Cranberry Bliss Bars

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There’s something undeniably cheerful about the combination of white chocolate, cranberries, and soft cookie bars topped with creamy frosting. Whenever I make these Cranberry Bliss Bars, I’m instantly transported to cozy holidays and coffee shop treats that feel both festive and indulgent. They’re inspired by the popular Starbucks version, but I think this homemade take is even better — more generous with toppings, richer in flavor, and delightfully easy to customize.

I love baking these bars when I want something that looks impressive but doesn’t take hours to pull off. The balance between the chewy blondie base, the creamy white chocolate-infused frosting, and the tart pop of cranberries is just perfect. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering, gifting them to a friend, or sneaking a square with your morning coffee, these bars never disappoint.

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Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe

Cranberry Bliss Bars are a crowd-pleaser with their bakery-quality appearance and rich, layered flavors. They’re simple to make, yet they taste like something you’d pick up from a high-end café. The white chocolate and cranberry combo offers a beautiful sweet-tart contrast, and that dreamy cream cheese frosting brings it all together. Plus, they’re easy to cut into neat little triangles for serving — it’s the little details that make them shine.

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What Kind of White Chocolate Should I Use?

The quality of your white chocolate makes a big difference in both the base and the drizzle. I always recommend using real white chocolate bars and chopping them yourself rather than relying on white chocolate chips, which sometimes contain stabilizers that don’t melt as smoothly. Brands like Ghirardelli or Lindt are ideal, especially for the drizzle and chunks in the batter.

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Options for Substitutions

These bars are forgiving, which makes them great for tweaking to your taste or dietary needs. You can use gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version — just make sure it includes xanthan gum. Swap out the cream cheese frosting for a dairy-free version using plant-based cream cheese and butter if you’re avoiding dairy. And while dried cranberries are classic, you could experiment with dried cherries or chopped dried apricots for a twist.

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Ingredients for this Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe

Brown Sugar – Adds rich, caramel-like sweetness and chewiness to the blondie base.

Unsalted Butter – Melted butter keeps the base moist and enhances flavor.

Eggs – Provide structure and help bind the ingredients together.

Vanilla Extract – A must for depth of flavor, especially with white chocolate.

All-Purpose Flour – The foundation of the blondie; gives structure and balance.

Baking Powder – Offers a slight lift to the blondie layer.

Salt – Enhances all the sweet and tart flavors.

White Chocolate – Used inside the bars, in the frosting, and for the decorative drizzle.

Dried Cranberries – Tart, chewy pops of flavor throughout and on top.

Cream Cheese – For a thick, rich frosting that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the bars.

Powdered Sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting without adding grit.

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Step 1: Make the Blondie Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang for easy removal.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until smooth and glossy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract.

Add flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. Fold in white chocolate chunks and chopped dried cranberries.

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let it cool completely before frosting.

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Step 2: Make the Frosting

Beat cream cheese and softened butter until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, then continue beating until fluffy and spreadable.

Melt some white chocolate separately (for drizzle) and set aside.

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Step 3: Assemble the Bars

Once the blondie base is fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.

Sprinkle generously with dried cranberries and drizzle melted white chocolate across the top in a zigzag pattern.

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Step 4: Cut and Serve

Chill the assembled bars for about 30 minutes to firm up the frosting and make cutting easier.

Remove from the pan using parchment handles, then slice into rectangles or traditional triangle shapes for that iconic coffee shop look.

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How Long to Prepare the Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe

Preparation Time: Most of your active work will be done within 20 minutes. That includes mixing the blondie base and preparing the frosting while the base cools.

Baking and Cooling Time: The bars bake in about 20 minutes. Cooling can take another 45–60 minutes before they’re ready for frosting and slicing. So, from start to finish, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 30 minutes, most of which is hands-off.

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Tips for Perfect Cranberry Bliss Bars

• Always let the blondie base cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
• Use high-quality white chocolate for better flavor and smoother melting.
• For clean cuts, chill the bars before slicing and wipe the knife between each cut.
• Fold in the cranberries and white chocolate gently to keep the batter light.
• If using unsalted butter, a pinch of extra salt boosts flavor depth.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overbaking the blondie base – Keep a close eye near the end of bake time. Overbaking leads to a dry texture.
• Frosting too early – Warm blondies will melt the cream cheese layer. Always wait until fully cooled.
• Skipping parchment paper – It makes lifting and slicing much easier.
• Using low-quality white chocolate – It won’t melt well and can seize, making the drizzle clumpy.
• Overloading with cranberries – Stick to the suggested amount or it might overpower the sweetness.

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What to Serve With Cranberry Bliss Bars?

1. Fresh Brewed Coffee

A hot mug of coffee enhances the sweetness and complements the tart cranberries.

2. Holiday Tea Blends

Try cinnamon spice or cranberry herbal teas to double down on festive flavor.

3. Whipped Cream or Vanilla Ice Cream

Serve a bar slightly warm with a dollop of whipped cream or scoop of ice cream for a dessert-style treat.

4. Cheese Board

Add a sweet element to a savory cheese board with triangle slices of these bars.

5. Sparkling Water with Citrus

A refreshing drink helps cleanse the palate and balances the sweetness.

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Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature, preferably in a cool area. If your kitchen is warm, refrigeration is better.

Refrigerator: For longer storage, place bars in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5–6 days. They’ll stay firm and the frosting will hold well.

Freezer: Freeze individual bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then stored in a zip-top bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Bar, Approximate)

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 45mg
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 28g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Cranberry Bliss Bars ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, they taste even better the next day. Just store them in the fridge until ready to serve.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

It’s not recommended. Fresh cranberries are too tart and watery for this recipe.

How do I keep the frosting from getting too soft?

Keep the bars chilled after frosting, and avoid spreading the frosting on a warm base.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. Just use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend with xanthan gum.

What’s the best way to melt white chocolate for drizzling?

Microwave in short 15-second bursts, stirring in between, or use a double boiler for gentle melting.

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Conclusion

Cranberry Bliss Bars are one of those desserts that look like they belong in a bakery window but are wonderfully easy to make at home. Their balance of sweet white chocolate, tangy cranberries, and creamy frosting makes them ideal for holidays, coffee dates, or anytime you want a treat that stands out. Once you try these, they’re sure to become a go-to in your baking rotation — simple, stunning, and seriously delicious.

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