Winter evenings carry a special kind of magic, and when you pair that with the aroma of baking, it transforms into something unforgettable. I’ve taken the beloved Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars and crafted a homemade version that captures all those festive flavors right in your kitchen. This easy recipe results in a chewy cranberry and white chocolate blondie base, generously topped with creamy orange-flavored frosting. Not only are these bars a delightful addition to your holiday spread, but they also make for a comforting dessert that warms the soul. With minimal prep and maximum taste, these Homemade Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars are sure to impress your friends and family at any gathering. Ready to create a sweet holiday tradition that will have everyone asking for seconds? Let’s dive into the deliciousness! Why make Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars? Irresistible Festive Flavor: These bars blend tart cranberries with sweet white chocolate, creating a flavor explosion that’s perfect for the holidays. Easy to Prepare: The straightforward recipe allows even novice bakers to enjoy delicious results with minimal effort. Customizable Delight: Feel free to experiment by adding nuts or swapping cranberries for other dried fruits, such as apricots or cherries. Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Whether at gatherings or cozy nights in, these bars are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Pair them with a warm drink like hot cocoa for the ultimate experience! Make-Ahead Friendly: They last in the fridge for up to five days, making them a convenient option for holiday prep. You might also love to try them alongside other treats like Baked Oatmeal Bars for a delightful dessert spread! Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars Ingredients For the Blondie Base All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure to the bars; for a gluten-free option, swap with a gluten-free flour blend. Baking Powder – Helps the bars rise; ensure it’s fresh for optimal leavening. Salt – Enhances flavor; use fine sea salt for even distribution. Ground Cinnamon – Adds warmth and spice; can substitute with nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice for variety. Ground Cloves – Imparts a fragrant depth; omit if unavailable or replace with equal measurement of allspice. Salted Butter – Adds richness and moisture; unsalted butter can be used if adjusting salt levels accordingly. Light Brown Sugar – Provides sweetness and contributes to the moist texture; dark brown sugar can be used for a deeper flavor. Large Eggs – Binds ingredients together and helps with leavening; no substitution recommended. Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor; can substitute with almond extract for a different profile. Dried Cranberries – Adds tartness and chewiness; can substitute with golden raisins or chopped dried apricots. White Chocolate – Contributes sweetness and creaminess; use high-quality chocolate or chips for the best results. For the Cream Cheese Frosting Cream Cheese – Forms the base of the frosting, adding creaminess; use full-fat for the best texture. Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the frosting and helps achieve the right consistency; no substitutions recommended. Grated Orange Zest – Adds a fresh, citrusy aroma; use a microplane for fine zesting. For the Drizzle Melted White Chocolate – Adds decorative flair and sweetness; ensure it’s at a pourable consistency before drizzling. Enjoy creating these delightful Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars that will bring smiles at your holiday gatherings! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, grease a 9×11-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray to ensure the bars won’t stick after baking. This preparation will help create a perfect base for your Homemade Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars. Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves. Make sure to blend these dry ingredients thoroughly, as this will help to evenly distribute the flavors throughout your bars, ensuring a delightful taste in every bite. Step 3: Prepare the Blondie Batter Next, melt ½ cup of salted butter in a saucepan over low heat, and allow it to cool slightly. In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter with 1 cup of light brown sugar and ½ cup of granulated sugar until well combined. Once mixed, add 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, incorporating them fully before gradually blending in the dry ingredients until just combined. Finally, fold in 1 cup of dried cranberries and ½ cup of white chocolate chips for that signature flavor. Step 4: Bake the Blondies Pour your blondie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake in your preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the edges, as they will slightly puff up and turn golden, indicating that your Homemade Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars are ready to cool. Step 5: Prepare the Frosting While the blondies are baking, prepare a creamy frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese with 2 cups of powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Gradually add the grated zest of one orange to this creamy mixture, ensuring a refreshingly citrusy note that complements the tart cranberries beautifully. Step 6: Assemble the Bars Once the blondies have cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top of the bars using a spatula. For an added touch of flavor and decoration, sprinkle additional dried cranberries atop the frosting. Drizzle melted white chocolate over the bars for a sweet finishing touch that not only enhances the flavor but adds a festive flair. Step 7: Chill and Cut Refrigerate the assembled bars for about 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set properly. After chilling, remove the bars from the fridge and use a sharp knife to cut them into triangles or squares. These Homemade Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars can be served either chilled or at room temperature, ready to delight your family and friends with their delicious holiday flavors. How to Store and Freeze Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars Fridge: Keep the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and moisture. Freezer: You can freeze uncut Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars for up to 2 months. Ensure they’re tightly wrapped to prevent freezer burn. Thawing: To enjoy, thaw the bars in the fridge overnight and frost just before serving for the best taste experience. Reheating: If desired, you can gently warm individual pieces in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy that freshly baked feel! Make Ahead Options These Homemade Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the blondie base up to 24 hours in advance by baking and allowing it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerating. The cream cheese frosting can also be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. Just be sure to rewhip the frosting lightly before spreading it on the cooled bars. When you’re ready to serve, frost the blondies, add the cranberries, and drizzle with melted white chocolate for that festive finish. This way, you’ll have decadent homemade treats ready to impress with minimal effort! What to Serve with Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars The perfect pairing can take your holiday treats to the next level, enhancing those delightful flavors and creating memorable moments. Spiced Cider: A warm glass of spiced cider complements the bars’ sweetness while adding a comforting, nostalgic twist to your gathering. Rich Hot Chocolate: The creamy, chocolatey warmth of hot cocoa balances the tartness of the cranberries, creating a delightful contrast in flavors. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of velvety vanilla ice cream provides a cool, creamy counterpart that pairs beautifully with the chewy texture of the bars. Gingerbread Cookies: The spiced notes of gingerbread cookies harmonize with the fruity sweetness of the cranberry bars, enhancing the festive spirit of your dessert table. Festive Fruit Salad: A bright fruit salad, mixed with seasonal fruits like pomegranate and orange, brings a fresh, juicy element that lightens up this rich treat. Earl Grey Tea: Pairing these bars with a fragrant cup of Earl Grey tea adds a sophisticated touch, elevating your dessert experience with its floral notes. Pumpkin Pie: For a classic holiday spread, the spiced flavors of pumpkin pie create a joyful connection between these two beloved desserts. Sparkling Water with Citrus: A refreshing glass of sparkling water infused with lemon or lime allows cleansing of the palate between bites, keeping things light and bright. Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars Variations Feel free to get creative with these delightful bars, customizing them to suit your taste and occasion! Nutty Bliss: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch and rich flavor contrast. They elevate the texture beautifully! Fruity Twist: Swap dried cranberries for dried cherries or blueberries for a unique flavor profile. Each bite will burst with a new fruit essence! Gluten-Free Goodness: Use a gluten-free flour blend to cater to gluten-sensitive guests while keeping the same delicious taste. Your loved ones will thank you! Spiced Up: Incorporate a touch of ginger or cardamom into the batter to enhance those warm holiday spices. The aroma alone is worth it! Double Chocolate: Mix in some dark chocolate chips along with the white chocolate to create a decadent chocolate lover’s delight. Chocolate with cranberries is always a win! Festive Finish: Top with colorful holiday sprinkles or edible glitter for a festive touch that will dazzle your guests. A little charm goes a long way! Lower Sugar Option: Substitute white sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup for a slightly healthier take while still retaining that lovely sweetness. Your waistline will appreciate this option! Silky Vegan: For a vegan version, replace eggs with flax eggs and use dairy-free butter and cream cheese. It’s an inclusive treat that everyone can enjoy! Feel free to also check out these wonderful recipes like Baked Oatmeal Bars or indulge in some stunning White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies for more sweet holiday ideas! Expert Tips for Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars Butter Temperature: Keep melted butter warm, not hot, to prevent cooking the eggs when combined with sugar. Pan Rotation: For even baking, rotate your pan halfway through the baking time, ensuring all edges cook uniformly. Cooling Is Key: Allow your bars to cool completely before frosting; this prevents the cream cheese frosting from melting and losing its shape. Zest Adjustment: For a bolder orange flavor, feel free to increase the amount of grated orange zest to suit your taste preferences in these Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars. Storage Wisely: Store uncut bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 2 months to enjoy later. Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe FAQs How do I select ripe dried cranberries? Absolutely! When choosing dried cranberries, look for those that are plump and have a sweet aroma. Avoid any that appear overly hard or have dark spots, as this may indicate they’re past their prime. A high-quality brand will also have a nice glossy sheen, which is a sign of freshness. How should I store leftover bars? Very! Store your Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This helps to retain their moisture and flavor, keeping them delicious for your next sweet craving. Can I freeze these bars? Absolutely! To freeze your Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars, first cut them into individual pieces. Then, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will maintain their quality for up to 2 months. To enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and frost them just before serving for a fresh dessert feel. Why did my bars turn out too dry? If your bars turned out dry, it could be due to overbaking or measuring the flour incorrectly. To prevent this, always use the spoon-and-level method for measuring flour—spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife rather than scooping directly from the bag. Check your bars a few minutes before the baking time is up; they should be set but not completely firm in the center. Are there any dietary concerns for pets or allergies? Yes! Be mindful that both cranberries and chocolate can be harmful to pets, like dogs, so it’s best to keep these bars out of their reach. For those with allergies, check that all your ingredients, particularly the cream cheese and any add-ins (like chocolate), are suitable for your dietary needs. Always opt for gluten-free flour if needed and ensure there are no cross-contaminants in your chosen ingredients. How can I adjust the flavor of the frosting? Very! To enhance the flavor of the cream cheese frosting, consider adding more grated orange zest, or even a splash of fresh orange juice for an extra citrus kick. You can also mix in some spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for an added warmth that complements the holiday theme. Start with a small amount, taste, and adjust according to your preference for a truly personalized frosting experience! Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars You Can Make at Home Delicious homemade Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars featuring a chewy base topped with creamy orange frosting, perfect for the holidays. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsChilling Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins Servings: 12 barsCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Blondie Base1 ¾ cups All-Purpose Flour For gluten-free, use gluten-free blend.1 teaspoon Baking Powder Ensure freshness for optimal leavening.½ teaspoon Salt Use fine sea salt.½ teaspoon Ground Cinnamon Can substitute with nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice.¼ teaspoon Ground Cloves Omit if unavailable or use allspice.½ cup Salted Butter Unsalted butter can be used if adjusting salt.1 cup Light Brown Sugar Dark brown sugar can be used for deeper flavor.2 large Large Eggs No substitution recommended.1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Can substitute with almond extract.1 cup Dried Cranberries Can substitute with golden raisins or dried apricots.½ cup White Chocolate Use high-quality chocolate or chips.For the Cream Cheese Frosting8 ounces Cream Cheese Use full-fat for best texture.2 cups Powdered Sugar No substitutions recommended.Zest of 1 Grated Orange Zest Use microplane for fine zesting.For the Drizzle1 cup Melted White Chocolate Ensure it’s pourable for drizzling. Equipment Mixing bowls9x11-inch baking panWhiskspatulaMicrowave Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x11-inch baking pan.In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and cloves.Melt butter, combine with sugars, add eggs and vanilla, then blend in dry ingredients, and fold in cranberries and white chocolate.Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 18-20 minutes until lightly golden.Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar, then add orange zest.Spread frosting on cooled blondies, sprinkle with cranberries, and drizzle with melted white chocolate.Refrigerate for 30 minutes, then cut into bars. Nutrition Serving: 1barCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 0.5mg NotesStore in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and frost before serving. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
