temperature ingredients are crucial for proper texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry bars, orange cream cheese frosting, holiday dessert, shortbread bars, white chocolate cranberry

Find it online: https://goldensimmer.com/cozy-cranberry-bliss-bars-with-orange-cream-cheese-frosting/