Cranberry Bliss Bars That Taste Just Like Starbucks (But Better!)

Last Updated on January 12, 2026 by Souhail

If you’re anything like me, the minute cranberry season hits, your taste buds start dreaming about Cranberry Bliss Bars. The sweet-tart cranberries, creamy white chocolate, and that subtle zing of orange zest wrapped up in a chewy blondie base—yeah, it’s basically holiday magic in every bite. I first fell in love with them during a coffee run one chilly December morning in NYC. I grabbed my usual latte, and the barista asked if I wanted to try the seasonal Cranberry Bliss Bar. One bite later, I was hooked.

Since then, I’ve been making my own version at home, and dare I say it… they might be even better than the original. These bars are perfect for holiday cookie swaps, gifting to neighbors, or sneaking a piece while wrapping presents. They’ve got just the right balance of sweetness and brightness, with that creamy frosting that makes each bite feel indulgent and festive.

Why You’re Going to Love These Cranberry Bliss Bars

There’s something undeniably special about these bars. Maybe it’s the dreamy combo of tart dried cranberries and creamy white chocolate chips, or that luscious layer of orange-scented cream cheese frosting on top. Whatever it is, they bring big “holiday bakery vibes” with half the effort. Here’s what makes them a total win:

• Better-than-store-bought texture: These bars are soft and chewy with just the right amount of richness—no dry, crumbly edges here!
• Festive flavors in every bite: Dried cranberries and white chocolate chips create the perfect sweet-tart contrast, while a hint of orange zest adds brightness.
• Crowd-pleasing and giftable: They cut beautifully into bars and keep well, making them ideal for cookie boxes or holiday dessert tables.
• Easy to make ahead: You can bake the base a day in advance and frost when ready.
• Customizable: Gluten-free? Vegan? I got you—keep reading for swaps!

Want to mix up your holiday baking spread? Pair these with something warm and cozy like Lasagna Soup for a sweet-meets-savory night.

How To Make Cranberry Bliss Bars

Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe

Recipe by Kenza

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

20

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

22

minutes

Calories

285

kcal

These chewy, buttery Cranberry Bliss Bars are filled with white chocolate and cranberries, topped with tangy cream cheese frosting, and finished with a sweet drizzle. They taste just like the seasonal treat from your favorite coffee shop—only better!

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Ingredients

• For the Blondie Base:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1.5 cups light brown sugar, packed

• 3 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tbsp orange zest

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ tsp baking powder

• 0.5 tsp salt

• 0.25 tsp ground ginger

• 0.75 cup dried cranberries, chopped

• 0.75 cup white chocolate chips

• For the Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1.5 cups powdered sugar

• 0.5 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tsp orange zest

• 1 –2 tbsp milk (as needed for consistency)

• Topping:

• 0.25 cup dried cranberries, chopped

• 0.25 cup white chocolate chips, melted (for drizzling)

Directions

• Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang on the sides. This will help you lift the bars out easily later. Lightly grease the paper, too—trust me, it makes slicing a breeze.
• In a large bowl, cream together softened unsalted butter and light brown sugar until it’s fluffy and light. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer here. This step adds air and makes your blondie base tender and soft.
• Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in a splash of vanilla extract and a bit of orange zest. That zest is subtle but gives the bars such a fresh, vibrant flavor that cuts through the sweetness.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground ginger (just a pinch!), and a little salt. Slowly add the dry mix into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined—don’t overmix!
• Fold in chopped dried cranberries and white chocolate chips. The dough will be thick and sticky—totally normal.
• Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth it out all the way to the edges.
• Pop it in the oven and bake for 20–24 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are lightly golden and the center looks set but still soft. Don’t wait for it to get brown on top—overbaking makes the bars dry. Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
• While they cool, make the frosting. Beat together softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Add a tiny splash of vanilla and a little more orange zest for flavor, then beat in a tablespoon or two of milk to loosen the texture just slightly.
• Once the bars are cool, spread that dreamy frosting all over the top. Scatter with more dried cranberries and drizzle with melted white chocolate.
• Let the bars chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before cutting into triangles or squares. This helps the frosting set and makes slicing clean and pretty.

Notes

• You can use orange extract if you don’t have fresh oranges—just ½ tsp will do!
• For super clean slices, wipe your knife with a damp cloth between cuts.
• If you prefer a less sweet bar, reduce the white chocolate in the batter slightly.
• Add chopped nuts (like pistachios) for extra crunch and color.
• Bars can be made a day ahead—store covered in the fridge.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 285kcal
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Sodium: 140mg
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 26g
• Protein: 3g

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My Top Tips for Perfect Cranberry Bliss Bars Every Time

Okay, let’s talk strategy. Cranberry Bliss Bars might seem fancy, but they’re actually super doable. Here’s how to get them just right:

• Don’t overbake the blondie base. Pull it out when the edges are just turning golden and the center looks set. It’ll firm up more as it cools.
• Use room temperature cream cheese for the frosting. Cold cream cheese can make your frosting lumpy. Not the look we’re going for.
• Zest your orange before juicing. It’s so much easier and you get all that fresh, fragrant oil from the peel.
• Chop your cranberries slightly if they’re extra plump or sticky. This helps them distribute more evenly and prevents clumping.
• Chill before cutting. For those clean bakery-style slices, pop the finished bars in the fridge for 30 minutes before slicing.

Variations to Make These Bliss Bars Even More Blissful

Once you’ve mastered the classic version (and you will), you can totally get creative with these ideas:

Orange-Cranberry Dream Bars

Double down on the citrus with orange extract in the batter and a bit of fresh orange juice in the frosting. Super fresh and zesty!

Dark Chocolate Cranberry Bars

Swap the white chocolate for dark chocolate chunks. It creates a richer, slightly less sweet version that’s perfect for grown-up palates.

Coconut-Cranberry Bars

Add ½ cup of shredded coconut to the batter for extra texture and tropical flair. Toasted coconut on top of the frosting also looks gorgeous.

Gluten-Free Cranberry Bliss Bars

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose. I’ve done this version for friends, and they rave every time.

Vegan Cranberry Bars

Use vegan butter, a flax egg (1 tbsp flax + 2.5 tbsp water), and dairy-free cream cheese and white chocolate. Still delicious and indulgent!

Want another bar dessert to try next? You’ll love these Apple Cheesecake Bars for something cozy and fruity.

Serving Suggestions to Wow Your Guests

Whether you’re serving these for a holiday brunch, as part of a cookie platter, or with a warm drink on a snowy night, here are a few ways to make them shine:

• Pair with hot drinks: These bars are amazing with a cinnamon latte, chai tea, or peppermint mocha.
• Serve with fresh fruit: A few orange slices or a handful of sugared cranberries look beautiful on the plate.
• Holiday dessert boards: Slice small squares and add them to a board with other treats like cookies, truffles, and Pecan Pie Bars.
• Wrap them up: Stack 2 or 3 bars in a clear cellophane bag with a cute ribbon for a sweet edible gift.

How to Store and Reheat Bliss Bars

These bars store surprisingly well, which is great for holiday prep.

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The cream cheese frosting stays fresh and the flavors meld even more.
• Freezer: Freeze bars (frosted or unfrosted) for up to 2 months. Wrap individually and place in a freezer bag or airtight container.
• To reheat: Let thaw at room temperature for an hour. You can warm the unfrosted bars slightly in the microwave if you like them gooey.

Fun Ways to Use Leftover Bars (If That Ever Happens)

Not gonna lie, these tend to vanish fast. But if you somehow have leftovers, here are some creative ways to give them new life:

• Cranberry Bliss Crumble: Chop and bake the bars over vanilla ice cream for a quick dessert.
• Holiday Trifle: Layer chunks with whipped cream and berries in small glasses for a festive no-bake treat.
• Bliss Bar Milkshake: Blend one with ice cream and milk for a decadent holiday milkshake. Bonus points if you add a dash of cinnamon!

FAQs About Cranberry Bliss Bars

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never made Cranberry Bliss Bars at home before, I hope this guide gave you the confidence to try. They’re festive, flavorful, and such a joyful baking project—whether you’re gifting them, sharing with friends, or hoarding them for yourself (I won’t tell!). If you do give this recipe a whirl, let me know how it turned out! Leave a comment, rate the recipe, or tag me on social media so I can see your beautiful creations.

Happy baking, and stay blissful!