Homemade Cranberry Bliss Bars

This cranberry bliss bar recipe transforms your kitchen into a holiday bakery with a homemade version that outshines the Starbucks original. The chewy blondie base studded with white chocolate and cranberries pairs perfectly with tangy cream cheese frosting for a treat that's both festive and indulgent.

I first made these bars for a holiday cookie exchange and they disappeared faster than any other treat. Now they've become part of our family's Christmas tradition, with my kids helping to sprinkle the cranberries on top.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter creates a rich, tender base for these blondies
• Brown sugar adds moisture and a wonderful caramel flavor
• Orange zest brings a subtle citrus note that complements the cranberries perfectly
• Ground ginger provides a warm spice element without overwhelming
• White chocolate chips add creamy sweetness throughout the bars
• Dried cranberries bring tartness and festive color
• Cream cheese creates a tangy frosting that balances the sweetness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Pan

Line your baking dish with parchment paper to ensure easy removal and cleanup. The paper should extend up the sides to create handles for lifting the finished bars.

Create the Base

Melt the butter slowly over low heat to prevent burning. This creates a better texture than using microwaved butter. Whisk with brown sugar until completely combined for a caramel like flavor.

Add the Wet Ingredients

Incorporate eggs, orange zest and vanilla, whisking until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly thickened. The orange zest is crucial for that signature cranberry bliss flavor.

Mix in Dry Ingredients

Combine the flour, ginger, baking powder and salt separately before adding to wet ingredients. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents. Fold gently just until no dry streaks remain.

Add Mix-ins

Gently fold in white chocolate chips and dried cranberries until evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix which can toughen the bars.

Bake to Perfection

Spread the batter evenly and bake just until the edges turn light golden. The center should appear slightly underdone as they will continue cooking as they cool.

Prepare the Frosting

Beat room temperature cream cheese until fluffy before adding powdered sugar and vanilla. Room temperature cream cheese is essential for a smooth frosting without lumps.

Finish and Decorate

Once bars are completely cooled, spread with frosting and top with chopped cranberries. Drizzle with melted white chocolate for that classic Starbucks look.

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The orange zest is my secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered its importance when I made them without it once, and while still good, they lacked that special brightness that makes these bars irresistible. My grandmother always said the zest is where all the essential oils live, and she was absolutely right.

The Perfect Holiday Timeline

These bars can be prepared in stages if you're short on time. Make the blondie base a day ahead, then frost and decorate just before serving. This allows the flavors to develop while ensuring the frosting stays fresh. For holiday entertaining, I often prepare these early in the morning so they have time to chill properly before evening gatherings.

Getting that Signature Look

The classic triangular shape is what makes these recognizable as cranberry bliss bars. After baking in a rectangular pan, cut the entire slab in half lengthwise first. Then cut each long section into four rectangles, and finally cut each rectangle diagonally to create sixteen perfect triangles. For clean cuts, wipe your knife between slices.

Making Them Your Own

While the classic recipe is delicious, you can personalize these bars in several ways. Try adding chopped pistachios for color and crunch, swap the orange zest for lemon, or add a touch of cardamom to the blondie base. During summer months, I've even made a variation with dried blueberries instead of cranberries for a seasonal twist.

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Common Questions

→ How do I cut these bars into triangles?

First slice the rectangle in half lengthwise. Then cut each long section into 4 evenly sized rectangles. Finally, cut each rectangle diagonally to form triangles, giving you a total of 16 triangular bars.

→ Can I make the frosting thicker?

Yes! Add more powdered sugar to achieve your desired frosting consistency. The recipe suggests 1½-2 cups, with less making a slightly thinner (but less sweet) frosting than the Starbucks version.

→ How should I store Cranberry Bliss Bars?

Store the frosted bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you haven't added the cream cheese frosting, you can store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week.

→ How do I know when the bars are properly baked?

Look for light golden brown edges while the top remains relatively pale. Avoid overbaking - they should bake for 22-24 minutes at 350°F. The center should be set but still soft.

→ Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Dried cranberries work best for this recipe as they provide concentrated flavor and don't release moisture into the bars. Fresh cranberries would be too tart and wet for both the blondie base and topping.

→ What makes these different from the Starbucks version?

These homemade bars feature a thicker, chewier blondie base with more white chocolate chips and cranberries throughout. The frosting can be adjusted to your preferred sweetness level, and the fresh orange zest adds a bright flavor that makes them even more delicious.