Cozy Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe: Sweet Holiday Magic

Decadent and irresistible, these cranberry bliss bars spark joy with every single bite.

The recipe combines sweet and tangy flavors in a perfect harmony of textures.

Soft, crumbly base meets creamy frosting that melts on your tongue.

Rich white chocolate chips dance among tart cranberries, creating a stunning dessert.

Starbucks fans recognize this beloved treat that you can now make right in your own kitchen.

Each bar delivers a burst of festive cheer and indulgent satisfaction.

These bars will become your new favorite holiday or anytime sweet treat.

Making Cranberry Bliss Bars at Home

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F.

Grab a 9×13 baking pan and line it with parchment paper, creating a cozy home for your delicious bars.

Step 2: Create Liquid Magic

Melt your butter and whisk it together with sugars in a large mixing bowl.

Crack in the eggs and extra yolk, then splash in vanilla.

Blend everything until it looks smooth and dreamy.

Step 3: Combine Dry Elements

• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch
• Baking powder
• Salt

Gently fold the dry mixture into your wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.

Step 4: Build the Blondie Base

Sprinkle in half of your cranberries and stir gently.

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading evenly.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and set.

Step 5: Whip Up Creamy Frosting

Beat butter and cream cheese until they become light and fluffy.

Add vanilla and orange zest.

Gradually mix in powdered sugar until the frosting reaches a perfect, spreadable consistency.

Step 6: Decorate and Serve

Once the blondie base has cooled completely, spread the frosting in a generous layer.

Scatter remaining cranberries on top.

Drizzle melted white chocolate in elegant zigzags.

Slice into triangular pieces and watch everyone’s eyes light up with joy.

Pro Tips for Tasty Cranberry Bliss Bars

• Use overhanging parchment paper for easy bar removal and clean cutting.
• Mix dried cranberries softly to prevent breaking and maintain whole fruit texture in blondie base.
• Watch bars closely around 20-minute mark to avoid overcooking; they should be slightly soft in center.
• Ensure butter and cream cheese are room temperature for smooth, lump-free frosting consistency.
• Melt chocolate carefully and use quick back-and-forth motion for elegant, professional-looking finish.

Creative Cranberry Bliss Bar Variations

• Gluten-Free Cranberry Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version, using same measurements and technique.
• Vegan Cranberry Delight: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and cream cheese with vegan cream cheese alternative for plant-based option.
• Chocolate Lover's Cranberry Bars: Replace white chocolate drizzle with dark chocolate, add cocoa powder to base for rich chocolate undertones, keeping original cranberry elements.
• Nutty Cranberry Crunch: Incorporate chopped pecans or almonds into blondie base for added texture and nutty flavor, maintaining original recipe's core structure.

Serving Ideas for Cranberry Bliss Bars

• Festive Holiday Platter: Arrange bars on a rustic wooden board with sprigs of fresh rosemary and extra white chocolate drizzles for a stunning seasonal presentation.
• Winter Dessert Companion: Pair with warm spiced chai tea or creamy vanilla latte to complement the cranberry's tartness and enhance the blondie's rich sweetness.
• Gift-Worthy Packaging: Stack bars between parchment paper in clear cellophane bags, tied with festive ribbons for a charming homemade holiday gift that looks professionally crafted.
• Brunch Showstopper: Serve alongside morning mimosas or fresh fruit salad as a delightful weekend treat that brings elegance to casual gatherings.

Storing Cranberry Bliss Bars the Right Way

• Store Cranberry Bliss Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cool temperature helps preserve the cream cheese frosting and keeps the bars fresh.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen bars maintain their delicious taste for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• If serving within 2 hours, keep bars at room temperature. Cover loosely with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and maintain their soft, tender texture.
• Always let bars cool completely before storing to prevent condensation and maintain the perfect texture and flavor of your delightful dessert.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients that make these bars unique?

Dried cranberries and white chocolate give these bars their signature sweet-tart flavor and festive look, creating a perfect holiday dessert that’s both rich and tangy.

• Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure the blend has xanthan gum or add it separately to help bind the ingredients.

• How do I know when the blondie base is properly baked?

The edges will turn golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center will come out with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to keep the bars soft and chewy.

Cranberry Bliss Bars Flavorful Highlights

• Whip Up Festive Delight: Perfect for holiday gatherings, these bars bring cheerful cranberry and white chocolate magic to any celebration.
• Bake with Ease: Straightforward recipe that doesn't require advanced baking skills, making it accessible for home cooks of all levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Irresistible combination of sweet white chocolate, tangy cranberries, and rich cream cheese frosting appeals to diverse taste preferences.
• Customize Your Creation: Easily adaptable recipe allows for personal touches like extra cranberries or different chocolate drizzles to match your mood.

Cranberry Bliss Bar Ingredient List

• All-Purpose Flour: A key foundation that provides structure for the blondie base.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweeteners that add depth and moisture to the bars.
• Butter: Creates richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Eggs, Egg Yolk: Provide structure, richness, and help create a tender texture.

• Dried Cranberries: Adds tangy sweetness and festive color to the bars.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, aromatic depth to the overall flavor.
• Orange Zest: Brings a bright, citrusy note that complements the cranberries.

• Cornstarch: Helps create a soft, tender texture in the blondie base.
• Baking Powder: Ensures the bars rise and have a light, airy consistency.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the sweet flavors in the recipe.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Create a rich, smooth base for the creamy topping.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps thicken the frosting.
• White Chocolate: Adds a decorative and sweet drizzle to finish the bars.

Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Starbucks-inspired cranberry bliss bars deliver a delightful holiday dessert packed with white chocolate and cream cheese frosting. Sweet-tart cranberries and rich drizzles create a festive treat that will become your new seasonal favorite.

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Ingredients

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Base Ingredients:

• 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 1/4 cups (250 grams) brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups (285 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips

Frosting Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 8 ounces (227 grams) cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 3–4 cups powdered sugar

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage for easy removal.
2. Melt butter and combine with sugars in a mixing bowl, creating a smooth base. Incorporate eggs, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture becomes uniform and slightly fluffy.
3. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt to eliminate any potential lumps. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a consistent blondie batter forms.
4. Gently fold half of the cranberries into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan, spreading it smoothly and ensuring an even layer.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until the edges turn golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
6. Create the frosting by whipping butter and cream cheese until light and airy. Add vanilla extract and orange zest, then gradually mix in powdered sugar until achieving a creamy, spreadable consistency.
7. Once the blondie base has cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting across the surface. Sprinkle the remaining cranberries over the frosting for added texture and visual appeal.
8. Melt white chocolate and drizzle in elegant zigzag patterns across the frosted bars. Allow the chocolate to set for a few minutes before slicing into triangular pieces for serving.

Notes

• Prevent sticking by generously greasing parchment paper edges beyond the blondie base for easy removal.
• Use room temperature cream cheese and butter to ensure smooth, lump-free frosting that spreads effortlessly.
• Chop dried cranberries finely to distribute evenly throughout the blondie base, creating bursts of tangy flavor in every bite.
• Allow bars to cool completely before frosting to maintain crisp texture and prevent melting, ensuring a professional-looking finish.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 45mg