Decadent Orange Cranberry Bliss Bars
These Decadent Orange Cranberry Bliss Bars are a delightful and simplified take on a classic treat. Unlike the original recipe, this version is designed for a 9x13 pan, making it easier for home bakers to prepare. By combining buttery blondie goodness with tangy orange-infused Craisins and smooth white chocolate, this recipe captures the essence of holiday flavor in every bite. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting and a drizzle of melted white chocolate, these bars are perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or as a sweet indulgence any day of the week.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1/2 cup (melted, then cooled slightly)
brown sugar
1 1/4 cups (packed)
eggs
2 large
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon
flour
1 3/4 cups
baking powder
1/2 teaspoon
salt
1/2 teaspoon
white chocolate chips
1/2 cup
orange-flavored Craisins
1/2 cup
ready-made cream cheese frosting
1 (12 ounce) can
orange-flavored Craisins
1/4 cup (finely chopped)
white chocolate chips
1/4 cup
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Begin by preparing a 9x13-inch baking pan. You can either line it with parchment paper or spray it with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy removal later.
2
In a mixing bowl, melt the butter and let it cool slightly. Add the brown sugar to the bowl and mix until smooth and well combined.
3
Incorporate the eggs and vanilla extract into the sugar and butter mixture, mixing until fully blended.
4
Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5
Fold in 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips and 1/2 cup of orange-flavored Craisins into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
6
Pour the thick batter into the prepared 9x13 pan, smoothing it out with a spatula or the back of a spoon. Bake in the oven for 23-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep a close eye on your bars to avoid overbaking.
7
Once done, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
8
Once cooled, generously frost the top of the bars with the ready-made cream cheese frosting for a creamy finish.
9
Finely chop the remaining 1/4 cup of orange-flavored Craisins and sprinkle them over the frosting for an added burst of flavor and texture.
10
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the remaining 1/4 cup of white chocolate chips. To make the chocolate easier to drizzle, mix in 1/2 teaspoon of canola oil.
11
Using a fork, drizzle the melted white chocolate over the frosted bars for a decorative touch. Finally, cut them into 18 squares and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Orange Cranberry Bliss Bars?
They are a simplified take on a classic treat that combines a buttery blondie base with tangy orange-infused Craisins and smooth white chocolate.
What size baking pan is required for this recipe?
This recipe is specifically designed for a 9x13-inch baking pan.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How should I prepare the baking pan?
You can either line the pan with parchment paper or spray it with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy removal.
How should the butter be prepared before mixing?
The butter should be melted and then allowed to cool slightly before adding other ingredients.
What type of sugar is used in these bars?
The recipe calls for 1 1/4 cups of packed brown sugar.
How many eggs are needed for the batter?
You will need 2 large eggs for this recipe.
Is there any specific extract used for flavoring?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
How should I combine the dry and wet ingredients?
Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
Is it okay to overmix the batter?
No, you should be careful not to overmix the batter to maintain the correct texture.
How many white chocolate chips go into the batter?
Fold 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips into the batter before baking.
What type of Craisins are used?
The recipe specifically calls for orange-flavored Craisins.
How much baking powder is required?
The recipe requires 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder.
What is the consistency of the batter?
The batter is described as thick and should be smoothed out with a spatula or spoon in the pan.
How long should the bars bake?
Bake the bars for 23-25 minutes.
How can I tell if the bars are finished baking?
They are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Do the bars need to cool before frosting?
Yes, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before adding the frosting.
What kind of frosting is used for the topping?
The recipe uses one 12-ounce can of ready-made cream cheese frosting.
How are the extra Craisins used for the topping?
Finely chop 1/4 cup of orange-flavored Craisins and sprinkle them over the frosting.
How do I prepare the white chocolate drizzle?
Melt 1/4 cup of white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and mix in 1/2 teaspoon of canola oil.
Why is canola oil added to the melted white chocolate?
The oil is added to make the melted white chocolate easier to drizzle over the bars.
What is the best way to apply the chocolate drizzle?
Using a fork is recommended to drizzle the melted white chocolate over the frosted bars for a decorative touch.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
The recipe makes 18 squares.
What makes this recipe a simplified version of the original?
It uses a standard 9x13 pan and ready-made frosting to make it easier for home bakers.
What are the main flavor profiles of these bars?
The flavors include buttery blondie, tangy orange-infused cranberry, and smooth white chocolate.
Can I use regular Craisins if I don't have orange-flavored ones?
While the recipe specifies orange-flavored for the intended citrus burst, regular dried cranberries could be used as a substitute.
How much flour is in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 3/4 cups of flour.
Is salt necessary in the batter?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of salt is used to balance the sweetness.
What are some ideal occasions for these bars?
They are perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or as a sweet daily indulgence.
Are these bars considered a holiday treat?
Yes, they are described as capturing the essence of holiday flavor in every bite.