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Easy Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

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These quick and easy copycat cranberry bliss bars feature a chewy, buttery blondie base studded with dried cranberries and white chocolate chips, topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for last-minute gatherings, holiday cookie swaps, or a simple weeknight treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks or 226g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 ½ cups (300g) light brown sugar, packed
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (120g) dried cranberries
  • 1 cup (175g) white chocolate chips
  • 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup (½ stick or 57g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • ¼ cup (30g) dried cranberries, roughly chopped (for topping)
  • ¼ cup (44g) white chocolate chips (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two opposite sides. Lightly grease the parchment.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each, then stir in vanilla extract.
  3. Sprinkle flour, baking powder, and salt over the wet mixture. Fold gently with a spatula until just combined. Fold in dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.
  4. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool completely in pan on a rack.
  5. For frosting: In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating on low then medium-high until fluffy. Add vanilla and salt, beat 1 more minute.
  6. Spread frosting over cooled bars. Sprinkle with chopped dried cranberries and white chocolate chips. For a drizzle, melt extra white chocolate chips and drizzle over top.
  7. Chill in refrigerator for 30 minutes before cutting. Use parchment handles to lift bars out, then cut into squares or triangles.

Notes

Don’t overmix the batter to avoid tough bars. Check for doneness early; center should be slightly jiggly. Room temperature ingredients are crucial for smooth frosting. Chill bars before cutting for clean slices. Use a hot knife for professional-looking cuts.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry bliss bars, copycat recipe, blondies, cream cheese frosting, easy dessert, holiday bars, potluck dessert

Find it online: https://evabake.com/easy-copycat-cranberry-bliss-bars-with-cream-cheese-frosting-2/