Introduction

If you love the festive flavors of Starbucks’ Cranberry Bliss Bars, this copycat recipe brings those delicious notes right into your kitchen. These bars combine chewy blondie base, tart cranberries, and a creamy orange-cream cheese frosting for a perfect holiday treat.

The image shows a round cake cut into triangular slices placed on a wooden board over a white marbled texture. The cake has two visible layers: the bottom layer is light brown with dark red berry pieces mixed inside, giving it a textured and slightly crumbly look. The top layer is smooth white icing, decorated with white icing drizzles and topped with small pieces of dark red berries scattered evenly across each slice. A few berry pieces are also scattered on the wooden board near the slices. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (7.5 oz)
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp table salt
12 tbsp unsalted butter (6 oz)
1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar (10.5 oz)
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp grated orange zest
3/4 cup dried cranberries (3.5 oz, loosely packed)
1 1/3 cups white chocolate, chopped or chips (8 oz)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted (6 oz)
1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
1 tbsp orange juice
1 tsp orange zest, finely grated (for frosting)
2/3 cup white chocolate, melted (4 oz)
1/2 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped (2.3 oz, loosely packed)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the rack in the middle. Spray a 9 by 13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides. Spray the parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a light-colored saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir frequently as it foams and the milk solids turn golden brown. Remove from heat once browned and pour into a bowl, scraping in the flavorful bits. Let cool completely.
Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, combine the cooled browned butter and brown sugar, whisking until smooth. Add eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest, stirring until well blended.
Step 4: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula until just combined. Fold in the chopped white chocolate and dried cranberries. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until edges are golden and top is set. Cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 5: Beat together the softened cream cheese, sifted confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, orange juice, and finely grated orange zest until fluffy. Once the bars are cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Chill for 10 minutes if preferred to firm up before decorating.
Step 6: Sprinkle the roughly chopped dried cranberries evenly over the frosted bars. Drizzle the melted white chocolate decoratively on top. For easier drizzling, pour the chocolate into a small plastic bag, cut a corner, and drizzle. Refrigerate until frosting and drizzle are set.
Step 7: Lift the bars out using the parchment overhang and cut into triangles or desired shapes. Serve and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Brown the butter carefully using a light-colored pan to monitor the color change and avoid burning – this deepens the flavor beautifully.
Use fresh or frozen cranberries for a tangier bite instead of dried, if you prefer.
For an extra festive touch, add chopped pistachios to the batter or sprinkle on top with cranberries.
If white chocolate chips aren’t available, use high-quality chopped bars for a smoother melt and richer flavor.

Storage

Store these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To serve, you can let them come to room temperature or enjoy chilled. The frosting and chocolate drizzle firm up nicely when cold, making them easier to slice neatly.

How to Serve

The image shows three stacked triangular bars with two layers each. The bottom layer is light brown with visible red dried cranberries inside, showing a soft and crumbly texture. The top layer is thick white cream with a smooth and swirled pattern, sprinkled with more dried red cranberries and white chocolate chips on the surface. The bars sit on a white marbled textured surface with some crumbs and scattered dried cranberries around them. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars can be prepared and frosted a day in advance. Keep them refrigerated until ready to serve for the best texture and flavor.

Can I freeze the cranberry bliss bars?

You can freeze the bars uncut in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and allow to come to room temperature before serving.