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Cozy Cranberry Bliss Bars with Easy Cream Cheese Frosting

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These cozy cranberry bliss bars are a happy accident turned into a beloved recipe. A soft, buttery base is studded with tart cranberries and topped with a creamy, dreamy cream cheese frosting that melts slightly into the warm bars for an irresistible texture.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups (170g) fresh or frozen cranberries
  • Zest of 1 orange (optional)
  • 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1–2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two opposite sides.
  2. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides halfway through.
  3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. The mixture may look slightly separated; that’s normal.
  4. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Gently fold in the cranberries and orange zest with a rubber spatula. If using frozen cranberries, toss them in a tablespoon of flour first to prevent sinking.
  6. Spread the thick, sticky batter evenly into the prepared pan. Wetting the spatula slightly can help.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Let cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15 minutes.
  8. While the bars cool, make the frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed. Add the vanilla and 1 tablespoon of milk, then beat until smooth. Add more milk if needed for desired consistency.
  9. Spread the frosting over the bars while they are still warm (not hot). The frosting will melt slightly into the top layer.
  10. Let the bars cool completely on the rack before cutting, about 1 hour. Use the parchment overhang to lift the block out of the pan, then slice into 16 squares. For clean cuts, wipe the knife between slices.

Notes

For best results, use room temperature ingredients. Don’t overmix the batter. Frost the bars while they are still warm for a creamy, melty layer. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry bars, cream cheese frosting, easy dessert, holiday baking, cranberry dessert, comfort food

Find it online: https://forkifyfun.com/cozy-cranberry-bliss-bars-with-easy-cream-cheese-frosting/