Cranberry Orange Bliss Bars
These delightful Cranberry Orange Bliss Bars are a festive treat perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion. With a chewy, brownie-like texture, rich flavors of white chocolate, tangy orange zest, and tart dried cranberries, they create a symphony of taste in every bite. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, these bars are not only visually stunning but also bursting with flavor. Ideal for sharing or enjoying as a sweet indulgence, they are a step above the rest, bringing the flavors of the holiday season right into your kitchen. Impress your friends and family with these homemade delights that are sure to become a favorite! Perfect for decorating with seasonal cookie cutters or tinted frostings for various occasions.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1 cup (very soft (2 sticks))
brown sugar
1 cup (can reduce to 2/3 cup if desired)
granulated sugar
1/3 cup
eggs
3 large
orange extract
2 teaspoons (or use vanilla extract)
flour
2 cups
baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons
ground ginger
1 teaspoon
craisin
3/4 cup ((dried cranberries))
white chocolate chips
3/4 cup
cream cheese
3 ounces (softened)
butter
2 tablespoons (softened)
confectioners' sugar
3 cups
orange extract
1 teaspoon (or vanilla)
craisin
1/3 cup (chopped)
orange rind
1-2 tablespoons (grated)
white chocolate chips
1/3 cup
canola oil
1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (or 325°F for glass or dark pans). Prepare a 10x15-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or using a non-stick spray for easy release.
2
In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together the softened butter and both sugars for about 3-5 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
3
Gently incorporate the eggs and orange extract into the mixture, being careful not to overbeat the eggs to maintain a light texture.
4
Gradually add in the flour, baking powder, and ground ginger. Mix briefly just until combined.
5
Fold in the craisins and white chocolate chips, stirring gently to ensure they're evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6
Transfer the thick batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 20-24 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Be cautious not to overbake, as this will result in dry bars.
7
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
8
To prepare the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter in a medium bowl until fluffy and smooth. Add the orange extract and confectioners' sugar, beating until the mixture is light and spreadable. If needed, add milk a teaspoon at a time until desired consistency is achieved.
9
Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars.
10
For garnish, use a microplane to zest an orange and sprinkle the zest over the frosted bars. Coarsely chop the remaining 1/3 cup of craisins and sprinkle them on top as well.
11
To prepare the white chocolate drizzle, combine the white chocolate chips and canola oil in a glass measuring cup and microwave for about 1 minute, stirring every 15 seconds until completely melted and smooth.
12
Once melted, use a fork or whisk to drizzle the white chocolate in a diagonal pattern across the bars.
13
Allow the white chocolate drizzle to set for at least one hour before slicing the bars.
14
For presentation, cut the bars into 20 large squares (5 cuts across by 4 cuts down) and then cut each square in half diagonally to create signature triangle shapes.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cranberry Orange Bliss Bars?
Cranberry Orange Bliss Bars are a festive dessert with a chewy, brownie-like texture featuring white chocolate, orange zest, and tart dried cranberries.
What is the texture of these bars?
These bars have a chewy, brownie-like texture that is both rich and indulgent.
What are the primary flavors in this recipe?
The primary flavors include rich white chocolate, tangy orange zest, tart dried cranberries, and a hint of ground ginger.
What oven temperature should I use?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, or 325 degrees Fahrenheit if you are using glass or dark metal pans.
What size baking pan is required?
This recipe requires a 10x15-inch baking pan.
How should the baking pan be prepared?
Line the pan with parchment paper or use a non-stick spray to ensure easy release of the bars.
How long should I beat the butter and sugar?
Beat the softened butter and both sugars for about 3-5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Can I substitute the orange extract?
Yes, you can use vanilla extract as a substitute for orange extract in both the bars and the frosting.
How should I add the eggs to the batter?
Gently incorporate the eggs and orange extract, being careful not to overbeat to maintain a light texture.
What dry ingredients are included in the dough?
The dry ingredients consist of flour, baking powder, and ground ginger.
How do I incorporate the mix-ins?
Fold in the craisins and white chocolate chips gently to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
How long do the bars need to bake?
Bake the bars for 20-24 minutes.
How do I know when the bars are finished baking?
The bars are done when the edges are lightly browned and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
What happens if I overbake the bars?
Overbaking will result in dry bars rather than the intended chewy texture.
When should I frost the bars?
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before applying the frosting.
How is the frosting made?
Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth, then add orange extract and confectioners sugar until light and spreadable.
What should I do if the frosting is too thick?
If needed, add milk one teaspoon at a time until the desired consistency is achieved.
How do I garnish the bars?
Garnish by sprinkling grated orange zest and coarsely chopped craisins over the frosted bars.
How is the white chocolate drizzle prepared?
Combine white chocolate chips and canola oil in a glass measuring cup and microwave for about 1 minute.
How often should I stir the chocolate while melting?
Stir the white chocolate every 15 seconds while microwaving until it is completely melted and smooth.
What is the best way to apply the drizzle?
Use a fork or whisk to drizzle the melted white chocolate in a diagonal pattern across the bars.
How long does the white chocolate drizzle need to set?
Allow the drizzle to set for at least one hour before you begin slicing the bars.
How should the bars be sliced for a signature look?
Cut the bars into 20 large squares and then cut each square in half diagonally to create triangle shapes.
Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
Yes, the brown sugar can be reduced to 2/3 cup if a less sweet bar is desired.
What type of oil is used for the drizzle?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of canola oil to be mixed with the white chocolate chips.
What tool is best for zesting the orange?
A microplane is recommended for zesting the orange over the frosted bars.
Is this recipe suitable for holidays?
Yes, it is described as a festive treat perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
Cutting the bars into 20 squares and then into triangles results in 40 triangular pieces.
What is the role of ground ginger in the bars?
Ground ginger adds a subtle warmth and spice that complements the orange and cranberry flavors.
Can I decorate these bars for other occasions?
Yes, you can use seasonal cookie cutters or tinted frostings to customize the bars for various events.