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Favorite Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe with Easy Zesty Orange Frosting

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These cranberry bliss bars balance the tartness of cranberries with a creamy, zesty orange frosting, making a perfect quick and easy dessert for family meals or celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (100g) fresh cranberries, roughly chopped
  • ½ cup (60g) dried cranberries
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest, finely grated
  • 4 ounces (115g) cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup (56g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest, finely grated
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan or line with parchment paper with overhang.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract until fully combined.
  5. Gradually fold in dry ingredients until no flour streaks remain; do not overmix.
  6. Gently fold in fresh cranberries, dried cranberries, and orange zest.
  7. Spread batter evenly into prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Cool bars completely in the pan on a wire rack.
  9. For frosting, beat cream cheese and softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in fresh orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Adjust thickness as needed.
  10. Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars. Chill for 15-20 minutes to set before slicing into squares.
  11. Use a sharp knife, wiping clean between cuts for neat edges.

Notes

Use fresh, unwaxed orange for best zest flavor. If frosting is too runny, chill for 10 minutes before spreading. Do not overmix batter after adding flour to keep bars tender. Bars store well in airtight container in fridge up to 5 days and freeze well for up to 3 months. For dairy-free frosting, substitute cream cheese and butter with vegan alternatives. Frozen cranberries can be used if thawed and patted dry.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry bliss bars, cranberry dessert, orange frosting, holiday dessert, easy bars, copycat recipe, zesty frosting, family dessert

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