Cranberry Bliss Bars Orange Frosting (Printable)

Buttery bars studded with cranberries, topped with zesty orange cream cheese frosting and white chocolate drizzle.

# What You'll Need:

→ Bar Base

01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 1 cup packed brown sugar
03 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
04 - 3 large eggs
05 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
06 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
07 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
09 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
10 - 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped
11 - 1/2 cup white chocolate chips

→ Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

12 - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
13 - 1 cup powdered sugar
14 - 1 tablespoon orange zest
15 - 2 tablespoons orange juice

→ Topping

16 - 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
17 - 1/3 cup white chocolate, melted

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan and line with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 3-5 minutes.
03 - Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
05 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing just until combined without overmixing.
06 - Fold in chopped dried cranberries and white chocolate chips using a spatula.
07 - Spread batter evenly into prepared pan, smoothing the top surface.
08 - Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and edges are golden brown.
09 - Allow bars to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then lift out using parchment overhang and transfer to wire rack for complete cooling.
10 - Beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Mix in orange zest and orange juice until creamy and spreadable.
11 - Once completely cool, spread frosting evenly over bars.
12 - Sprinkle additional chopped dried cranberries if desired. Drizzle melted white chocolate over top using spoon or piping bag.
13 - Cut into squares or rectangles and serve.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The orange cream cheese frosting cuts through the sweetness with a bright, zesty punch that keeps you reaching for another piece.
  • They hold their shape beautifully when sliced, making them ideal for gift boxes or cookie swaps.
  • The white chocolate and cranberries make every bite feel festive without needing any food coloring or fancy molds.
02 -
  • Let the bars cool completely before frosting, or the cream cheese will slide right off and pool at the edges.
  • If your white chocolate seizes while melting, stir in a teaspoon of vegetable oil to bring it back to a smooth drizzle.
  • Room temperature ingredients blend faster and create a lighter texture, so plan ahead and set everything out an hour early.
03 -
  • Use a bench scraper or a long, thin knife dipped in hot water to get clean, professional-looking slices every time.
  • If you want extra orange flavor, brush the warm bars with a tablespoon of orange juice before frosting.
  • Make a double batch and freeze half unfrosted so you always have a head start on your next gathering.
Go Back