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Cranberry White Chocolate Bars Recipe

ByCaroline
Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 6 reviews

If you love a sweet treat that feels both festive and comforting, you’re going to adore this Cranberry White Chocolate Bars Recipe. These bars are everything I want in a holiday bake: chewy, zesty, and loaded with white chocolate and tart cranberries that bring just the right balance. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll be a go-to in your repertoire for everything from holiday brunch to a cozy afternoon snack.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Perfect Balance of Flavors: The tart cranberries paired with sweet white chocolate make each bite irresistibly satisfying.
  • Moist and Tender Bars: Using melted butter and careful mixing creates a soft, chewy texture that’s hard to beat.
  • Creamy Frosting Upgrade: The cream cheese frosting with melted white chocolate adds richness without overpowering the bars.
  • Easy to Make and Customize: You don’t need fancy equipment or ingredients, and you can easily tweak the recipe to suit your taste.
Cranberry White Chocolate Bars, holiday dessert recipes, festive dessert bars, easy holiday treats, cranberry white chocolate dessert - A rectangular layered dessert lies on white parchment paper inside a glass baking dish on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is golden brown, thin, and even. On top is a thick, smooth white frosting layer covering the entire surface. Thin white icing lines are drizzled across the frosting, forming a light grid pattern. Scattered over the top are small dried red fruit pieces, evenly spaced, adding bright red spots to the white frosting. The cloth nearby has green, red, and dark colors in a check pattern. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Cranberry White Chocolate Bars Recipe uses simple ingredients that come together beautifully. The combination of brown sugar, orange zest, and dried cranberries gives a festive brightness, while the white chocolate chips add that creamy sweetness we all crave. Let me break down why each ingredient makes this recipe a winner.

Cranberry White Chocolate Bars, holiday dessert recipes, festive dessert bars, easy holiday treats, cranberry white chocolate dessert - Flat lay of a small mound of light brown sugar, a few whole uncracked brown eggs, a small pile of all-purpose flour, a small heap of white chocolate chips, a few dried cranberries scattered, two small white bowls—one with melted unsalted butter, one with vanilla extract, a few strips of fresh orange zest, a block of brick-style full-fat cream cheese, a small mound of powdered sugar, a small white bowl with whipping cream, and a few small chunks of white baking chocolate placed on a simple white ceramic plate, all arranged with perfect symmetry, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Unsalted Butter: Melted to keep the bars tender and moist without being greasy.
  • Light Brown Sugar: Adds warmth and depth of flavor plus a hint of chewiness.
  • Eggs: Bind everything together, providing structure with just the right softness.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweetness and adds subtle aromatic notes.
  • All-Purpose Flour: The base that gives the bars their classic texture.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the bars rise slightly for a soft crumb.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and heightens all the flavors.
  • Orange Zest: Brings a fresh citrus zing which really brightens the cranberries and chocolate.
  • White Chocolate Chips: Melting slightly in the bars, they add bursts of creamy sweetness.
  • Dried Cranberries: Their tartness cuts through the richness, making these bars perfectly balanced.
  • White Chocolate (for frosting & topping): I recommend baking white chocolate blocks rather than chips for a smoother melt.
  • Full-Fat Cream Cheese: Use brick-style for the ideal creamy yet firm frosting texture.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting without any grit.
  • Whipping Cream: Adjusts frosting consistency for spreadability without making it too runny.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I’ve played around with this Cranberry White Chocolate Bars Recipe plenty of times, and honestly, it loves a little personal touch. Feel free to swap out the dried cranberries for cherries, or toss in chopped nuts if you like some crunch. I also sometimes add a pinch of cinnamon to amp up the cozy vibes.

  • Variation: Once, I swapped dried cherries for cranberries and threw in toasted pecans — it was a lovely nutty twist that I still recommend if you’re a fan of crunch.
  • Dietary Modification: If you want it gluten-free, try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture might be a tad different but still delicious.
  • Seasonal Change: In warmer months, swap orange zest for lemon zest for a fresher citrus note.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cranberry White Chocolate Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. I like to use a 9×13 inch pan for this recipe—spray it with non-stick cooking spray, then line it with parchment paper, leaving enough extra on the sides to help lift the bars out after baking. This little trick saves a lot of scrapping later!

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together your melted butter and brown sugar until it’s smooth and slightly glossy. Then, beat in the eggs and vanilla extract. This creates the sweet, rich base that holds everything together. Make sure your melted butter isn’t too hot or it could cook the eggs—room temperature or just warm is best.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients and Mix-ins

Switch your mixer to low speed and gradually add in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Once it comes together, toss in the orange zest, white chocolate chips, and dried cranberries. Stir gently until everything is evenly distributed—resist the urge to overmix, since that can make your bars tough.

Step 4: Bake the Bars

Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Slide it into your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You want the top golden and a toothpick inserted in the middle to come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on it toward the end — ovens vary!

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Chop your white chocolate into small pieces and melt gently in 45-second bursts in the microwave, stirring between intervals until smooth—medium power works best to avoid burning. Meanwhile, beat your cream cheese in a separate bowl until creamy. Slowly add in the melted white chocolate, then sift in the powdered sugar bit by bit, mixing on low speed. Add whipping cream a tablespoon at a time until you reach a spreadable consistency.

Step 6: Frost and Garnish the Bars

Once the bars are completely cool (don’t rush this or your frosting will melt), spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. For the finishing touch, melt more white chocolate and drizzle it over the bars. Sprinkle with a few extra dried cranberries for color and texture. This finishing touch makes the bars feel extra special.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

To slice the bars cleanly, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the whole slab onto a cutting board. Wipe your knife after each cut to keep edges neat, and enjoy these beauties with a cup of coffee or tea.

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Tips from My Kitchen

  • Don’t Skip the Orange Zest: It adds a subtle zing that wakes up the flavors like nothing else.
  • Use Brick-Style Cream Cheese: Spreadable versions hold extra moisture and don’t give your frosting that perfect texture.
  • Microwave White Chocolate Gently: White chocolate burns quickly, so always melt it on medium power in short bursts.
  • Wait to Frost Until Fully Cool: Frosting will melt and slide if the bars are warm—patience here really pays off!

How to Serve Cranberry White Chocolate Bars Recipe

Cranberry White Chocolate Bars, holiday dessert recipes, festive dessert bars, easy holiday treats, cranberry white chocolate dessert - A single slice of cake is shown on a white decorative plate with small cut-out patterns. The cake has two clear layers: a dense golden-brown base with visible small dark red dried fruit pieces inside, and a thick smooth white icing layer on top, decorated with a white grid pattern and scattered dark red dried fruit pieces. The plate rests on a wooden surface with a blurred part of the whole cake and a red and green fabric in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping these bars with a handful of extra dried cranberries and a delicate drizzle of melted white chocolate because it amps up the visual appeal and adds a subtle extra hit of sweetness. Sometimes, I’ll sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top for a surprising, delightful contrast that my family swears by.

Side Dishes

These bars pair beautifully with a simple cup of coffee or a warm mug of spiced tea. For a brunch spread, I like to serve them alongside fresh fruit and yogurt to balance out the sweetness. They also go well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert!

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I’ve cut the bars into mini squares and served them on a festive platter lined with evergreen sprigs and cranberries for a beautiful seasonal touch. Wrapping individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine also makes them a lovely homemade gift option!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep any leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. The frosting stays creamy and the bars develop even better flavor after a day or two. Just let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving so they’re not too cold and firm.

Freezing

This Cranberry White Chocolate Bars Recipe freezes wonderfully. After baking and cooling, I wrap the whole pan tightly with plastic wrap and foil before freezing. When I want to enjoy them, I thaw overnight in the fridge and then frost before serving, which keeps the bars fresh and frosting perfect.

Reheating

Because these bars are best enjoyed fully cooled and frosted, I recommend eating them chilled or at room temperature rather than reheating. But if you prefer, warming a slice gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds can soften the texture nicely without melting the frosting too much.

FAQs

  1. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried in this recipe?

    Fresh cranberries contain a lot of moisture and would release liquid during baking, which could throw off the texture. I recommend sticking to dried cranberries for the chewy, concentrated tartness that complements the white chocolate perfectly.

  2. What’s the best way to melt white chocolate without burning it?

    White chocolate is very sensitive to heat. Melt it on medium power in your microwave for 30-45 second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each until it’s smooth. Avoid high heat or overheating to prevent it from seizing or burning.

  3. Can I make the bars ahead and frost them later?

    Absolutely! Bake and cool the bars completely, then cover and store them at room temperature or in the fridge. Frost them just before serving for the freshest flavor and best frosting texture.

  4. How should I store leftover bars to keep them fresh?

    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days. This keeps the frosting firm and the bars moist. Let them warm up a bit at room temperature before eating for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry White Chocolate Bars Recipe feels like a warm hug on a chilly day—sweet, tangy, and undeniably comforting. It’s become one of my favorite treats to whip up whenever I want to impress guests or just treat myself. I’m so excited for you to try it, and I have a feeling these bars will become as beloved in your kitchen as they are in mine. Happy baking, friend!

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Cranberry White Chocolate Bars Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 6 reviews
  • Author: Caroline
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
  • Yield: 16 bars
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

Cranberry Bliss Bars are a delightful dessert featuring a buttery, orange-zested base loaded with white chocolate chips and dried cranberries, topped with a rich cream cheese frosting and extra drizzled white chocolate with dried cranberries for garnish. Perfect for festive occasions or an indulgent treat.

Ingredients

Cranberry Bliss Bar

  • 1 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons orange zest
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips
  • 3/4 cup dried cranberries

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 6 ounces white baking chocolate
  • 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, brick-style
  • 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1-2 tablespoons whipping cream

Topping

  • 2 ounces white chocolate
  • 2 tablespoons dried cranberries

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pan: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9×13 inch pan with non-stick cooking spray, then line it with parchment paper leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the melted butter and light brown sugar until combined. Add the eggs and vanilla extract and mix well.
  3. Combine dry ingredients and add to wet: With the mixer on low speed, mix in the flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined.
  4. Add flavorings and mix-ins: Mix in the orange zest, white chocolate chips, and dried cranberries evenly throughout the batter.
  5. Bake the bars: Spoon the batter into the prepared pan and smooth out the top. Bake for 25 minutes or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
  6. Melt white chocolate for frosting: Chop the white baking chocolate into small pieces and place in a heatproof bowl. Microwave on medium power for 45 seconds, stirring between intervals until smooth.
  7. Make cream cheese frosting: Beat the cream cheese in a large bowl until soft. With the mixer on low speed, add the melted white chocolate, then gradually beat in the powdered sugar. Add whipping cream one tablespoon at a time to reach desired consistency.
  8. Frost the bars: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars.
  9. Prepare topping: Chop the white chocolate into small pieces and melt in the microwave on medium heat using 45-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
  10. Decorate bars: Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the frosted bars and sprinkle with dried cranberries.
  11. Slice and serve: Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars from the pan and place on a cutting board. Slice with a sharp knife, wiping the knife clean between cuts for neat pieces.

Notes

  • Make Ahead: Bake and completely cool the bars before covering; frost the next day for best flavor.
  • Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
  • Freezing: Wrap cooled bars tightly and freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 28 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg

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