Name: Cranberry Bliss Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 24 min
Total time: 39 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 170 g butter, melted; 300 g brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 250 g all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 0.5 tsp salt; 120 g white chocolate chips; 100 g dried cranberries; 225 g cream cheese, softened; 200 g powdered sugar; 1 tsp orange zest; 30 g dried cranberries (for topping); 30 g white chocolate chips (for topping); 30 g white chocolate, melted (for drizzle)

Cranberry Bliss Bars are the perfect holiday-inspired treat with a chewy blondie base, creamy frosting, and a burst of tangy dried cranberries. These gorgeous bars are a copycat of the beloved Starbucks favorite, but dare I say—even better when homemade! With a rich layer of white chocolate and a sweet drizzle over the top, every bite is festive and irresistible.

What makes these bars a standout is the balance of sweetness and tartness. The buttery base is packed with white chocolate chips and cranberries, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that’s lightly spiced with orange zest. It’s a crowd-pleaser at cookie swaps, Christmas parties, or just a cozy night in with a cup of tea.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe

These bars are a dream for dessert lovers who want something decadent yet easy to make. The combination of creamy, tangy frosting and chewy, buttery base creates the perfect contrast in textures and flavors. Plus:

Easy to make with pantry staples
Great for gifting or sharing
A festive pop of color for any dessert table
Freezer-friendly and easy to make ahead

Do I Need Fresh or Dried Cranberries for This Recipe?

Dried cranberries are essential to this recipe. They have a chewy texture and concentrated flavor that fresh cranberries can’t replicate. You can use sweetened or unsweetened, but sweetened dried cranberries are most traditional. If you’re using unsweetened, consider adding an extra touch of sugar to balance the tartness.

Ingredients for the Cranberry Bliss Bars

To build the perfect Cranberry Bliss Bar, each ingredient plays a delicious role:

Butter: Unsalted, melted—it brings moisture and richness to the blondie base.
Brown Sugar: Adds a warm, caramel-like depth that pairs perfectly with cranberries.
Eggs: Help bind the batter and give it a chewy structure.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the other flavors subtly.
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the blondie base.
Baking Powder + Salt: For lift and balance.
White Chocolate Chips: Both inside the bars and sprinkled on top for creamy sweetness.
Dried Cranberries: The star ingredient—tangy, chewy, and vibrant.
Cream Cheese: For the smooth and slightly tangy frosting.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting to perfection.
Orange Zest: Adds a citrusy brightness to the creamy top.

How to Make the Cranberry Bliss Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, whisk melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until fully combined.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Fold in white chocolate chips and dried cranberries.

Step 3: Bake the Blondie Layer

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 20–24 minutes or until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool completely before frosting.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

In a bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and orange zest, mixing until fluffy. Spread evenly over the cooled blondie layer.

Step 5: Decorate and Slice

Sprinkle extra cranberries and white chocolate chips on top. Drizzle with melted white chocolate for that signature look. Chill briefly before slicing into triangles or squares.

Serving and Storing Cranberry Bliss Bars

This recipe makes about 24 triangular bars, making it ideal for entertaining or gift boxes. Serve them chilled or at room temperature for best texture.

To store, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 2 months.

What to Serve with Cranberry Bliss Bars?

A Hot Cup of Chai Latte

The spice notes in chai pair beautifully with the sweet-tart cranberry.

Classic Hot Chocolate

A cozy pairing that doubles down on the holiday feel.

Orange Glazed Scones

Keep the citrus vibes going with a soft, buttery scone.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Serve a bar warm with a scoop of vanilla for a dreamy dessert.

Gingerbread Muffins

Add more holiday charm to the table with spiced muffins.

Mulled Wine

If you’re entertaining, this warm, spiced drink brings out the bar’s flavor.

Festive Cheese Platter

Balance sweetness with savory by offering a few cheeses on the side.

Espresso or Cappuccino

The boldness of coffee cuts the richness perfectly.

Want More Bar and Blondie Dessert Ideas?

If you love these Cranberry Bliss Bars, you’ll definitely want to try these other crowd-pleasers:

Easy Apple Crisp Bars for cozy fall flavors and buttery crumble.
Magic Lemon Cobbler if you’re craving citrusy sunshine.
Knock You Naked Bars for a gooey, chocolate-caramel surprise.
Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins for a spiced morning treat.
Hot Fudge Sundae Brownie Cheesecake when you want pure indulgence.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you stick with dried cranberries or try something new? Any festive twists?

I love seeing your kitchen creations. If you have questions, drop them below and let’s make the baking journey easier together.

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