Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake Base:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- Zest of 1 orange (optional)
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup melted white chocolate chips (for drizzling)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Base
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and ginger. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chopped cranberries and white chocolate chips.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely in the pan.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Beat Ingredients: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add Sugar and Flavorings: Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract, orange juice, and orange zest (if using) until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Assemble the Bars
- Frost the Cake: Once the cake base is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the additional chopped cranberries over the frosting. Drizzle with melted white chocolate.
Step 4: Cut and Serve
- Slice into Bars: Cut the cooled and frosted cake into squares or rectangles.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 25