Cranberry Bars w/ Cream Cheese Frosting
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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
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Category
Dessert
Author
Test Kitchen
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
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¾ c Butter, softened
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1 c Sugar
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2 Large Eggs, room temp
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¾ c Sour Cream
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½ tsp Almond Extract
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½ tsp Vanilla Extract
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1 ½ c All-purpose Flour
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1 tsp Baking Powder
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1/8 tsp Salt
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1 c White Baking Chips
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1 c Dried Cranberries
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½ c Chopped Walnuts
Frosting
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2 - 8oz pkgs Cream Cheese, softened
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¼ c Butter, Softened
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1 T Orange Zest, optional
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1 tsp Vanilla Extract
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2 c Confectioners Sugar
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½ c Dried Cranberries, chopped
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes.
Gradually beat in eggs, sour cream and extracts.
In a small bowl, whisk flour, baking powder and salt; gradually beat into creamed mixture.
Fold in baking chips, cranberries and walnuts. Spread into a greased 15x10x1 in baking pan
Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 25-30 minutes.
Cool completely in pan on a wire rack.
Frosting
For frosting, in a small bowl, beat cream cheese, butter, orange zest if desired, and vanilla until smooth.
Beat in confectioners’ sugar; spread over top.
Sprinkle with cranberries and, if desired, additional orange zest.
Cut into bars or triangles. Refrigerate leftovers.