Tired of bringing the same old desserts to holiday gatherings only to watch them sit untouched on the table? We’ve all been there. But what if you could bring something that combines the tartness of cranberries with creamy white chocolate and a hint of ginger, all atop a buttery blondie base? That’s exactly what Cranberry Bliss Bars deliver – a showstopping dessert that disappears before you can even say “seconds, please!”
As the recipe developer behind FoodyDish, I’ve tested these Cranberry Bliss Bars dozens of times to perfect the balance between sweetness and tang. The result? A dessert that consistently earns rave reviews at holiday parties, family gatherings, and office potlucks.
In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about creating these festive treats – from selecting the perfect cranberries to achieving that bakery-quality frosting, plus storage tips and flavor variations that will keep this recipe in your rotation year-round.
Why These Cranberry Bliss Bars Work Magic
● No special equipment needed just basic baking tools
● Make-ahead friendly perfect for busy holiday schedules
● Impressive presentation with minimal decorating skills required
● Travels well to parties and gatherings
● Balanced flavor profile that appeals to both sweet and tart lovers
Choosing the Right Ingredients for Cranberry Bliss Bars
Cranberry Selection Tips
Fresh cranberries work beautifully in these bars, offering bursts of tartness that cut through the sweetness. Look for firm, plump berries with a deep red color. No fresh cranberries? Dried cranberries make an excellent substitute opt for ones without added sugar if possible for the best flavor contrast.
White Chocolate Matters
The quality of your white chocolate significantly impacts these bars. Choose a premium white chocolate with cocoa butter listed in the ingredients (not vegetable oils). This ensures proper melting and a smooth, creamy flavor that complements the tangy cranberries.
The Blondie Base
A good quality butter forms the foundation of these bars. Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness, while room temperature butter creams properly with sugar for the perfect texture.
Ingredients & Prep for Perfect Cranberry Bliss Bars
Base Layer Essentials
- Butter (unsalted, room temperature)
- Brown sugar (light or dark both work)
- Eggs (large, room temperature)
- Vanilla extract (pure, not imitation)
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Ground ginger
- White chocolate chips
- Dried cranberries
Frosting Components
- Cream cheese (full-fat, room temperature)
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- White chocolate (melted and cooled slightly)
Topping Elements
- Dried cranberries (chopped)
- White chocolate (melted for drizzling)
- Optional: orange zest for brightness
Step-by-Step Cranberry Bliss Bars Instructions
Pre-Baking Cranberry Bliss Bars Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- Coarsely chop your dried cranberries and set aside.
- Have all ingredients at room temperature for the best incorporation.
Baking the Cranberry Bliss Bar Base
- Cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla, beating well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and ground ginger.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in white chocolate chips and dried cranberries.
- Spread batter evenly in prepared pan and bake for 18-22 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow to cool completely before frosting.
Creating the Creamy Cranberry Bliss Bars Frosting
- Beat cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until well combined.
- Fold in melted (and slightly cooled) white chocolate.
- Spread evenly over cooled blondie base.
- Immediately sprinkle with chopped dried cranberries.
- Drizzle with melted white chocolate in a zigzag pattern.
Setting and Slicing Cranberry Bliss Bars
- Refrigerate bars for at least 1 hour to set the frosting.
- Use the parchment overhang to lift the entire dessert from the pan.
- For classic presentation, cut into large rectangles, then slice each rectangle diagonally to form triangles.
- Clean your knife between cuts for professional-looking edges.
Pro Tips for Cranberry Bliss Bars Success
Avoiding Common Cranberry Bliss Bars Mistakes
- Don’t overbake the base – it should be soft and slightly chewy, not crisp
- Make sure cream cheese is fully at room temperature to prevent lumpy frosting
- Allow base to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting
- Chill bars before cutting for clean, precise edges
Tool Recommendations
- Offset spatula for smooth, even frosting application
- Parchment paper for easy removal from pan
- Serrated knife for clean cuts through the cranberries
- Piping bag or zip-top bag with corner snipped for precise chocolate drizzling
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days
- Freeze unfrosted bars for up to 3 months; thaw and frost before serving
- For potlucks or parties, transport chilled and in a single layer to preserve appearance
Looking for more holiday baking inspiration? Check out my Pinterest board dedicated to festive treats that will make your season bright! Follow FoodyDish on Pinterest for hundreds of tested and perfected recipes.
Cranberry Bliss Bars Flavor Variations
Seasonal Twists
- Holiday Spice: Add cinnamon and nutmeg to the base for a warming holiday flavor
- Orange Cranberry: Mix orange zest into both the base and the frosting
- Chocolate Lover’s: Substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate in the base
Dietary Adaptations
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour
- Reduced Sugar: Use less sugar in the frosting and opt for naturally sweetened dried cranberries
- Vegan-Friendly: Substitute vegan butter, cream cheese alternatives, and egg replacer
Global Flavor Inspirations
| Variation | Base Addition | Frosting Twist | Topping |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nordic | Cardamom | Lingonberry jam swirl | Crushed almonds |
| Italian | Amaretto | Mascarpone cheese | Pistachios |
| Mexican | Cinnamon | Cinnamon-infused | Candied orange |
Serving Suggestions for Cranberry Bliss Bars
These bars stand beautifully on their own, but here are some ways to elevate the experience:
- Serve with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream
- Pair with a hot cup of chai tea or cinnamon coffee
- Create a holiday dessert board with these bars as the centerpiece, surrounded by fresh berries and chocolate-dipped pretzel rods
- For an elegant dinner party, plate individual triangles with a mint sprig and a light dusting of powdered sugar
Cranberry Bliss Bars FAQs
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Yes, but they’ll create a more tart flavor profile. If using fresh, increase sugar slightly and toss cranberries with 1 tablespoon of flour before folding into batter.
My frosting seems too runny. What went wrong?
The white chocolate was likely too warm when added to the cream cheese mixture. Chill the frosting for 15-20 minutes before spreading.
Can I make these bars ahead for a party?
Absolutely! These bars actually taste better on day two, as the flavors have time to meld. Make up to 2 days ahead and store in the refrigerator.
How do I get the perfect triangular shape?
First cut the entire dessert into rectangles (about 3″x4″), then cut each rectangle diagonally to create two triangles per rectangle.
Conclusion
These Cranberry Bliss Bars are more than just a copycat recipe they’re a showstopping dessert that’s earned a permanent spot in my holiday baking repertoire. The combination of buttery blondie base, tangy cranberries, and creamy white chocolate creates an irresistible flavor profile that appeals to everyone from sophisticated foodies to picky eaters.
Don’t be surprised when friends start requesting “those amazing cranberry bars” year after year! And if you make these, I’d love to see your creation snap a photo and tag #FoodyDish on your favorite social media platform to join the thousands of home bakers who have fallen in love with this recipe.
Print
Cranberry Bliss Bars: 5 Reasons They’ll Rock Your Dessert Game
- Total Time: 42 mins + chilling
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, chewy cookie bars studded with white chocolate and dried cranberries, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting and drizzled with white chocolate a holiday favorite inspired by Starbucks’ Cranberry Bliss Bars.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/4 cups brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp orange zest
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup white chocolate chips
3/4 cup dried cranberries
Frosting:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp orange zest
Topping:
1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
1/4 cup white chocolate chips, melted (for drizzle)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in eggs, vanilla, and orange zest until combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture.
5. Fold in white chocolate chips and dried cranberries.
6. Spread batter evenly into prepared pan and bake for 18–22 minutes, until golden brown. Cool completely.
7. For frosting, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and orange zest until smooth.
8. Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars.
9. Sprinkle chopped cranberries on top and drizzle with melted white chocolate.
10. Chill for 1 hour before cutting into triangles. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Store bars in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
For a stronger citrus flavor, increase the orange zest.
These bars freeze beautifully — thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 22 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: cranberry bliss bars, starbucks copycat, holiday dessert, white chocolate cranberry bars