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Glazed Cranberry Orange Bars

Chewy, dense blondie bars packed with dried cranberries and white chocolate, topped with a zesty cream cheese orange glaze and festive garnish.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 290
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Bar Batter
  • 1 cup unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
  • 1.5 cups light brown sugar packed
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp orange zest freshly grated
  • 2.25 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp ground ginger optional
  • 1 cup dried cranberries roughly chopped
  • 0.5 cup white chocolate chips
Orange Cream Cheese Glaze
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1.5 cups powdered sugar
  • 1-2 tbsp orange juice freshly squeezed, adjust for consistency
  • 0.25 cup dried cranberries chopped, for garnish
  • 1 tsp orange zest for garnish

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Parchment paper
  • Zester or microplane

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs, vanilla, and orange zest; whisk until combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and ginger.
  4. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined (do not overmix). Fold in the 1 cup of dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.
  5. Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until edges are golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with moist crumbs.
  6. Allow bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
  7. Make the frosting: Beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and orange juice until smooth and spreadable.
  8. Spread frosting over cooled bars. Sprinkle with remaining chopped cranberries and orange zest. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

For cleaner cuts, chill the frosted bars in the fridge for 20 minutes before slicing. Wipe your knife with a damp cloth between cuts.