Name: Softest Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 24 min
Total time: 39 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 1/4 cups brown sugar; 3 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 3/4 cup white chocolate chips or chunks; 3/4 cup dried cranberries; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon orange zest; 1/4 cup dried cranberries (for topping); 1/4 cup white chocolate, melted (for drizzle)

Sink your teeth into the chewiest, most luscious Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars copycat you’ve ever made at home. These bars are a celebration of tart dried cranberries, creamy white chocolate chunks, and a buttery blondie base—all topped with a generous layer of rich cream cheese frosting and a zing of orange zest.

Whether you’re craving a holiday treat or just want to brighten up an ordinary day, these bars deliver the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and creamy in every bite. They’re bakery-level good but delightfully simple to make in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe

Bakery-style at home: No need to hit the drive-thru when you can recreate these indulgent treats in your own oven.
Easy prep: One-bowl blondies, a simple frosting, and a quick drizzle make this a beginner-friendly bake.
Perfectly balanced: The tangy cranberries and orange zest cut through the sweetness for a sophisticated flavor.
Freezer-friendly: Make ahead and freeze for whenever your sweet tooth strikes.

What Kind of White Chocolate Should I Use?

For these Cranberry Bliss Bars, go for high-quality white chocolate chips or a chopped white chocolate bar to ensure maximum creaminess and melt. Avoid white baking chips with a waxy texture. Brands like Ghirardelli or Guittard work wonderfully, giving you pockets of silky sweetness that complement the cranberries beautifully.

Ingredients for the Softest Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars

Every ingredient here is working hard to give you the chewy, creamy, tangy experience you crave in every bar.

Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the blondie base.
Brown Sugar: Gives depth and chewiness with subtle molasses notes.
Eggs: Binds the batter and adds to the soft, cakey texture.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the sweet and tangy notes.
All-Purpose Flour: The structural backbone of our blondies.
Ground Ginger: A hint of spice to warm up the flavor.
White Chocolate Chips or Chunks: Creamy bits of sweetness in every bite.
Dried Cranberries: The star ingredient, adding chew and tartness.
Cream Cheese: For that luscious tangy frosting.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
Orange Zest: Adds citrusy brightness and balances the sweetness.

How To Make the Softest Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Blondie Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment. Melt butter and whisk it with brown sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Stir in flour and ground ginger until just combined. Fold in dried cranberries and white chocolate.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Spread the batter evenly in your pan. Bake for 20–24 minutes until golden and set. Let it cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat cream cheese with powdered sugar and orange zest until creamy and smooth.

Step 5: Frost and Garnish

Spread frosting over the cooled blondies. Sprinkle extra cranberries and drizzle melted white chocolate on top.

Step 6: Slice Into Triangles

Chill slightly for clean cuts, then slice into rectangles and halve diagonally into triangles for that iconic look.

How to Serve and Store Cranberry Bliss Bars

These bars make a lovely holiday gift, afternoon coffee treat, or crowd-pleasing dessert for potlucks.

This recipe makes around 24 triangle-shaped bars, making it ideal for parties or gifting.

Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze frosted bars between layers of parchment for up to 2 months.

What to Serve With Cranberry Bliss Bars?

Coffee or Espresso

The sweetness of the bars pairs beautifully with the boldness of coffee.

Chai Tea

Warm spices in chai enhance the ginger notes in the blondie base.

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

A scoop alongside a warmed bar makes for a divine dessert.

Mulled Wine

Perfect for a holiday evening pairing.

Sparkling Water with Lemon

Keeps things light and lets the flavors shine.

Brunch Spread

Add to your brunch buffet for a sweet contrast to savory options.

Fruit Salad

A refreshing way to balance out the richness.

Hot Chocolate

Especially with a hint of orange zest or cinnamon.

Want More Dessert Bar Ideas?

If you’re loving these Cranberry Bliss Bars, take a peek at other sweet sensations on Nora Nosh:

Easy Apple Crisp Bars for cozy, cinnamon goodness.
Peach Cobbler Crumble Bars when you’re craving summer in a bite.
Mini Pecan Tarts for that irresistible nutty richness.
Knock You Naked Bars because yes, they’re that good.
Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake for a twist on a nostalgic favorite.

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 add a dash of nutmeg or swap in orange extract? Did you double the frosting (because honestly, who wouldn’t)?

I love seeing how you make these recipes your own. Questions? Ask away—we’re here to make sweet memories together.

Explore beautifully curated sweet treats and more dessert bar recipes on Nora Nosh Pinterest and discover your next baking favorite!