Description
Deliciously sweet and tangy bars with a creamy frosting, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup white chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries, chopped (for topping)
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips, melted (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until smooth and glossy. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest, mixing until well combined. Stir in the salt and flour until just incorporated—don’t overmix. Fold in white chocolate chips and dried cranberries.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth it evenly. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting.
- In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Beat until fluffy and creamy. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Sprinkle chopped dried cranberries over the top.
- For a professional finish, drizzle melted white chocolate across the bars using a spoon or a piping bag. It’s not just pretty—it adds another layer of flavor and texture.
- Refrigerate the bars for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This makes them easier to cut and enhances the flavor. Cut into triangles (just like Starbucks) or squares if you prefer.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is not too hot when mixing with sugar to prevent cooking the eggs.
- These bars are best served chilled for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg