Here is a simple, easy-to-follow copycat of the popular Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars. It uses common pantry items and gives clear steps so you can make these at home.
introduction
These Cranberry Bliss Bars are soft, sweet, and full of bright cranberry and orange flavor. They make a great holiday treat or a nice dessert any time you want something special but easy. The bars have a buttery base with white chocolate and Craisins, and a cream cheese frosting with orange zest that brightens each bite. If you like recipes that mix fruit with white chocolate, you might also enjoy an apple cranberry crumble pie recipe that uses similar tart and sweet notes.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Bliss Bars
You will love these bars because they balance sweet and tart in an easy way. The crust is soft, not dry, and the Craisins add a chewy fruit fleck in every piece. White chocolate melts into little pockets of creaminess. The cream cheese frosting adds tang and smooth texture. The orange zest in the dough and frosting gives a fresh pop that keeps the bars from tasting too rich. These bars cut into triangles like the Starbucks version, and they hold up well for gifts or parties.
Why Make This Recipe
Make this recipe when you want a dessert that looks and tastes special but is not hard to make. The steps are straightforward, so even a beginner baker can follow them. The recipe uses common tools: a mixer, a 13×9 pan, and simple ingredients. You do not need fancy techniques. Make a batch for holidays, potlucks, or a cozy weekend treat. They store in the fridge and still taste great after a day or two, so you can make them ahead.
What You Need for Cranberry Bliss Bars
You need basic baking tools and the ingredients listed below. Use a 13×9 inch pan lined with parchment paper for easy removal. A medium or large mixer helps mix the batter and frosting well. A wire rack will help the bars cool evenly. For the drizzle, you can melt white chocolate chips in short bursts in the microwave or on the stove. For best texture, chill the bars briefly after frosting so they set and slice clean.
How to Make Cranberry Bliss Bars
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 13×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper so you can lift the bars out after baking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup melted butter and 1 1/2 cups brown sugar. Beat on medium until smooth.
- Add 2 eggs, 1–2 teaspoons orange zest, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat until well mixed.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 2 cups all-purpose flour. Mix on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in 1 cup white chocolate chips and 3/4 cup Craisins so they spread evenly.
- Spread batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes. Watch the edges — they should turn golden brown but the center should not get too firm. Over-baking makes the bars dry.
- Remove the pan and cool on a wire rack. Let the bars cool completely before adding frosting.
- To make frosting, beat 8 oz cream cheese (softened) and 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar until smooth. Add 1 teaspoon orange zest and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, then mix again.
- Spread the frosting over the cooled bars. Sprinkle with 1/3 cup Craisins. Melt 1/2 cup white chocolate chips and drizzle over the top with a fork.
- For cleaner slices, chill the bars 30 minutes to 1 hour so the frosting sets. Slice into triangles and serve.
Ingredients:
Bars:
- 1 cup butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1–2 teaspoons orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup Craisins
Frosting and Topping:
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup Craisins
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 13×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Mix melted butter and brown sugar over medium speed with an electric mixer. Add in eggs, orange zest, and vanilla extract and beat until mixed well. Add in ground ginger, baking powder, salt, and flour, mixing until just blended. Mix in white chocolate chips and Craisins. Spread evenly into the bottom of prepared pan. Bake in preheated oven for 18–22 minutes until set and golden brown at the edges. Avoid over-baking – it will make the bars hard! Remove from oven and place pan on a wire rack to cool. Allow bars to cool entirely before topping with frosting.
To make the frosting, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add orange zest and vanilla extract and mix well. Top cooled bars with frosting. Sprinkle with Craisins and drizzle white chocolate over the top with a fork. For best results, place bars in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour to help them set before cutting. Slice into triangles and enjoy! Note: Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
Best Ways to Serve Cranberry Bliss Bars
Serve these bars slightly chilled or at cool room temperature. They are rich, so small triangles work best. Pair them with coffee, tea, or a mild black tea to cut the sweetness. For holiday service, place a few bars on a small doily on a dessert plate. For parties, arrange them on a tray with other small sweets so guests can try more than one item. You can also pack a few in a small box for gifts — they travel well if kept cold.
How to Store Cranberry Bliss Bars
Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep well for up to 5 days. If you need to store them longer, freeze uncut bars wrapped well in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before slicing. Once cut, keep the bars covered so the frosting does not dry out. If you want a softer texture, leave them at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Easy Tips to Make Cranberry Bliss Bars
- Soften cream cheese fully before frosting so the topping is smooth.
- Do not overbake the bars. Start checking at 18 minutes. The center should be set but still slightly soft.
- Use fresh orange zest for best flavor. Zest adds bright notes that make the bars taste fresh.
- Measure flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling with a knife to avoid dense bars.
- If your white chocolate chips are large, chop them a bit so they spread in the batter more evenly.
Try These Variations of Cranberry Bliss Bars
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for a nutty bite.
- Swap orange zest for lemon zest for a different bright note.
- Use dried cherries instead of Craisins for a different tart flavor.
- Add a pinch of cardamom to the batter for warm spice.
- For a seasonal twist, serve with a dusting of powdered sugar and a sprig of rosemary.
If you like holiday treats that pair fruit and spice, try making a batch with ginger spice or pair these bars with other seasonal cookies like a best gingerbread cookies recipe to create a varied dessert tray.
Common Questions About Cranberry Bliss Bars
Q: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of Craisins?
A: Fresh cranberries are too wet and tart for this batter. Dried cranberries (Craisins) work best. If you use fresh, chop them small and reduce any added liquid, but expect a different texture.
Q: Can I make the bars without white chocolate?
A: Yes. You can leave out white chocolate chips or replace them with milk or dark chocolate chips. The bars will taste different but still be tasty.
Q: How do I cut clean slices?
A: Chill the frosted bars 30–60 minutes so the frosting firms. Use a sharp knife warmed in hot water and wipe the blade between cuts.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: You can make the dough and chill it for a short time, but these bars are meant to bake right away. If you refrigerate the dough, allow a few extra minutes in the oven.
Q: Do I have to use cream cheese frosting?
A: No, but the cream cheese adds tang that balances the sweet base. A plain vanilla frosting will work if you prefer.
Final Thoughts
These Cranberry Bliss Bars give you a bright, creamy, and chewy dessert that feels like a special treat. They are simple to make and store well. With clear steps and a short bake time, you can make these bars for a weeknight dessert or for holiday gatherings. The orange zest and cream cheese frosting make the bars stand out from many other bars.
Ready to Give It a Try?
Gather your ingredients and follow the steps above. These bars are a good make-ahead dessert and a great addition to any dessert table. They are forgiving and easy to adapt. Try one variation or keep the classic version — both are crowd-pleasers.
Conclusion
For more ideas and the original inspiration for a copycat version, you can compare this recipe with the original Cranberry Bliss Bars {Starbucks Copycat Recipe} – Belle of the Kitchen.
Print
Cranberry Bliss Bars
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These soft and sweet Cranberry Bliss Bars are filled with tart cranberries and creamy white chocolate, topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting and orange zest.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1–2 teaspoons orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup Craisins
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup Craisins
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 13×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter and brown sugar, beat until smooth.
- Add eggs, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Beat until well mixed.
- Add ground ginger, baking powder, salt, and flour. Mix on low until just combined.
- Fold in white chocolate chips and Craisins.
- Spread batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 18–22 minutes.
- Remove and cool on a wire rack until completely cooled.
- For frosting, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Add orange zest and vanilla extract, mix well.
- Spread frosting over cooled bars, sprinkle with Craisins, and drizzle with melted white chocolate.
- Chill for 30 minutes to an hour to help the frosting set, then slice into triangles and serve.
Notes
For best texture, chill the bars after frosting to set the cream cheese topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg