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Best Cranberry Bliss Bar Blondies with White Chocolate Drizzle

cranberry bliss bar blondies - featured image

These cranberry bliss bar blondies are chewy, tender, and topped with a tangy cream cheese drizzle. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any occasion, they combine tart dried cranberries, sweet white chocolate, and a rich cream cheese topping for an irresistible dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup (120g) dried cranberries
  • 3/4 cup (135g) white chocolate chips or chunks
  • 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on two opposite sides. Lightly grease the parchment with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Melt the butter in a large microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. Let cool slightly if hot.
  3. Whisk the brown sugar into the melted butter until well combined.
  4. Add the egg and vanilla extract. Whisk vigorously until smooth and glossy, about 30 seconds.
  5. Sprinkle the flour, baking powder, and salt over the wet mixture. Fold gently with a rubber spatula until just combined.
  6. Fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips with a few gentle strokes.
  7. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and spread into an even layer.
  8. Bake for 22-25 minutes, until edges are golden brown and center is set but still slightly soft. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs.
  9. Cool completely in the pan on a cooling rack, about 1-2 hours.
  10. For the drizzle: In a small bowl, beat softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth. Add sifted powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and pourable.
  11. Once blondies are completely cool, drizzle the cream cheese mixture over the top in a zigzag pattern. Let set for 15-20 minutes before slicing.
  12. Use parchment handles to lift blondies out of the pan. Slice into 16 squares, wiping knife clean between cuts.

Notes

Don’t overbake; pull when center still slightly soft. Room temperature ingredients matter. For extra flavor, toast white chocolate chips at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. Use a kitchen scale for accuracy. Let drizzle set before slicing for clean cuts.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry bliss bar blondies, white chocolate drizzle, blondies, cranberry dessert, holiday dessert, easy dessert