Cranberry Bliss Bars (Coffee-Shop Copycat)
These Cranberry Bliss Bars are a delightful blend of tart cranberries, sweet white chocolate, and creamy frosting—perfectly soft, indulgent, and crowd-pleasing!
Servings: 9 servings
Ingredients
For the Bars:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup dried cranberries chopped
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
For the Frosting:
- 1/4 cup cream cheese softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for frosting
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Make the Bars
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter with 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup packed brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.
- Gently fold in 1 cup chopped dried cranberries and 1/2 cup white chocolate chips with a spatula, distributing evenly throughout the batter.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a cooling rack before frosting.
Make the Frosting & Serve
- In a small bowl, beat together 1/4 cup softened cream cheese, 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to set the frosting before slicing into squares.
Equipment
- 9x9-inch Baking Pan
- Mixing Bowls
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
Notes
- For a different flavor, swap white chocolate chips for dark or milk chocolate chips.
- Add orange zest to the batter or frosting for a bright citrus twist.
- Substitute dried cherries or blueberries for cranberries to change the berry profile.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the frosting for added crunch.
- Make mini bars by using a lined muffin tin for portable treats.