Description
Soft, chewy blondie bars filled with white chocolate and dried cranberries, topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting and a drizzle of orange-infused icing, perfect for festive occasions or a delightful treat.
Ingredients
For the Bars:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/4 cups brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries
For the Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1/3 cup chopped dried cranberries (for topping)
For the Drizzle (optional):
- 1/2 cup white chocolate, melted
- 1–2 tsp vegetable oil to thin if needed
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix Butter and Sugar: Whisk the melted butter and brown sugar together until fully combined and smooth.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest into the butter and sugar mixture, mixing well to combine all flavors.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Stir in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt just until the batter comes together without overmixing.
- Add Mix-ins: Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake the Bars: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the bars are set and lightly golden on top.
- Cool Completely: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool fully in the pan to room temperature before applying the frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and orange zest, mixing until well combined and fluffy.
- Frost the Bars: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars.
- Top with Cranberries: Sprinkle the chopped dried cranberries over the frosted bars for added texture and flavor.
- Drizzle White Chocolate: Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the bars; if needed, thin the chocolate with 1–2 teaspoons of vegetable oil for a smoother drizzle.
- Chill and Serve: Place the assembled bars in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set the frosting and chocolate drizzle before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Bars slice best when chilled, which helps the frosting set firmly.
- For a stronger citrus flavor, add extra orange zest to the frosting.
- The drizzle is optional but adds a lovely finishing touch and extra sweetness.
- Use parchment paper for easy bar removal and clean edges.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Bars
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
