Cranberry Bliss Bars are a delightful treat that captures the essence of the holiday season. These bars are a rich, chewy, and festive homemade version of the classic Starbucks favorite, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy coffee breaks. With a combination of white chocolate, dried cranberries, and a hint of orange zest, these bars are irresistible. Let’s dive into how to create this delicious dessert that can elevate any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Bliss Bars

These Cranberry Bliss Bars are more than just a dessert; they are a celebration of flavors. Here are a few reasons why you will adore them:

The perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors from cranberries and orange zest.
Rich cream cheese frosting adds a velvety touch.
Easy to make and requires minimal baking skills.
Great for festive gatherings, making them a popular choice among holiday cranberry bars.
Customizable – you can add nuts or switch up the chocolate type!
Ideal for gifting during the holiday season.
They are vegetarian friendly, making them accessible for many.
These bars are also available as gluten-free cranberry bliss bars recipe for those with dietary restrictions.

Ingredients for Cranberry Bliss Bars

Gather these items:

1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, melted
1 ½ cups (300g) light brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon orange zest
2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup (130g) white chocolate chips
½ cup (60g) dried cranberries
8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup (85g) white chocolate chips, melted
¼ cup (30g) dried cranberries, chopped
Optional: orange zest for garnish

How to Make Cranberry Bliss Bars Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Whisk melted butter and brown sugar until smooth.
Step 3: Add eggs, vanilla, and orange zest; mix until combined.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, mix flour, ginger, baking powder, and salt.
Step 5: Gradually stir dry ingredients into wet ingredients.
Step 6: Fold in white chocolate chips and dried cranberries.
Step 7: Spread batter evenly in prepared pan.
Step 8: Bake for 18–22 minutes until lightly golden and set.
Step 9: Cool completely before frosting.
Step 10: Beat cream cheese until smooth, then mix in powdered sugar and vanilla.
Step 11: Spread frosting over cooled bars.
Step 12: Drizzle with melted white chocolate and sprinkle with chopped cranberries.
Step 13: Chill 30 minutes before slicing.

Delicious Cranberry Bliss Bars for Festive Moments - Cranberry Bliss Bars - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Perfect Cranberry Bliss Bars

Keep these in mind:

Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing.
Let the bars cool completely before frosting to avoid melting.
These bars are perfect for cranberry cream cheese bars lovers!
For a festive touch, add chopped nuts or a hint of cinnamon.
Ensure to measure flour correctly for the best texture.
These bars can also be made vegan by substituting eggs and using a non-dairy cream cheese.

Best Ways to Serve Cranberry Bliss Bars

These bars can be enjoyed in various ways:

Serve with a cup of coffee or tea during afternoon breaks.
Pack them in lunchboxes for a sweet treat.
Perfect for holiday parties; they look and taste festive!

How to Store and Reheat Cranberry Bliss Bars

Store your Cranberry Bliss Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. They’re also great for meal prep!

Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Bliss Bars

What’s the secret to perfect Cranberry Bliss Bars?

The secret lies in using high-quality ingredients, particularly fresh cranberries and good-quality white chocolate. Ensure that you follow the steps carefully for the best results, and adjust baking time based on your oven.

Can I make Cranberry Bliss Bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the bars a day in advance. Just make sure to frost them on the day you plan to serve for optimal freshness. They also hold up well for a few days in the fridge.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Cranberry Bliss Bars?

To avoid dry bars, do not overmix the batter and keep an eye on the baking time. Every oven is different; checking for doneness a couple of minutes early can help ensure they remain soft and chewy.

Variations of Cranberry Bliss Bars You Can Try

There are plenty of creative variations to explore:

Try cranberry almond bars by adding slivered almonds into the batter.
Make cranberry oatmeal bars by incorporating oats for added texture.
For a twist, try cranberry white chocolate bars by using dark chocolate instead of white.
Experiment with different dried fruits for a unique flavor.

For more delicious recipes, check out our desserts category or try making easy cinnamon rolls for a delightful breakfast treat. You can also learn about the nutritional benefits of onions to enhance your cooking!

Delicious Cranberry Bliss Bars for Festive Moments

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These Cranberry Bliss Bars are a rich, chewy, and festive homemade version of the classic Starbucks favorite.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 18-22 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 16 bars 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, melted
1 ½ cups (300g) light brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon orange zest
2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup (130g) white chocolate chips
½ cup (60g) dried cranberries
8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup (85g) white chocolate chips, melted
¼ cup (30g) dried cranberries, chopped
Optional: orange zest for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Whisk melted butter and brown sugar until smooth.
Add eggs, vanilla, and orange zest; mix until combined.
In a separate bowl, mix flour, ginger, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually stir dry ingredients into wet ingredients.
Fold in white chocolate chips and dried cranberries.
Spread batter evenly in prepared pan.
Bake for 18–22 minutes until lightly golden and set.
Cool completely before frosting.
Beat cream cheese until smooth, then mix in powdered sugar and vanilla.
Spread frosting over cooled bars.
Drizzle with melted white chocolate and sprinkle with chopped cranberries.
Chill 30 minutes before slicing.