Easy Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe

Cranberry Bliss Bars are soft, chewy, and creamy. They have a blondie base, tart dried cranberries, and a smooth cream cheese frosting topped with white chocolate drizzle. At homeandfiesta, we love Recipes that are easy to make, taste rich, and look festive. These bars are perfect for the holidays, parties, or gifting.

You can bake them in a simple 9×13 pan. The bars slice easily and store well. You get a balance of sweet, tart, and creamy in every bite.

Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe

What Are Cranberry Bliss Bars?

Cranberry Bliss Bars are A dessert bar popularized by Starbucks. They are a cross between a blondie and a cookie bar. The base is soft and slightly chewy, made with butter, sugar, eggs, and flour. Dried cranberries and white chocolate chunks add texture and flavor.

A cream cheese frosting layer goes on top. Finally, a drizzle of white chocolate and optional nuts finishes the bars. They are festive, but simple to make at home. You can serve them warm or chilled.

Ingredients for Cranberry Bliss Bars

For the blondie base:

• Butter: 1/2 cup (115 g), melted
• Brown sugar: 1 cup (200 g), packed
• Eggs: 2 large
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
• All-purpose flour: 1 1/2 cups (190 g)
• Baking powder: 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
• Dried cranberries: 1 cup (120 g)
• White chocolate chips or chunks: 1 cup (175 g)

For the cream cheese frosting:

• Cream cheese: 4 oz (115 g), softened
• Unsalted butter: 1/4 cup (57 g), softened
• Powdered sugar: 1 cup (120 g)
• Vanilla extract: 1/2 teaspoon

Optional toppings:

• White chocolate for drizzle
• Chopped pecans or walnuts

Ingredient swaps:

• Coconut oil for butter in the base
• Light brown sugar instead of dark
• Dried cherries for cranberries

Why This Recipe Works

• Soft and chewy base: The melted butter and brown sugar give the blondie base a soft texture.
• Balanced flavor: Tart cranberries offset the sweet white chocolate and frosting.
• Easy to make: All ingredients are pantry staples, and it bakes in one pan.
• Customizable: You can add nuts, change dried fruit, or adjust frosting thickness.
• Festive presentation: White chocolate drizzle and optional nuts make it look special without extra effort.

How to Make Cranberry Bliss Bars

Step 1: Prepare the oven and pan

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Leave an overhang for easy lifting.

Step 2: Make the blondie base

• In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup melted butter and 1 cup brown sugar until smooth.
• Beat in 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
• In another bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
• Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
• Fold in 1 cup dried cranberries and 1 cup white chocolate chips.

Step 3: Bake the base

• Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
• Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
• Let it cool completely in the pan before adding frosting.

Step 4: Make the cream cheese frosting

• In a bowl, beat 4 oz softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup softened butter until smooth.
• Gradually add 1 cup powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.
• Spread frosting evenly over the cooled blondie base.

Step 5: Add the finishing touches

• Melt a few tablespoons of white chocolate and drizzle over the frosting.
• Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts if desired.
• Chill for at least 30 minutes to set before slicing.

Tips for Perfect Cranberry Bliss Bars

• Don’t overbake: The base should be soft. A slightly underbaked center keeps the bars chewy.
• Cool completely: Spread frosting only after the bars are fully cooled.
• Fold cranberries carefully: This keeps them evenly distributed without breaking them.
• Frosting consistency: If too thick, add a teaspoon of milk. If too thin, add more powdered sugar.
• Cutting bars: Use a sharp knife, and wipe it clean between slices for neat edges.

Variations and Serving Ideas

• Replace cranberries with dried cherries or raspberries.
• Add orange zest for a citrus twist.
• Swap white chocolate with milk or dark chocolate chunks.
• Make mini bars for gift boxes or parties.
• Serve warm with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.

Storage, Make Ahead, and Freezing

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days.
• Refrigerate for up to 1 week.
• Freeze uncut bars for 2–3 months. Thaw before frosting.
• Keep frosting toppings separate if freezing for best texture.

Recipe FAQs

1. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes. Bake and frost them a day before serving. Store in the fridge or at room temperature in an airtight container.

2. Can I use fresh cranberries?
You can, but they are very tart. Chop them small and toss with a little sugar before adding.

3. Can I use cream cheese frosting from a store?
Yes. Store-bought frosting works fine. Adjust thickness with a little powdered sugar if needed.

4. How do I make bars gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Check that baking powder is gluten-free.

5. Can I make them vegan?
Yes, use plant-based butter, eggs replacer, and vegan cream cheese. Make sure white chocolate is dairy-free.