The Best Homemade Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe: A Starbucks Copycat Treat
Prepare to be enchanted by these decadent and divine Cranberry Bliss Bars, a beloved holiday classic that you can now easily recreate at home. These festive dessert bars are a true celebration of flavors and textures, featuring a wonderfully tender and rich blondie base. Each bite is elevated by a generous layer of luscious white chocolate and cream cheese frosting, perfectly complemented by the vibrant tartness of dried cranberries.
Why This Homemade Cranberry Bliss Bar Recipe Works Wonders
This cranberry bliss bars recipe isn’t just a dessert; it’s a homemade copycat version of Starbucks’ eagerly anticipated seasonal treat, allowing you to enjoy that signature taste whenever the craving strikes. What makes this recipe truly stand out is the masterful blend of components:
- A Unique Blondie Base: Our blondie base is far from ordinary. It’s enhanced with a subtle dash of orange oil, which infuses it with a bright, zesty sweetness that perfectly complements the rich, buttery notes. This aromatic addition is the secret to elevating the blondie from good to absolutely irresistible.
- Harmonious Flavors: The star components—chewy dried cranberries and a velvety white chocolate cream cheese frosting—work in perfect symphony. The tartness of the cranberries cuts through the sweetness of the white chocolate and frosting, creating a balanced flavor profile that keeps you coming back for more.
- Festive Presentation: These bars are as beautiful as they are delicious. A final garnish of extra melted white chocolate drizzled artfully over the top, along with a scattering of additional dried cranberries, transforms them into a gorgeous, professional-looking treat. They are guaranteed to be a showstopper on your holiday dessert table or any special occasion.
- Year-Round Enjoyment: While traditionally a fall and winter staple, the beauty of using dried cranberries means you’re not limited by seasonality. You can whip up a batch of these delightful bars any time of the year, bringing a taste of holiday cheer or a sweet pick-me-up to any day. That’s a huge win for any dessert enthusiast!
Many dessert recipes featuring cranberries often require waiting until autumn for fresh berries. While I adore the seasonal delights like cranberry caramel bars and white chocolate cranberry cookies that grace my oven as soon as fresh cranberries appear, this recipe uses readily available dried cranberries. This makes it a go-to treat that defies the calendar, allowing for spontaneous baking sessions whenever inspiration strikes.
Essential Ingredients for Your Cranberry Bliss Bars
To embark on this delightful baking adventure, you’ll need a selection of common baking staples and a few star ingredients that give these Cranberry Bliss Bars their signature flavor. For a comprehensive list of all measurements and detailed instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card located at the very end of this post.
Ingredient Spotlight & Smart Substitutions
Understanding each ingredient’s role and knowing possible substitutions can make your baking experience even more enjoyable and adaptable.
For the Blondie Base:
- Butter, Granulated Sugar, and Brown Sugar: Melted butter provides a rich, moist texture, while the combination of granulated and brown sugar contributes to the blondie’s classic chewy consistency and depth of flavor. Brown sugar, in particular, adds a lovely molasses note.
- Vanilla Extract & Orange Oil: Vanilla is a foundational flavor in almost any sweet treat. The orange oil, however, is the secret weapon here. It’s incredibly potent, delivering a bright, citrusy punch with just a few drops. If you don’t have orange oil, you can substitute with orange extract (you’ll need about 4 times the amount, so 1 teaspoon for ¼ teaspoon oil) or even fresh orange zest, which can be added directly to the batter for a more subtle aroma.
- Eggs: Large eggs bind the ingredients, add moisture, and contribute to the blondie’s structure. Ensure they are at room temperature for better incorporation into the batter.
- All-Purpose Flour, Salt, and Baking Powder: These dry ingredients form the backbone of the blondie. Flour provides structure, salt balances the sweetness, and baking powder gives the bars a slight lift, ensuring they are tender and not overly dense.
- White Chocolate Chips & Dried Cranberries: These are folded directly into the blondie batter, ensuring a burst of flavor and texture in every bite. The white chocolate melts slightly during baking, creating pockets of creamy sweetness, while the cranberries provide chewy, tart contrast. Feel free to adjust the quantities of both to suit your personal preference. For white chocolate, a good quality white chocolate bar chopped into chunks can also be used instead of chips.
For the White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese forms the tangy, creamy base of this luxurious frosting. Make sure it’s at room temperature to achieve a smooth, lump-free consistency.
- Powdered Sugar: Essential for sweetening and thickening the frosting, powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar) dissolves easily, resulting in a silky-smooth finish.
- Vanilla Extract & Orange Oil: Just like in the blondie, vanilla provides a comforting sweetness, while a small amount of orange oil (or extract) brightens the entire frosting. This citrus note is what truly ties the frosting to the blondie base, creating a cohesive flavor experience.
- Melted White Chocolate: This is the key ingredient that elevates this from a simple cream cheese frosting to a decadent white chocolate cream cheese frosting. It adds richness, a lovely sheen, and a distinct sweet flavor that pairs exceptionally well with the tanginess of the cream cheese and the tartness of the cranberries. You’ll melt it gently and fold it into the cream cheese mixture.
How to Make Homemade Cranberry Bliss Bars: Step-by-Step Guide
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are here to help you visualize each stage of making this delicious recipe. For a quick reference or to print, you can Jump to Recipe to get the complete printable version of this recipe, complete with precise measurements and instructions at the bottom of the page.
Crafting these homemade Cranberry Bliss Bars is a straightforward process, breaking down into preparing the blondie base, baking it to perfection, and then topping it with the signature creamy frosting. Follow these steps for an irresistible treat:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13 metal baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring extra overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars later. Lightly spray the parchment with nonstick baking spray, then set the pan aside. This preparation ensures a clean release and easy cleanup.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. This step forms the rich, moist foundation of your blondie.
- Next, incorporate the wet ingredients: add the vanilla extract, orange oil (or extract), and eggs to the sugar-butter mixture. Whisk everything until it’s fully combined and the mixture is uniform. The orange oil introduces that signature zesty flavor that makes these bars so special.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the salt, all-purpose flour, and baking powder. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough blondies. A few streaks of flour are acceptable.
- Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the blondie batter. These additions provide bursts of sweet and tart flavor, along with delightful texture.
- Spread the prepared blondie batter evenly into your lined baking pan. Bake for 25-27 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs attached. Avoid overbaking to keep the blondies tender and chewy.
- Allow the blondie base to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is a crucial step before frosting; otherwise, your frosting will melt.
- While the blondies are cooling, prepare the indulgent frosting. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and orange oil. Using a handheld mixer (or stand mixer), beat these ingredients together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and perfectly smooth.
- Melt the white chocolate chips for the frosting in the microwave. Heat them in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the chocolate is completely smooth and melted. Add half of the melted white chocolate to the cream cheese mixture and beat until thoroughly combined. This creates that rich, creamy white chocolate flavor that defines these bars. Reserve the other half of the melted chocolate for drizzling later.
- Once the blondies are completely cool, lift them from the baking pan using the parchment paper overhang. Transfer them to a cutting board or flat surface.
- Evenly spread the prepared white chocolate cream cheese frosting over the cooled blondie bars. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to create a smooth, appealing layer. Then, generously sprinkle additional dried cranberries over the top of the frosting. This adds a beautiful visual contrast and an extra pop of flavor and texture.
- Finally, cut the large bar into individual triangles, just like the Starbucks originals. For the best presentation, it’s recommended to cut the bars before drizzling the remaining melted white chocolate. Once cut, gently drizzle the reserved melted white chocolate over each individual bar. The chocolate will harden, creating a beautiful finishing touch and adding another layer of creamy sweetness.
And there you have it! A batch of exquisite homemade Cranberry Bliss Bars, ready to be enjoyed. The aroma alone will make your kitchen feel like a cozy, professional bakery.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Perfection
To maintain their freshness and delicious taste, store your homemade Cranberry Bliss Bars in an airtight container or a large zip-top bag. Keep them at room temperature for up to 3-5 days. If your kitchen is particularly warm, or if you prefer a firmer frosting, you can also store them in the refrigerator, just bring them to room temperature for optimal enjoyment.
Absolutely! These bars freeze beautifully, making them perfect for meal prepping desserts or saving for a future craving. To freeze, individually wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap, then transfer them to a large zip-top freezer bag or an airtight container. If using a container, you can layer them with pieces of parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator.
While dried cranberries are traditionally used and provide a chewier texture and concentrated sweetness, you can experiment with fresh cranberries. If using fresh, chop them finely to distribute their tartness evenly throughout the blondie. Keep in mind that fresh cranberries will release more moisture and add a more intense tartness, so you might want to slightly increase the sugar in the blondie base or reduce the amount of cranberries.
For perfectly clean slices, ensure your blondie base is completely cooled before frosting. After frosting, chill the entire pan of frosted bars in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up the frosting. Use a sharp, warm knife (run it under hot water and wipe dry between each cut) to slice the bars. Cut into strips first, then cut the strips diagonally to create the signature triangles. Remember the tip: cut the bars *before* drizzling the final melted white chocolate, as hardened drizzle can make for messy cuts.
Orange oil is highly concentrated. If you’re concerned about it being too strong, start with half the recommended amount and add more to taste. Alternatively, use orange extract, which is less potent, or fresh orange zest for a milder, natural citrus flavor. Always taste your batter/frosting (before adding raw eggs) to ensure the flavor is to your liking.
Serving Suggestions & Perfect Pairings
Cranberry bliss bars are incredibly versatile and make for a delectable treat suitable for a wide range of occasions. Their sweet-tart profile and rich texture make them a perfect companion for various beverages and settings.
- Morning Indulgence: Enjoy a bar alongside a freshly brewed cup of coffee or a soothing mug of tea for a delightful start to your day. They also pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk for a comforting breakfast or brunch item.
- Lunchbox Treat: Pack these bars into lunches for a sweet surprise that brightens up any midday meal, whether for school, work, or a picnic.
- Holiday Gatherings: They are an absolute must-have for holiday dessert tables, cookie swaps, or potlucks. Their festive appearance and irresistible flavor make them a crowd-pleaser and a beautiful addition to any celebratory spread.
- Gifting: Homemade cranberry bliss bars make thoughtful and delicious gifts for friends, family, and neighbors during the holiday season or as a thank-you gesture. Package them in a nice box or tin for a lovely presentation.
- Anytime Snack: Don’t limit these to special occasions! Because they use dried cranberries, you can whip up a batch year-round for an afternoon snack, a simple dessert after dinner, or whenever you need a little bliss in your life.
The best part about making these delicious bliss bars at home is the freedom to enjoy them beyond the traditional fall and winter months. Forget waiting for Starbucks’ seasonal release; with this recipe, a moment of cranberry bliss is always within reach!
More Delightful Cranberry Recipes to Explore
If you’ve fallen in love with the sweet-tart goodness of cranberries, you’ll be thrilled to discover these other fantastic recipes that celebrate this versatile berry:
- Cranberry Holiday Punch: A festive and refreshing drink perfect for any celebration.
- Cranberry Coffee Cake: A moist and flavorful cake, ideal for breakfast or a sweet snack.
- Cranberry Orange Spiral Cookies: Beautifully marbled cookies with a delightful citrus-cranberry twist.
- Cranberry Cream Cheese Pastries: Flaky pastries with a rich, fruity, and creamy filling.
- White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge: A smooth, decadent fudge bursting with white chocolate and cranberry flavors.
I absolutely love spending time in the kitchen, experimenting with flavors and creating delicious recipes to share with all of you! Remembering to come back each day for new culinary inspiration can be a challenge, which is why I offer a convenient newsletter every time a new recipe is posted. Simply subscribe to receive your free daily recipes directly in your inbox and never miss a delicious update!
Cranberry Bliss Bars
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It
Pin It
Rate It
Save ItSaved!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter melted
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups light brown sugar packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon orange oil or 1 teaspoon orange extract
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- ½ cup dried cranberries
Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon orange oil or 1/2 teaspoon orange extract
- 1 cup white chocolate chips melted and divided, for drizzling
- ½ cup dried cranberries for topping
Things You’ll Need
-
13×9 metal baking pan
-
Mixing bowls
-
Hand mixer
-
Whisk
-
Rubber spatula
Before You Begin
- TO STORE – To ensure maximum freshness and delightful flavor, store the cooled and frosted Cranberry Bliss Bars in an airtight container or a large zip-top bag. They will keep perfectly at room temperature for 3-5 days. If you prefer a firmer frosting or live in a warmer climate, refrigerating them is also an option; just allow them to come to room temperature for the best texture before serving.
- TO FREEZE – These bars are excellent for freezing! To do so, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then transfer them to a large zip-top freezer bag or an airtight freezer-safe container. You can also layer them with parchment paper in a container to prevent sticking. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator.
- Orange oil is very potent and provides a wonderful, concentrated citrus flavor with just a few drops. If you prefer to use orange extract, you will need to use a bit more (approximately 1 teaspoon of extract for every ¼ teaspoon of oil). For a more natural but subtle orange flavor, you can also incorporate fresh orange zest into the blondie batter or sprinkle it over the top of the finished bars.
- Customize your bars by adjusting the amount of white chocolate chips and/or dried cranberries to your liking. If you don’t have white chocolate chips, a good quality white chocolate bar, finely chopped, works just as well.
- For clean and attractive cuts, make sure the blondie base is completely cool before applying the frosting. After frosting, chill the bars briefly in the refrigerator to allow the frosting to set. When cutting, use a sharp knife warmed under hot water (and wiped dry) for the cleanest edges, especially before drizzling the final melted white chocolate.
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 metal baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides for easy lifting. Spray the parchment paper with nonstick baking spray, then set the pan aside.
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and packed light brown sugar. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated.
-
Add the vanilla extract, orange oil (or orange extract), and room-temperature large eggs to the butter-sugar mixture. Whisk until all ingredients are fully combined and the mixture is uniform.
-
In a separate bowl, stir together the salt, all-purpose flour, and baking powder. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet butter mixture, stirring gently with a spatula or spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
-
Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries until they are evenly distributed throughout the blondie batter.
-
Spread the blondie batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 25-27 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Remove from the oven and allow the blondie base to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before proceeding to frosting.
-
While the blondies cool, prepare the creamy frosting: In a clean mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and orange oil (or orange extract) using a handheld mixer until the mixture is light, fluffy, and completely smooth.
-
Melt 1 cup of white chocolate chips in the microwave by heating them for 30 seconds at a time, stirring well after each interval, until smooth and fully melted. Add half of this melted white chocolate (½ cup) to the cream cheese mixture and beat until well combined. Reserve the remaining melted white chocolate for drizzling.
-
Once the blondie bars are completely cool, lift them out of the baking pan using the parchment paper overhang and place them on a cutting board or flat surface.
-
Evenly spread the prepared white chocolate cream cheese frosting over the cooled bars. Then, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of dried cranberries generously over the top of the frosting.
-
To achieve the classic triangle shape, first cut the large frosted bar into rectangles, then cut each rectangle diagonally. Drizzle the remaining melted white chocolate artfully over the cut bars.
TIP – After drizzling the melted white chocolate, it will harden. For the cleanest cuts and presentation, it’s generally easier to cut the bars into triangles *before* you apply the final white chocolate drizzle. Otherwise, the hardened drizzle may not cut cleanly, leading to cracks.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.