Homemade Cranberry Bliss Bars: Your Ultimate Starbucks Copycat Recipe for Year-Round Delight
Indulge in the festive cheer any time of year with these exquisite homemade Cranberry Bliss Bars. Forget waiting for the holiday season; this recipe brings the beloved Starbucks treat right to your kitchen. Each bar is a symphony of flavors, boasting a tender, buttery blondie base infused with a hint of bright orange, studded with sweet white chocolate chips and tart dried cranberries. Crowned with a luxurious white chocolate cream cheese frosting and a delicate drizzle of extra white chocolate and cranberries, these bars are pure decadence, a truly divine experience down to every last crumb.
Why This Homemade Cranberry Bliss Bar Recipe is a Must-Try
There’s a reason why Starbucks’ Cranberry Bliss Bars disappear as quickly as they arrive during the holiday season. Their unique blend of sweet and tangy, soft and creamy, is simply irresistible. This homemade copycat version captures all the magic of the original, elevating it with fresh ingredients and the undeniable charm of a dessert made with love. What makes this recipe truly stand out is its thoughtful combination of components: a moist, chewy blondie base that serves as the perfect canvas, enhanced by a subtle yet vibrant dash of orange oil. This citrus note brightens the entire profile, cutting through the richness beautifully. The dried cranberries add bursts of delightful tartness, perfectly complementing the sweet creaminess of the white chocolate, which is generously incorporated into both the blondie and the luscious cream cheese frosting. The final flourish? A delicate drizzle of melted white chocolate and a sprinkle of cranberries on top, not only for visual appeal but also to intensify the blissful flavor journey. It’s a harmonious blend that comes together to create a show-stopping treat for any occasion, especially your holiday dessert table.
While many associate cranberries exclusively with autumn and winter, the beauty of this particular recipe lies in its use of dried cranberries. This ingenious choice means you aren’t limited by seasonality! Unlike recipes that demand fresh, seasonal berries, these delightful bars can be whipped up any time the craving strikes. This versatility makes them a huge win in our recipe book, allowing you to enjoy that sweet-tart goodness year-round. So, whether it’s a summer picnic, a cozy winter evening, or just a Tuesday, these Cranberry Caramel Bars and White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies are delightful, but these bliss bars offer unparalleled flexibility.
Essential Ingredients for Cranberry Bliss Bars
Crafting these Cranberry Bliss Bars requires a selection of common pantry staples, alongside a few special additions that truly make them shine. Before you begin, ensure all your ingredients are measured out and ready to go – this practice, known as “mise en place,” makes the baking process smoother and more enjoyable. Pay particular attention to ingredients that require specific temperatures, such as softened cream cheese and room temperature eggs, as these greatly impact the texture and consistency of your final product. For the full, detailed list of measurements and step-by-step instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card found at the end of this post.
Ingredient Spotlight & Smart Substitutions
Delving deeper into the ingredients reveals the secrets behind these bars’ incredible flavor and texture. Understanding each component not only helps you achieve perfect results but also empowers you to make thoughtful substitutions if needed.
FROSTING – The star of the blondie base is undoubtedly the orange oil. Orange oil is remarkably potent, delivering a vibrant burst of citrus flavor with just a few drops. If you don’t have orange oil on hand, you can certainly substitute with orange extract, but you’ll need to use a bit more (generally, a 1:4 ratio of oil to extract, so approximately 1 teaspoon of extract for ¼ teaspoon of oil). For an even fresher zest, consider incorporating finely grated orange zest directly into the blondie batter or sprinkling it over the finished bars. The frosting itself is a glorious hybrid, combining the tangy creaminess of classic Cream Cheese Frosting with the rich, smooth texture of white chocolate. It’s a dreamy concoction made from softened cream cheese, powdered sugar for sweetness and structure, a touch of vanilla extract, and that crucial orange oil, all blended with half a cup of melted white chocolate. This combination creates a frosting that is incredibly decadent, perfectly balanced in sweetness, and provides a delightful contrast to the chewy blondie and tart cranberries.
CHOCOLATE AND CRANBERRIES – The beauty of these bars is their flexibility. You can easily adjust the quantity of white chocolate chips and dried cranberries to suit your personal preference. Love a stronger cranberry punch? Add a little more! Prefer extra chocolatey bites? Pile in those chips! For the white chocolate chips, any good quality brand will work. If you prefer, a high-quality white chocolate bar can be chopped and used in place of chips, offering an even smoother melt and possibly a richer flavor profile. Make sure your white chocolate is genuine white chocolate, not confectionary coating, for the best taste and texture.
Crafting Cranberry Bliss Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are provided to help you visualize each stage of making this recipe, ensuring your success. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with precise measurements and instructions at the bottom of this post.
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13 inch metal baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring there’s an overhang on the sides. This overhang will act as “handles” later, making it easy to lift the baked bars out of the pan. Lightly spray the parchment paper with nonstick baking spray to prevent sticking, and set the pan aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and packed light brown sugar. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is completely smooth and evenly combined. This creates the foundational sweetness and moisture for your blondie base.
- Next, incorporate the wet flavorings and binders: add the vanilla extract, potent orange oil (or orange extract if substituting), and the two large eggs. Whisk thoroughly until all these ingredients are fully combined into the sugar-butter mixture, ensuring a homogenous batter.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: salt, all-purpose flour, and baking powder. This ensures that the leavening agent (baking powder) and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, preventing pockets of unmixed ingredients in your final bars.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet butter mixture. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as overmixing can lead to tough blondies. Once the flour streaks are mostly gone, stop.
- Now, fold in the star inclusions: the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries. Gently fold them into the batter until they are evenly distributed throughout. This ensures every bite of your bliss bar is packed with flavor and texture.
- Pour the blondie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. 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, but no wet batter. Remove from the oven and allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Cooling is crucial before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- While the blondies are cooling, prepare the divine frosting. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a hint of orange oil. Using a handheld mixer, beat these ingredients together until the frosting is light, fluffy, and perfectly smooth.
- Melt one cup of white chocolate chips in the microwave. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted. Add *half* of this melted white chocolate (reserving the other half for drizzling later) to the cream cheese mixture and beat until thoroughly combined. This creates the rich, creamy white chocolate cream cheese frosting.
- Once the blondies are completely cool, use the parchment paper overhang to carefully lift the baked bars out of the baking pan and transfer them to a cutting board or flat surface.
- Generously spread the prepared white chocolate cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled blondies using an offset spatula. Then, sprinkle the reserved dried cranberries evenly over the top of the frosting.
- For the signature shape, cut the large rectangle into smaller triangles. A common method is to cut the rectangle into three long strips, then cut each strip diagonally to form triangles. After cutting, drizzle the remaining melted white chocolate over the individual bar triangles. A helpful tip: make sure to cut the bars into triangles *before* drizzling with the final melted white chocolate. If you drizzle first, the hardened chocolate can make it difficult to get clean cuts, potentially cracking the frosting.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Perfect Bliss Bars
To maintain their freshness and delicious texture, store your homemade Cranberry Bliss Bars in an airtight container. They will keep beautifully at room temperature for 3-5 days. If your kitchen is particularly warm, or for longer storage, refrigeration is recommended. Just make sure they are well-sealed to prevent drying out.
Absolutely! These bars freeze exceptionally well, making them perfect for meal prepping desserts or holiday baking in advance. To freeze, first allow the bars to set completely (this helps prevent the frosting from smearing). Wrap each individual bar or a small stack of bars tightly in plastic wrap, then transfer them into a large freezer-safe ziptop bag. For added protection against freezer burn, you can also layer them with parchment paper in an airtight freezer container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. They taste just as good as freshly made!
While dried cranberries offer year-round convenience and a chewier texture, you can experiment with fresh cranberries. If using fresh, chop them finely and consider tossing them with a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the batter. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom. Keep in mind that fresh cranberries are much more tart, so you might want to slightly increase the sugar in the blondie base or add a bit of extra sugar to the cranberries themselves before mixing. The baking time might also vary slightly due to the added moisture.
Achieving those perfectly clean, signature triangle cuts requires a few tricks. First, ensure the baked and frosted blondies are thoroughly chilled – at least an hour in the refrigerator (or even 30 minutes in the freezer) will firm up the frosting, making it much easier to cut cleanly. Second, use a very sharp, large knife. For the cleanest cuts, wipe the knife clean with a damp cloth after each cut to prevent frosting from dragging. Remember the expert tip: cut the bars into triangles *before* drizzling with the final melted white chocolate. This ensures the hardened drizzle doesn’t crack or pull apart when you cut.
Serving Suggestions for Your Cranberry Bliss Bars
These Cranberry Bliss Bars are incredibly versatile and delightful in a multitude of settings. They are the perfect companion to your morning coffee or tea, offering a sweet, comforting start to the day. Pack them into lunchboxes for a special midday treat, or serve them as an elegant addition to any brunch spread. During the holiday season, they become an absolute staple, ideal for cookie swaps, festive gatherings, or as a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family. Their vibrant colors and irresistible flavor instantly evoke a sense of warmth and celebration. But don’t let their holiday association fool you; the use of dried cranberries means these bars can be enjoyed and appreciated at any time of year. Imagine them as a light dessert after a summer BBQ or a sweet pick-me-up on a dreary spring day. Their portability and crowd-pleasing taste make them suitable for potlucks, bake sales, or simply as a special treat when you need a little burst of joy.
Explore More Delicious Cranberry Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with the sweet-tart goodness of cranberries in these bliss bars, you’ll be thrilled to discover how wonderfully they integrate into other recipes. From refreshing drinks to comforting cakes and delightful pastries, cranberries offer a unique flavor profile that brightens any dish. Here are a few more cranberry-centric recipes to inspire your culinary adventures:
- Cranberry Holiday Punch
- Cranberry Coffee Cake
- Cranberry Orange Spiral Cookies
- Cranberry Cream Cheese Pastries
- White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge
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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!
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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
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13×9 metal baking pan
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Mixing bowls
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Hand mixer
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Whisk
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Rubber spatula
Before You Begin
- TO STORE – Store the bars in an air-tight container at room temperature for 3-5 days. For extended freshness, especially in warmer climates, refrigeration is advised.
- TO FREEZE – These bars freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap them individually or in small batches tightly with plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe ziptop bag or airtight container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- Orange oil is very concentrated; a little goes a long way. If using orange extract, use approximately four times the amount (e.g., 1 teaspoon of extract for ¼ teaspoon of oil). Freshly grated orange zest can also be incorporated into the batter or sprinkled on top for a vibrant citrus aroma.
- Feel free to customize the amount of white chocolate chips and dried cranberries to your taste. For a gourmet touch, you can substitute high-quality white chocolate baking bars, chopped, for the chips.
- For the cleanest cuts, ensure the frosted bars are thoroughly chilled in the refrigerator for at least an hour before slicing. Use a sharp knife and wipe the blade clean between each cut.
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch metal baking pan with parchment paper, allowing an overhang on the sides for easy lifting. Spray the parchment with nonstick baking spray and set aside.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated.
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Add the vanilla extract, orange oil, and eggs to the butter-sugar mixture. Whisk vigorously until all ingredients are fully combined and the mixture is light and uniform.
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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 until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
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Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries until they are evenly distributed throughout the blondie batter.
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Spread the 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.
Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before proceeding to the frosting stage.
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Meanwhile, prepare the frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and orange oil with a handheld mixer until the mixture is light, fluffy, and perfectly smooth.
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Melt one cup of white chocolate chips in the microwave, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring until completely smooth. Add half of the melted white chocolate (reserving the other half for drizzling) to the cream cheese mixture and beat until well combined.
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Once the bars are completely cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to carefully lift the baked blondies from the baking pan and transfer them to a cutting board.
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Evenly spread the prepared white chocolate cream cheese frosting over the cooled blondies. Sprinkle the remaining dried cranberries generously over the frosted top.
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Cut the large rectangle into individual triangles. Drizzle the remaining melted white chocolate over each of the cut bar triangles.
TIP – For crisp, clean cuts, it’s best to cut the bars into triangles *before* drizzling with the melted white chocolate. If you drizzle first, the hardened chocolate can make it difficult to achieve neat slices.
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.