Cranberry Bliss Bars
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 20–24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cranberry Bliss Bars are rich, chewy dessert bars filled with white chocolate chips, dried cranberries, and warm spices. Topped with creamy vanilla frosting and a white chocolate drizzle, they’re a festive favorite that tastes just like the coffee shop version—only better.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp orange zest (optional)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries
- For the frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp orange zest (optional)
- For the topping:
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup white chocolate, melted (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and orange zest.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in white chocolate chips and dried cranberries.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until golden around the edges and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Do not overbake.
- Cool bars completely in the pan.
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and orange zest and beat until creamy.
- Spread frosting evenly over the cooled bars.
- Sprinkle with chopped dried cranberries and drizzle with melted white chocolate.
- Chill for 30 minutes before slicing into squares or triangles and serving.
Notes
Don’t skip chilling before slicing—it helps the bars set for cleaner cuts.Use high-quality white chocolate for the best flavor and drizzle consistency.Add a splash of orange juice to the frosting for an extra citrus boost.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These bars are rich, festive, and incredibly satisfying. The base is buttery and soft with a hint of cinnamon and orange, perfectly balanced by the tangy cranberries and sweet white chocolate. The luscious cream cheese frosting adds a smooth contrast, and the white chocolate drizzle gives them that signature look. They’re easy to make in one pan, slice beautifully, and taste like Christmas in every bite.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the bars:
-
Unsalted butter, softened
-
Brown sugar
-
Granulated sugar
-
Eggs
-
Vanilla extract
-
Orange zest (optional but recommended)
-
All-purpose flour
-
Baking powder
-
Ground cinnamon
-
Salt
-
White chocolate chips
-
Dried cranberries
For the frosting:
-
Cream cheese, softened
-
Powdered sugar
-
Vanilla extract
-
Orange zest (optional)
For the topping:
-
Dried cranberries, chopped
-
White chocolate, melted (for drizzling)
Directions
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
-
In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
-
Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and orange zest.
-
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
-
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
-
Fold in white chocolate chips and dried cranberries.
-
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
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Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Do not overbake.
-
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting.
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For the frosting, beat cream cheese until smooth, then add powdered sugar, vanilla, and orange zest. Beat until creamy.
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Spread frosting over cooled bars. Sprinkle with chopped cranberries.
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Drizzle melted white chocolate over the top using a fork or piping bag.
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Chill for 30 minutes before slicing into triangles or squares.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 20–24 bars.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Cool & Chill Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Variations
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Nutty Twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for crunch.
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Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
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Extra Orange: Add a splash of orange juice to the frosting for more citrus flavor.
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Mini Version: Bake in mini muffin tins for bite-sized treats.
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Less Sweet: Reduce the white chocolate chips slightly for a milder version.
Storage/Reheating
Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving for best texture.
To freeze, place bars in a single layer (or with parchment between layers) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
FAQs
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! These bars are great for making 1–2 days in advance and store well in the fridge.
Do I need to use orange zest?
It’s optional, but it really enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
Can I use fresh cranberries?
No, dried cranberries are best for texture and flavor. Fresh ones may add too much moisture.
How do I keep the white chocolate drizzle from hardening too fast?
Work quickly while the chocolate is warm and use a fork or piping bag for easy drizzling.
What type of white chocolate works best?
Use real white chocolate or high-quality chips for best results and flavor.
Can I skip the cream cheese frosting?
You can, but it’s a key component of the signature flavor. Try a simple glaze instead if preferred.
Why are my bars dry?
Avoid overbaking. Start checking at the 22-minute mark and remove when just set.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double and bake in a half-sheet pan. Adjust baking time slightly.
Can I make these in a smaller pan?
Yes, for thicker bars, use a 9×9-inch pan and bake a bit longer.
Are these bars freezer-friendly?
Yes, freeze after frosting and drizzling. Wrap well and thaw in the fridge before serving.
Conclusion
Cranberry Bliss Bars are the ultimate holiday dessert—rich, tangy, sweet, and so easy to make. With their soft, chewy base and creamy frosting, they’re a festive favorite that’s perfect for gatherings, gifting, or simply treating yourself. Once you make them at home, you’ll never need the coffee shop version again.
