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Home » Recipes » Desserts

Modified: Jan 9, 2025 · Published: Dec 13, 2021 by LaKita · This post may contain affiliate links.

Homemade Cranberry Bliss Bars

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This recipe for Homemade Cranberry Bliss Bars is a sweet blondie bar topped with cream cheese frosting and a white chocolate drizzle. A Starbucks inspired recipe that you can make at home yourself.

If you enjoy the flavors of cranberry and orange, then be sure to try making a batch of Cranberry Orange Scones. For more Starbucks inspired seasonal recipes this holiday season, make an Eggnog Latte or Gingerbread Latte.

overhead view of finished homemade cranberry bliss bars on brown parchment paper

I am a huge fan of Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars. Seriously, I cannot wait for this time of the year when they become available and I make sure to enjoy as many of them as I can.

However, this year was the first year that I decided to try making my own version at home and I'm so happy to share that recipe with you today. It begins with a blondie type bar loaded with flavor. Topped with a sweet and creamy frosting and a drizzle of melted white chocolate as well as some tart dried cranberries. It is the perfect combination of sweet, tart, and creamy in one amazing bite.

Now let's get into this delicious recipe!

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  • Ingredient Notes
  • Instructions
  • Storage
  • 📖 Recipe
  • More Holiday Recipes

Ingredient Notes

  1. All-purpose flour - Regular unbleached or plain all-purpose flour. This recipe has not been tested with any flour substitute, but if you try it, then please let me know in the comments how it goes.
  2. Ground cinnamon - Adds another depth of spice flavor to this dessert recipe.
  3. Salt - Balances out the sweet flavor. I primarily use kosher salt when baking.
  4. Brown sugar - Use light brown sugar for the best results, but if you only have dark brown sugar, then you may use that instead.
  5. Butter - Melt the butter and allow it to come to room temperature before adding to the mixture.
  6. Egg - Use a large egg in this recipe to bind the bar mixture together.
  7. Vanilla extract - Vanilla bean paste in the same unit of measure can be used instead.
  8. Orange zest - Cuts some of the sweetness and adds a bit of citrus/acid.
  9. White chocolate chips - Melted to drizzled on top to add another layer of sweet flavor.
  10. Dried cranberries - Used in the bars and to sprinkle on top. Provides a sweet and tart flavor.
  11. Cream cheese - Makes the frosting. Allow it to sit at room temperature to soften a bit for easier mixing. 
  12. Powdered sugar - Also known as confectioners sugar. Help to create the frosting and make it sweet and thick.

See the recipe card below for exact quantities.

Instructions

Begin the recipe by preheating the oven to 350 degrees F. and line an 8x8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, salt and set aside. In a separate small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, melted butter, and egg until combined.

glass mixing bowl with ingredients combined to make homemade cranberry bliss bars

Add the brown sugar mixture into the flour mixture and stir until combined, careful not to overmix. Stir in the vanilla extract and orange zest. Fold in ½-cup white chocolate chips and ¼ cup dried cranberries until evenly distributed.

glass mixing bowl with white chocolate chips and dried cranberries added to the bliss bar mixture

Spread the batter into the prepared baking dish until smooth and even. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the edges have lightly browned and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Once finished baking, remove from the oven and allow cooling completely on a wire rack.

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To make the frosting, in a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until well blended.

white mixing bowl with ingredients for frosting mixture combined

Frost the cooled bars and sprinkle with ¼ cup dried cranberries. Melt 1 cup of white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe container, stopping frequently to stir, and be careful not to burn. Drizzle the melted chocolate on top of the bars. Allow the bars to set for 15-20 minutes before cutting to serve and enjoy!

close up side view cranberry bliss bars on brown parchment paper

Storage

The cranberry bliss bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Allow them to come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

📖 Recipe

overhead view homemade cranberry bliss bars on brown paper with dried cranberries and melted white chocolate

Homemade Cranberry Bliss Bars

LaKita Anderson
This recipe for Homemade Cranberry Bliss Bars is a sweet blondie bar topped with cream cheese frosting and a white chocolate drizzle. A Starbucks inspired recipe that you can make at home yourself.
5 from 13 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Resting Time 20 minutes mins
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 322 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon orange zest
  • ½ cup white chocolate chips
  • ¼ cup dried cranberries
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup dried cranberries
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips, melted

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. and line an 8x8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl whisk together the 1 cup all-purpose flour, ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon salt and set aside. In a separate small bowl, stir together the 1 cup brown sugar, ½ cup melted butter, and 1 large egg until combined.
  • Add the brown sugar mixture into the flour mixture and stir to combine, careful not to overmix. Stir in the 1 teaspoon vanilla and ½ teaspoon orange zest. Fold in ½-cup white chocolate chips and ¼ cup dried cranberries until evenly distributed.
  • Spread the batter into the prepared baking dish until smooth and even. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the edges have lightly browned and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Once finished baking, remove from the oven and allow cooling completely on a wire rack.
  • To make the frosting, in a medium bowl, mix the 4 ounces cream cheese, 2 cups powdered sugar, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract until well blended. Frost the cooled bars and sprinkle with ¼ cup dried cranberries.
  • Melt 1 cup of white chocolate chips in a microwave safe container, stopping frequently to stir, and be careful not to burn. Drizzle the melted chocolate on top of the bars.
  • Allow the bars to set for 15 to 20 minutes before cutting to serve and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Calories: 322kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 3gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 38mgSodium: 134mgPotassium: 93mgFiber: 1gSugar: 41gVitamin A: 295IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 58mgIron: 1mg

The provided nutritional information is an estimate per serving. Accuracy is not guaranteed.

Keyword cranberry bliss bars
Tried This Recipe?Leave a comment below or tag @simplylakita on social!

Original post date 12/11/2017. Updated 12/13/2021. Updated photos are by Gabby of Cookie Dough Diaries.

overhead view of finished cranberry bliss bar

Also...I’m excited to be one of Google’s paid early testers for their Thank with Google pilot program. 

Thank with Google is an experimental feature that allows you the reader to purchase a fun virtual sticker as a direct way to show support and appreciation for the recipe content on this food blog. 

It’s a great way to share which content you value the most and why. Every time you decide to send a paid sticker, you can add a personal message. These are not only sent directly to me, but they also translate into revenue to support the work that goes into providing you with more great content. 

You can locate the Thank with Google feature at the top of this blog post and in the sidebar. If you decide to test it out please share your thoughts and as always, thank you for your support.

More Holiday Recipes

  • Cranberry Orange Scones
  • Gingerbread Whoopie Pies
  • Eggnog Pound Cake
  • No Bake Eggnog Cheesecake

Have any comments, questions, or other ideas for these Homemade Cranberry Bliss Bars? Please share them in the comments below!

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Comments

    5 from 13 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Alex says

    December 19, 2021 at 3:46 pm

    5 stars
    These bars were so amazing! They were the hit of the party. Bookmarking for next year!

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      December 19, 2021 at 8:53 pm

      Thank you Alex, so happy to hear 🙂

      Reply
  2. Lori | The Kitchen Whisperer says

    December 19, 2021 at 2:08 pm

    5 stars
    So yummy and perfect on a chilly day with a cup of ginger orange tea. These are perfect for the season and always a crowd favorite!

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      December 19, 2021 at 8:53 pm

      Thank you so much Lori!!

      Reply
  3. silvia says

    December 19, 2021 at 2:00 pm

    5 stars
    They are so beautiful and look so festive. This is a great treat for the season and my favorite part, they are so easy to make.

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      December 19, 2021 at 8:52 pm

      Thank you Silvia!

      Reply
  4. Tammy says

    December 19, 2021 at 1:59 pm

    5 stars
    These have all the flavors of the season. They look so beautiful and so delicious too...I wish I could reach in and grab one. These will definitely be fun to make for the holidays!

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      December 19, 2021 at 8:52 pm

      Thank you so much Tammy!!

      Reply
  5. Adriana says

    December 19, 2021 at 1:06 am

    5 stars
    Indeed these bars sound to be a bliss, perfect name for a recipe. I need to make a batch this week I cannot wait to try them.

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      December 19, 2021 at 8:52 pm

      Thank you Adriana! Hope you give them a try soon.

      Reply
  6. Erin says

    December 18, 2021 at 3:34 pm

    5 stars
    We just loved these! So easy and awesome flavors. Thanks!

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      December 19, 2021 at 8:51 pm

      Thank you Erin!

      Reply
  7. Cathleen says

    December 17, 2021 at 10:02 pm

    5 stars
    Cranberry Bliss Bars might be my favourite thing sold over the holidays!! I am so happy I can make them at home now 🙂

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      December 19, 2021 at 8:51 pm

      Thank you Cathleen! I completely agree.

      Reply
  8. Colleen says

    December 14, 2021 at 12:01 pm

    5 stars
    I love these bars from Starbucks and now I'm excited to make them myself, thanks to this recipe. Thank you!

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      December 14, 2021 at 6:51 pm

      Thank you Colleen!!

      Reply
  9. Amanda Dixon says

    December 14, 2021 at 9:13 am

    5 stars
    These are way better than Starbucks! The fresh orange added such a nice pop of flavor. I'll definitely make these every holiday season!

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      December 14, 2021 at 6:51 pm

      Thank you so much Amanda!!

      Reply
  10. Farrukh Aziz says

    December 14, 2021 at 4:02 am

    5 stars
    These taste exactly like the Starbucks bliss bars! I love the ones there, and now I can make them at home!

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      December 14, 2021 at 6:51 pm

      Thank you so much! It's nice to be able to make them at home as well 🙂

      Reply
  11. Sonya says

    December 19, 2017 at 8:52 pm

    I'm happy to hear that your dad is back at home. These bars look delicious, I'm about to pin this recipe. ☺

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      December 30, 2017 at 3:06 pm

      Thank you so much Sonya 🙂

      Reply
  12. Tamara says

    December 14, 2017 at 10:17 am

    These are a dream! I love them this time of year. There's nothing like that tart taste mixed with sweet. And that gorgeous color. Your photos are out of this world!

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      December 30, 2017 at 3:10 pm

      Thank you so much! I cannot get enough of these this time of the year and I love the combination of white chocolate and tart cranberry...so good!

      Reply
Head shot bio photo of LaKita in an orange shirt.

Hi, I'm LaKita. I'm a Lifelong home cook and self-taught baker. I've been sharing modern comfort food through food blogging, recipe development, and photography since 2013.

More about me →

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