Buttery, cranberry-studded bars with zesty orange cream cheese frosting and white chocolate drizzle, ideal for any gathering.
# Components:
→ Bar Base
01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 1 cup packed brown sugar
03 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
04 - 3 large eggs
05 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
06 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
07 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
09 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
10 - 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped
11 - 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
→ Orange Cream Cheese Frosting
12 - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
13 - 1 cup powdered sugar
14 - 1 tablespoon orange zest
15 - 2 tablespoons orange juice
→ Topping
16 - 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
17 - 1/3 cup white chocolate, melted
# Method:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan and line with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
03 - Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
05 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
06 - Fold in chopped dried cranberries and white chocolate chips with a spatula.
07 - Spread batter evenly into prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean and edges are golden brown.
08 - Let bars cool in pan for 15 minutes, then lift out using parchment and transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
09 - Beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Mix in orange zest and orange juice until creamy and spreadable.
10 - Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars. Sprinkle with additional cranberries and drizzle melted white chocolate over top.
11 - Cut into squares or rectangles and serve.
