Description
Cranberry Bliss Bars are a delightful holiday treat featuring a soft, moist base studded with tangy dried cranberries and white chocolate chips, topped with a creamy reduced-fat cream cheese frosting, a drizzle of melted white chocolate, and more cranberries for a festive touch. These bars combine a tender crumb with rich, sweet, and tart flavors, perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying as a seasonal snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all purpose flour (Gold Medal)
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients and Batter
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup brown sugar (unpacked)
- 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
- 2 large egg whites
- 1/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries (chopped)
Frosting and Topping
- 8 oz 1/3 less fat cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 ounces white baking chocolate (melted)
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries (chopped)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9 x 13 inch non-stick baking pan with cooking spray to prepare it for the batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Stir thoroughly to blend all the dry ingredients evenly.
- Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted unsalted butter, egg whites, unsweetened apple sauce, and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth base for the batter.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually whisk the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture in two additions. Mix until the batter is very well blended. If the batter appears crumbly rather than smooth, add just a few drops of water at a time to help achieve the right consistency.
- Fold in Mix-Ins: Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and 1/3 cup chopped dried cranberries, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Spread Batter in Pan: Pour and spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan, using the back of a measuring cup for a smooth, even surface.
- Bake the Bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 14 minutes, or until the edges turn light brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Be careful not to over-bake to avoid dry bars. Let the bars cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Frosting: While the bars cool, use an electric mixer in a large bowl to beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until the frosting is smooth and well blended.
- Melt White Chocolate: Place the white baking chocolate in a microwave-safe cup. Heat for 15 seconds, stir, then heat for another 15 seconds and stir until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Frost and Decorate Bars: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/3 cup chopped dried cranberries. Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the top for an elegant finish.
- Slice and Store: Once the chocolate drizzle has set, cut the bars into 15 large squares by making 5 cuts lengthwise and 3 cuts crosswise. Then, cut each square diagonally in half to form triangles. Store the bars in the refrigerator until ready to serve to keep the frosting firm and fresh.
Notes
- Be careful not to over-bake the bars as they can dry out quickly; edges should be lightly browned.
- Adding water to the batter should be done sparingly and only if necessary to improve texture.
- Use chilled bars stored in the refrigerator to maintain the cream cheese frosting’s consistency.
- White baking chocolate or good quality white chocolate chips can be used interchangeably for the drizzle and mix-ins.
- For easier chopping of dried cranberries, briefly freeze them before cutting.
