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Lighter Cranberry Bliss Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

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These Lighter Cranberry Bliss Bars are a healthier twist on a classic coffee shop treat, featuring tart cranberries, sweet white chocolate, and a tangy cream cheese frosting. They’re quick, easy, and perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy weekend treat.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or 1:1 gluten-free baking flour)
  • 1/2 cup coconut sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2%)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (pure)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries (no added sugar or reduced-sugar)
  • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, roughly chopped (if frozen, do not thaw)
  • 4 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese, softened (Neufchâtel)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1–2 tablespoons milk (any kind)
  • 2 tablespoons dried cranberries, roughly chopped (for topping)
  • 1 tablespoon white chocolate chips, melted (for drizzling)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk the melted butter, coconut sugar, Greek yogurt, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy.
  4. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Fold in the dried cranberries, white chocolate chips, and chopped fresh cranberries. The batter will be thick and sticky.
  5. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
  6. While the bars cool, make the frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla, and beat until creamy. Add milk a tablespoon at a time until you reach a spreadable consistency.
  7. Once the bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
  8. Sprinkle the chopped dried cranberries over the frosting. Melt the remaining white chocolate chips (microwave in 15-second bursts, stirring between each) and drizzle over the top.
  9. Chill the pan in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set the frosting. Then lift the bars out using the parchment paper and cut into 9 squares or 12 smaller rectangles.

Notes

Don’t overmix the batter to keep bars tender. Room temperature ingredients help prevent lumpy batter. For cleaner slices, chill the bars before cutting. Use a serrated knife for best results. Bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry bliss bars, lighter dessert, cream cheese frosting, holiday baking, easy bars, healthier dessert

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