These bliss bars are lighter than the popular Starbucks bars but just as delicious. Enjoy them for breakfast, a snack or as a dessert.
Blondies:
1/2 c. salted butter
1 1/3 c. packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 t. vanilla extract
1 t. freshly grated orange zest
2 1/8 c. all-purpose flour
1 1/2 t. baking powder
1/4 t. salt
1/8 t. ground cinnamon
1/2 c. dried cranberries, coarsely chopped
4 oz. white baking chocolate, coarsely chopped or 1/2 – 2/3 c. white chocolate chips
Frosting and Topping:
8 oz. light cream cheese, softened
3/4 c. powdered sugar
1/4 t. vanilla extract
2 t. freshly grated orange zest
4 oz. white baking chocolate, melted
1/2 c. dried cranberries, coarsely chopped
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9X13 inch pan with cooking spray.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar until combined. Whisk in the eggs, vanilla extract and orange zest.
Stir in the flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon until combined; fold in the cranberries and white chocolate. Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan.
Bake 18-22 minutes, until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with moist but not gooey, crumbs. Don’t overbake.
Allow the bars cool completely in the pan.
Frosting:
Using an electric handheld or stand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy, 2-3 minutes. Mix in the vanilla and orange zest. Or, save the orange zest and sprinkle it on the bars before drizzling the chocolate. Add half of the melted chocolate; mix until creamy and combined.
Spread the frosting on the cooled bars; sprinkle on cranberries; drizzle the remaining white chocolate over the top.
Refrigerate until the chocolate is set. The bars taste the best when chilled.
Serve.
24 servings.