Cranberry Bars w/ Cream Cheese Frosting

There’s something special about a soft bar topped with creamy frosting 🤍 These Cranberry Bars are perfectly sweet with just the right amount of tartness, making them a standout dessert for any occasion.

The combination of dried cranberries, white baking chips, and a hint of almond and vanilla creates a rich, balanced flavor in every bite 🍒 Topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting (and a touch of orange zest if you’d like), these bars feel both classic and a little elevated.

They’re perfect for gatherings, holidays, or simply keeping on hand for a sweet treat throughout the week 🍽️ Be sure to check out the linked products to shop ingredients online and make this recipe even easier to bring together at home.

Cranberry Bars w/ Cream Cheese Frosting

Test Kitchen
Category

Dessert

Soft and tender cranberry bars filled with white baking chips and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting 🍒 A perfect balance of sweet and tart, great for holidays or everyday treats ✨

Ingredients

    Bars

    • ¾ c Butter, softened
    • 1 c Sugar
    • 2 Large Eggs, room temp
    • ¾ c Sour Cream
    • ½ tsp Almond Extract
    • ½ tsp Vanilla Extract
    • 1 ½ c All-purpose Flour
    • 1 tsp Baking Powder
    • 1/8 tsp Salt
    • 1 c White Baking Chips
    • 1 c Dried Cranberries
    • ½ c Chopped Walnuts

    Frosting

    • 2 - 8oz pkgs Cream Cheese, softened
    • ¼ c Butter, Softened
    • 1 T Orange Zest, optional
    • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
    • 2 c Confectioners Sugar
    • ½ c Dried Cranberries, chopped

    Directions

    1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
    2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes.
    3. Gradually beat in eggs, sour cream and extracts.
    4. In a small bowl, whisk flour, baking powder and salt; gradually beat into creamed mixture.
    5. Fold in baking chips, cranberries and walnuts. Spread into a greased 15x10x1 in baking pan
    6. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 25-30 minutes.
    7. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack.

    Frosting

    1. For frosting, in a small bowl, beat cream cheese, butter, orange zest if desired, and vanilla until smooth.
    2. Beat in confectioners’ sugar; spread over top.
    3. Sprinkle with cranberries and, if desired, additional orange zest.
    4. Cut into bars or triangles. Refrigerate leftovers.
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