Cranberry Bliss Bars

 

Blondie:
1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) butter, cubed
1 1/2 cups light brown sugar
2 eggs
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/4 cup flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup - 1 cup dried cranberries or cherries
1 cup white chocolate chips (or more)

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

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Grease a 13x9 baking pan.
2. Cream the melted butter and brown sugar.  Once combined, add the eggs and vanilla.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
4. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.  Stir until combined (an electric mixer is preferred).
5. By hand, stir in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.  Pour the batter into the pan.
6. Bake the bars for 18-21 minutes (they should be slightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean).  Allow to cool completely.

Frosting:

1. In a large bowl using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until combined.
2. Gradually add half of the melted chocolate (or in my case- I added all of it, whoops).  Mix until combined.
3. Frost the blondies.  Sprinkle with dried cranberries/cherries.
4. Use the remaining white chocolate to drizzle over the bars.

Recipe + photo:  http://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com