Cranberry Bliss Bars: Sweet, Creamy & Festively Irresistible

If you’re dreaming of a dessert that perfectly captures the taste of the holidays, Cranberry Bliss Bars are exactly what you need. These rich, buttery blondies are packed with white chocolate, tangy cranberries, and topped with a dreamy cream cheese frosting. They’re sweet, slightly tart, and absolutely stunning — just like the famous Starbucks version, but even better (and easier!).

The first time I made these, it was a snowy Sunday afternoon when the coffee shop had run out of my favorite holiday treat. So, I did what any dessert-loving home baker would do I made my own. One batch later, I realized these bars were even softer, richer, and fresher than the store-bought kind. Now, they’ve become a must-bake every December, right beside my Pistachio Pudding Cookies and Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters.

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These soft and buttery Cranberry Bliss Bars are loaded with white chocolate, dried cranberries, and topped with dreamy cream cheese frosting. Like Starbucks, but better — and easy to make at home!

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Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 22 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 6

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 280

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries (plus extra for topping)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (for drizzle)
• 1 tsp coconut oil (optional)

Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking pan
• mixing bowls
• whisk For batter
• Spatula To spread batter and frosting
• Hand mixer For frosting (optional)
• Microwave-safe bowl For chocolate drizzle

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk melted butter and brown sugar. Add eggs, vanilla, ginger, and salt. Mix in flour, then fold in white chocolate and cranberries.
3. Spread batter evenly in the pan. Bake for 18–22 minutes until golden and set. Cool completely.
4. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Spread over cooled bars.
5. Melt white chocolate with coconut oil. Drizzle over frosting. Sprinkle extra cranberries on top.
6. Chill bars for at least 30 minutes. Slice into triangles or squares and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 3gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 24gVitamin A: 350IUCalcium: 40mgIron: 0.8mg

Notes

• Let blondie base cool completely before frosting.
• Chill bars before slicing for clean edges.
• Add orange zest for a festive twist.
• For storage, refrigerate up to 5 days or freeze for 1 month.

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Why You’ll Love Cranberry Bliss Bars

They’re rich, soft, and filled with cozy holiday flavor. Every bite gives you the creamy sweetness of white chocolate, the zing of cranberries, and the smooth tang of cream cheese frosting. They also look beautiful on dessert trays — golden, frosted, and drizzled with white chocolate and cranberries like a winter wonderland treat.

If you love elegant, easy desserts that look bakery-perfect, check out my Christmas Pinwheel Cookies or Cranberry Walnut Cheese Balls.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Blondie Base:

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup white chocolate chips
• ½ cup dried cranberries (plus a few extra for topping)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1½ cups powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the White Chocolate Drizzle:

• ½ cup white chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil (optional, for smoother texture)

How to Make Cranberry Bliss Bars

Step 1: Make the Blondie Base

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs, vanilla, ginger, and salt, whisking until combined. Stir in flour until just mixed. Fold in white chocolate chips and cranberries.

Spread the batter evenly into your pan and bake for 18–22 minutes or until the edges are golden and the center is set. Cool completely before frosting.

If you loved how simple my Christmas Bread Recipe was, you’ll find this step just as satisfying — easy, aromatic, and foolproof.

Step 2: Prepare the Frosting

In a bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until creamy and spreadable.

Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled blondies.

Step 3: Add the Drizzle

Melt white chocolate with coconut oil until smooth. Drizzle it over the frosted bars in zigzag lines. Sprinkle chopped dried cranberries on top for color and festive flair.

Step 4: Chill & Slice

Refrigerate the bars for at least 30 minutes before slicing. For the classic look, cut into triangles or diamonds.

Tips for Perfect Cranberry Bliss Bars

Don’t Overbake: The blondie base should stay soft and chewy. It’ll continue to set as it cools.
Cool Before Frosting: If the base is warm, the frosting will melt.
Use Quality White Chocolate: Real white chocolate melts smoother and tastes creamier than candy coating.
Add Citrus Zing: A little orange zest in the frosting adds a bright, fresh twist.

If you love clever baking tips, you’ll also enjoy my Sweet Potato Bowl Recipes — simple, healthy, and always flavorful.

How to Store and Gift

Storage:
Keep your Cranberry Bliss Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to a month; just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Gifting Idea:
Cut the bars into diamonds and arrange them in a decorative tin lined with parchment paper. Add a ribbon and a note that says, “Baked with bliss!” For a full holiday treat box, pair them with Candy Cane Cookies or Christmas Bread.

Fun Variations

1. Orange Cranberry Bliss Bars: Add 1 teaspoon of orange zest to the batter and frosting for a bright, citrusy touch.
2. Dark Chocolate Version: Replace white chocolate with dark chocolate for a rich twist.
3. Nutty Bliss Bars: Stir chopped pecans or walnuts into the blondie base for added crunch.
4. Mini Bliss Bites: Bake the mixture in a mini muffin pan for bite-sized party treats.

If you love reinventing desserts, check out my Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls — a savory spin on cranberry magic.

Frequently Asked Question

1. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
You can, but chop them finely and add an extra tablespoon of sugar to balance the tartness.

2. Why did my frosting turn runny?
Your butter or cream cheese may have been too warm. Chill the mixture for 10 minutes before spreading.

3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! They’re even better the next day as the flavors blend together.

4. Can I skip the drizzle?
Sure, but the white chocolate drizzle adds that signature festive look and a touch of sweetness.

The Final Bite: Sweet Holiday Happiness

Cranberry Bliss Bars are the kind of treat that makes the holidays feel extra special. With their buttery base, tangy frosting, and pretty ruby-red topping, they bring instant cheer to any dessert table. Whether you’re baking them for family, friends, or your own cozy evening by the fire, these bars deliver pure bliss in every bite.

And if you’re planning your ultimate holiday dessert lineup, pair them with my Frosted Christmas Brownies for a sweet duo that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.