Cranberry Bliss Bars

These Cranberry Bliss Bars are a festive, sweet treat that combines soft, chewy blondie bars with creamy frosting, tart cranberries, and a touch of white chocolate. I love making them around the holidays because they taste just like the famous coffee shop version but even better homemade. The flavor is a perfect balance of buttery sweetness and cranberry tang, making every bite pure bliss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it brings all the cozy holiday flavors together in one easy dessert. The bars are soft and moist with hints of orange and vanilla, and the creamy frosting adds just the right amount of richness. They’re easy to make, look beautiful on a dessert platter, and always impress guests. I also love how they keep well, making them perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or edible gifts.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the bars:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Ground ginger
• Unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Orange zest (optional but highly recommended)
• Dried cranberries, chopped
• White chocolate chips

For the frosting:

• Cream cheese, softened
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Orange juice or a few drops of orange extract (optional)

For the topping:

• Dried cranberries, finely chopped
• Melted white chocolate (for drizzling)

Directions

1. I start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground ginger.
3. In a large bowl, I whisk the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth.
4. I add the eggs, vanilla, and orange zest, mixing until fully combined.
5. I gradually stir in the dry ingredients just until combined, then fold in the chopped dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.
6. I spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
7. I bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. I let the bars cool completely before frosting.
8. For the frosting, I beat the cream cheese until creamy, then mix in powdered sugar, vanilla, and orange juice until smooth and fluffy.
9. I spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars, then sprinkle chopped dried cranberries on top.
10. I drizzle melted white chocolate over the cranberries in thin lines for that signature look.
11. I refrigerate the bars for at least 30 minutes before slicing into triangles or squares.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24 bars. It takes around 20 minutes to prepare, 20 minutes to bake, and about 30 minutes to chill. In about 1 hour and 10 minutes total, I can have a full tray of festive Cranberry Bliss Bars ready to serve.

Variations

• I sometimes add a teaspoon of orange extract to the frosting for extra citrus flavor.
• For a less sweet version, I reduce the amount of white chocolate chips in the batter.
• I love using fresh cranberries in the batter when I want a tart contrast.
• If I’m feeling festive, I sprinkle a bit of edible glitter or orange zest over the top for decoration.
• To make them gluten-free, I use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Storage/Reheating

I store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They taste even better after chilling overnight as the flavors meld together. For longer storage, I freeze them (without the drizzle) for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, I thaw them in the fridge and add the melted white chocolate drizzle fresh. I don’t reheat these bars — I love serving them cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I make Cranberry Bliss Bars ahead of time?

Yes, I often bake the bars a day ahead and frost them the next day. They hold up beautifully in the fridge.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Yes, but I chop them finely and reduce the amount slightly since they’re more tart and add more moisture.

What kind of white chocolate works best?

I prefer using high-quality white chocolate baking bars for the drizzle and chips for the batter since they melt smoothly.

How do I get clean cuts when slicing?

I chill the bars before cutting and use a sharp knife wiped clean between slices for neat edges.

Can I make these bars dairy-free?

Yes, I use dairy-free cream cheese and white chocolate, and plant-based butter for the blondie base.

Conclusion

These Cranberry Bliss Bars are one of my favorite holiday desserts — soft, creamy, and bursting with festive flavor. I love the combination of buttery blondie, tangy cranberries, and smooth cream cheese frosting with that touch of orange. They’re easy to make, look stunning, and taste like pure holiday magic in every bite.

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