Name: Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 24 min
Total time: 44 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter; 1 1/2 cups brown sugar; 2 eggs; 2 tsp orange zest; 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 tsp ground ginger; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 2 cups + 2 tbsp Bob’s Red Mill All Purpose Flour (spooned and leveled); 1 cup white chocolate chips; 3/4 cup dried cranberries; 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature; 1 1/2-2 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup dried cranberries (chopped); 1/2 cup melted white chocolate chips

Jump to Recipe

If there’s one recipe that brings instant cheer to every gathering, it’s these Cranberry Bliss Bars. With a buttery blondie base, bursts of tart cranberries, lush cream cheese frosting, and swirls of white chocolate, this treat is a dreamy combination of sweet and tangy flavors. Whether you’ve fallen for coffee-shop versions or just want a special homemade dessert, baking these bars from scratch is the best way to experience their blissful magic.

Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be intimidated by the ingredient list: each component is straightforward, and together they create layers of flavor, texture, and the signature color of Cranberry Bliss Bars. Let’s break down what you’ll need and how to make every ingredient shine.

Unsalted butter: Quality butter gives the bars richness and a tender crumb, so don’t skimp here.
Brown sugar: This brings moisture and a caramel-like depth that white sugar just can’t match.
Eggs: They help bind everything together and add that chewy, blondie-like structure.
Orange zest: A little zest brightens the bar and balances the sweetness with a citrusy zing.
Vanilla extract: Vanilla adds warmth and brings out the flavors of the chocolate and cranberries.
Ground ginger: Just a touch! It’s unexpectedly essential for a gentle, wintry spice note.
Baking powder: Helps the bars lift slightly for a soft but sturdy bite.
Salt: Never skip — it keeps the sweetness from running wild and sharpens all the flavors.
Bob’s Red Mill All Purpose Flour: This ensures the bars are tender yet hold their shape for perfect slicing.
White chocolate chips: These melt into creamy little pockets and add a bit of crunch on top.
Dried cranberries: The star ingredient — tart, chewy, and gorgeous in every bite and on top.
Cream cheese (softened): The base of the dreamy frosting; let it warm to room temperature for effortless mixing.
Powdered sugar: Sift it if you can, to avoid lumps and achieve that luscious, spreadable frosting.
Vanilla extract (for frosting): A dash in the frosting ties all the bar’s flavors together.
Melted white chocolate chips: That signature finish — a generous drizzle that makes these bars so tempting.

How to Make Cranberry Bliss Bars

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. While that warms up, line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. This little step not only prevents sticking but also makes lifting and slicing the Cranberry Bliss Bars a breeze later on.

Step 2: Melt the Butter and Mix with Brown Sugar

In a small pot, gently melt the butter over low heat. Pour the melted butter into a large mixing bowl and whisk in the brown sugar until the mixture is silky and glossy — this sets the stage for a chewy, flavorful base.

Step 3: Whisk In Eggs, Orange Zest, and Vanilla

Add eggs, orange zest, and vanilla extract to your butter-sugar mixture. Whisk it all together until smooth and cohesive. The zest adds that subtle, citrus sparkle that makes these bars unforgettable.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Bring Everything Together

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, baking powder, and salt. Add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring just until combined — be careful not to over-mix, which keeps the bars tender. Fold in the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries last for even distribution.

Step 5: Bake

Spread the dough evenly in your prepared pan and smooth the top. Slide it into the oven and bake for 22–24 minutes. Keep a close eye: they should be pale on top with just a hint of golden brown at the edges. Overbaking will rob them of their lovely soft texture.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the bars cool, beat softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl for a full minute until fluffy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, then beat until smooth, adjusting sugar for your preferred consistency. If you love that thick, coffee-shop style, use the full amount.

Step 7: Frost, Decorate, and Slice

Once the bars are totally cool, spread the cream cheese frosting over the entire slab. Sprinkle with chopped cranberries, then finish with a generous drizzle of melted white chocolate. Slice into triangles for that classic Cranberry Bliss Bars look, and savor every bite!

How to Serve Cranberry Bliss Bars

Garnishes

For a show-stopping finish, top your bars with plenty of chopped dried cranberries and a lush drizzle of melted white chocolate. A sprinkle of extra orange zest or a pinch of edible glitter can add a festive twist for special occasions.

Side Dishes

Cranberry Bliss Bars are a treat by themselves, but they pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. Consider serving alongside fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to elevate this dessert for a dinner party dessert platter.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday cookie exchanges, arrange the triangles on a vintage platter, or stack them in a pyramid for a dessert centerpiece. Wrap individual bars in parchment and tie with twine for the perfect edible gift. Or try mini versions baked in a muffin tin for bite-sized bliss!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Cranberry Bliss Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Their flavor actually deepens after a day, and they stay moist and delicious for up to 5 days — assuming they last that long!

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully! Arrange sliced bars in a single layer or between sheets of parchment, then seal in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and they’ll taste just as fresh as day one.

Reheating

If you like your Cranberry Bliss Bars slightly warm, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving with frosting, as the cream cheese can melt and lose its silky texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Dried cranberries provide chewiness and a concentrated, tart-sweet burst that fresh berries can’t quite replicate. Fresh cranberries can be too watery and tart for this recipe, so stick to dried for best results.

What’s the key to getting perfectly soft and chewy bars?

The most important tip is not to over-mix the batter once you’ve added the flour, and to avoid over-baking. Pull the bars out when they’re still pale on top; the edges should be just golden.

Can I make Cranberry Bliss Bars gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute a reputable 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Check all ingredient labels to ensure they’re gluten-free, and you’ll have a wonderful gluten-free version.

How do I cut the bars into neat triangles?

For those crisp edges, chill the frosted slab in the fridge first. Use a sharp, hot knife (dip in warm water and wipe dry) to make clean cuts. Slice into rectangles, then diagonal halves for triangles.

Can I double the recipe for a party?

Absolutely! Just use two pans or a larger sheet pan. Baking time may vary, so keep an eye out for those signature golden edges. These bars are a crowd-pleaser at any festive gathering.

Final Thoughts

Few treats disappear as fast as Cranberry Bliss Bars at any get-together. Their delightful flavors, creamy frosting, and pops of cranberry make them a home-baked joy you’ll want to share again and again. I hope this recipe brings a little extra bliss into your kitchen — you won’t regret making a batch (or two)!

Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 20 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 44 minutes
Yield: 12 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in these homemade Cranberry Bliss Bars that rival the famous Starbucks treat! A buttery blondie base studded with white chocolate and cranberries, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting – a holiday favorite.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350˚F and line a 9×13” baking dish with parchment paper.
Melt butter in a small pot over low heat. Whisk together brown sugar and butter.
Add eggs, orange zest, and vanilla to the sugar mixture, whisk until smooth.
Combine dry ingredients – ginger, baking powder, salt, and flour. Add to wet mixture, then stir in white chocolate and cranberries.
Spread dough into the pan and bake for 22-24 mins.
Prepare frosting: Beat cream cheese, add powdered sugar, vanilla. Spread over cooled bars, top with cranberries and white chocolate.
Slice into triangles and enjoy chilled!

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 24 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American