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Lighter Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars with Easy Cream Cheese Frosting

Lighter Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars - featured image
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A lighter take on the beloved Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bar, featuring a soft blondie-like base with chewy dried cranberries and white chocolate, topped with a fluffy cream cheese frosting. These bars are quick, easy, and perfect for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
  • 4 ounces block cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1–2 tablespoons milk
  • 2 tablespoons dried cranberries, roughly chopped (for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons white chocolate, melted (for drizzling)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on two sides. Lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. In a large bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Beat in egg, vanilla extract, and Greek yogurt on low speed until just combined. Scrape down sides of bowl.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture, mixing on low until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Fold in dried cranberries, white chocolate chips, and orange zest (if using) with a rubber spatula until evenly distributed. Dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
  6. Spread dough evenly into prepared pan. Bake for 18-22 minutes, until edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  7. Cool in pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes, then lift out using parchment sling and transfer to rack to cool completely (at least 45 minutes to 1 hour).
  8. For frosting: In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter on medium speed until smooth. Add sifted powdered sugar and vanilla, beat on low then medium until fluffy, about 1 minute. Add milk 1 tablespoon at a time until spreadable consistency.
  9. Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars. Sprinkle with chopped dried cranberries. Drizzle melted white chocolate over top.
  10. Refrigerate frosted bars for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Use a sharp knife, wiping clean between cuts, to make 16 bars.

Notes

For thicker bars, chill the dough in the pan for 20 minutes before baking. Bars taste even better on day two. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry bliss bars, copycat, lighter, cream cheese frosting, holiday, Christmas, blondie, white chocolate, dried cranberries

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/lighter-copycat-cranberry-bliss-bars-with-easy-cream-cheese-frosting/