Sunday, February 5, 2012

Cranberry Bliss Bars

It's the much lauded Cranberry Bliss Bar made famous by Starbucks, as I understand.  I've aspired to make them quite some time now, thinking their sophistication would launch me into the upper echelon of people who eat mature desserts.  



So, am I there?  Is this what it's like?  Feels...kinda the same as before.  While they were pretty yummy, I'm more of an un-sophisticated chocolate- covered, messy, gooey dessert person.  I guess what I'm saying is they're good, but I didn't feel the bliss.



If you think it's something that might bring you bliss, here's the recipe:

3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) salted butter, cubed
1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup dried cranberries
6 ounces white baking chocolate, coarsely chopped

Frosting:
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
6 ounces white baking chocolate, melted
1/2 cup dried cranberries, coarsely chopped
1 teaspoon grated orange zest (optional)

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or line with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the blondie layer: In a medium bowl, melt butter for one minute in the microwave or until melted; stir in brown sugar. Pour the butter and sugar into a large bowl and let cool to room temperature. Use an electric mixer to beat in the eggs and vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon; gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture. Stir in the cranberries and chopped chocolate (batter will be thick).
3. Spread the blondie batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 18-21 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean (do not overbake). Cool completely on a wire rack.
4. Prepare the frosting: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until combined. Gradually add half of the melted white chocolate; beat until blended. Frost brownies. Sprinkle with chopped cranberries. Drizzle with remaining melted white chocolate. Let the frosting set then cut into bars- square or triangle-shaped. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

7 comments:

  1. I have never tried them but they look delicious and I wish I had a slice right now that I am at work!

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  2. I think they could well bring me bliss! they look wonderful :)
    mary x

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  3. I made these before and everyone loved them! Bummer that you didn't! I put candied ginger in mine gave it a nice little oomph.

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  4. I'm with you. I like gooey and chewy. Any recommendations? I'm bored and need some new treats...

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  5. Delicious looking!

    I don't know how I missed seeing this post last week.

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  6. I love those bars at Starbucks! (I also love chocolate covered gooey messy desserts- I'm equal opportunity.) These look really yummy and would be perfect with coffee made in the comfort of my very own kitchen. :)

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