Cranberry Bliss Bars.

Have you heard of Cranberry Bliss Bars before? Maybe at Starbucks? When I visit Starbucks - which is not often - I usually get a frap or an iced mocha. Or a chai tea latte! I can probably count on one hand the number of times I have bought one of their pastries.

This pastry I learned of from my friend. While traveling together last winter she insisted on getting me a Cranberry Bliss Bar to go with my drink. I was impressed with the tasty gem! However, as a seasonal item, I never made it back to get another one.

Fast forward to me googling "Cranberry Bliss Bar" and finding numerous "copy cat" recipes. In hopes of finding the perfect one I modified one of the recipes to my liking. The result - cranberry bliss bars - as good, if not better than original.

Cranberry Bliss Bars

(adapted from Cookie Madness)

Bar:

1 cup butter, softened

1 cup brown sugar

1/3 cup sugar

2 eggs

2 teaspoons lemon juice

1 cup white flour

1 cup whole wheat flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon ground giner

3/4 cup craisins

3/4 cup white chocolate chips

Frosting:

3 ounces cream cheese, softened

2 tablespoons butter, softened

3 cups powdered sugar

2 teaspoons lemon juice

Topping:

handful of craisins

white chocolate to melt and drizzle

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a 9x13 baking dish with parchment paper.

Beat the butter and sugars. Add eggs and lemon juice. Beat until well combined.

Add the dry ingredients and stir until fully incorporated. Add craisins and chips.

Spread batter in pan and bake for 25 minutes or until the edges are slightly browned and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Prepare frosting by beating cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add juice and sugar and beat again until fluffy.

Spread evenly over cooled bars. Top with craisins and drizzle white chocolate. Allow chocolate to set - cut - and enjoy!!