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Easy Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars: Lighter Feel-Good Treat

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These easy copycat cranberry bliss bars are a lighter, feel-good treat with a buttery shortbread base, tangy cream cheese layer, chewy dried cranberries, and a white chocolate drizzle. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy weekends, they come together in about 35 minutes with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 large egg white
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Zest of one orange (optional)
  • ¾ cup dried cranberries
  • 2 tablespoons orange juice
  • ¼ cup white chocolate chips
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your 8×8 pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on two sides. Lightly grease the parchment with butter or cooking spray.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy—about 2 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed. Scrape down the sides. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, then beat until combined. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. The dough will be crumbly. Press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Bake for 12 minut…
  3. In the same mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy—about 2 minutes. Add the egg white, flour, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Beat on low speed until everything is combined. Do not over-mix.
  4. In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the dried cranberries and orange juice. Microwave for 30 seconds, then let them sit while you assemble everything.
  5. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the pre-baked shortbread crust. Spread it gently and evenly with a spatula. Drain any excess orange juice from the cranberries, then scatter them evenly over the cream cheese layer. Press them down slightly.
  6. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is just slightly jiggly. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours—overnight is even better.
  7. Once the bars are fully chilled and set, melt the white chocolate chips in a small bowl in the microwave in 15-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth. Drizzle over the bars using a fork or a small piping bag. If using pistachios, sprinkle them on right after the drizzle.
  8. Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Use a sharp knife to cut into 9 squares or 16 smaller rectangles. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for the neatest edges. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Don’t over-mix the cream cheese layer to avoid a runny filling. Chill the bars before slicing for clean cuts. Use room temperature ingredients for best results. Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal. Wipe the knife between cuts for neat edges.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry bliss bars, copycat recipe, lighter dessert, holiday bars, cream cheese bars, shortbread bars

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/easy-copycat-cranberry-bliss-bars-lighter-feel-good-treat/