A quick note about these Cranberry Bliss Bars

These Cranberry Bliss Bars are soft, tangy, and sweet. They use orange zest, white chocolate, and tart dried cranberries for a bright holiday treat. They are easy to slice and share. If you like trying similar bar recipes, you might also enjoy this amazing cinnamon roll bliss bars for another twist.

Why you’ll want to bake them

• They come together with simple pantry ingredients.
• The orange and cranberry flavors stand out without being overpowering.
• They hold up well for parties and make a nice homemade gift.
• You can bake them a day ahead and chill for easy serving.

Step-by-step: Make Cranberry Bliss Bars

Follow the ingredients and directions below. Read the full directions before you start so baking goes smoothly.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups packed light brown sugar
• Zest of 1 orange
• 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup sweetened dried cranberries
• 1 cup white chocolate chips

For the frosting:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup sweetened dried cranberries, chopped
• Extra orange zest (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, combine the brown sugar and orange zest. Rub the zest into the sugar to release the oils.
3. Add the melted butter and whisk until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each. Stir in the vanilla.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
5. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Fold in the 1 cup cranberries and the white chocolate chips.
6. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the edges are golden and a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
7. Let the bars cool in the pan for about 20 minutes. Then lift them out using the parchment and cool completely on a wire rack.
8. To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese and softened butter until light and fluffy. Add the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla. Beat until smooth.
9. Spread the frosting over the cooled bars. Sprinkle with the chopped cranberries and extra orange zest if you like. Chill for 1 hour to set the frosting.
10. Slice into triangles or squares and serve.

Best ways to serve these bars

Serve them slightly chilled or at cool room temperature. Cut them into smaller pieces for parties, or larger triangles for a sweet breakfast treat. They pair well with coffee or tea.

How to keep them fresh

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• You can freeze unfrosted bars for up to 2 months; thaw and then frost.
• To freeze frosted bars, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 1 month to protect the frosting texture.

Simple tips for great results

• Soften the cream cheese and butter to avoid lumps in the frosting.
• Don’t overmix the batter once you add the flour — fold until just combined.
• Press the orange zest into the brown sugar to boost flavor.
• Let the bars cool completely before frosting so the frosting does not melt.

Easy variations to try

• Use fresh or frozen cranberries lightly sugared instead of dried for a tarter bite.
• Swap white chocolate chips for dark chocolate or white chocolate chunks.
• Add a tablespoon of orange juice to the frosting for extra citrus brightness.
  For more bar ideas and inspiration, check out this cherry cheesecake bars recipe.

Approximate nutritional information

Per serving (one medium bar, estimate): about 300–350 calories, depending on slice size and exact ingredients. This is an estimate and will vary with portion size and specific products used.

Family-friendly serving ideas

• Pack small slices in school lunches or snack boxes.
• Serve on a dessert platter with nuts and fruit for family gatherings.
• Make a brunch board with these bars, yogurt, and fresh fruit.

What drinks and foods pair well with them

• Coffee (medium or dark roast) or a creamy latte complements the sweetness.
• Black or herbal tea balances the citrus and cranberry flavors.
• Serve with plain whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert plate.
  Try serving them alongside other bar treats like knockout bars for variety at a party.

Common questions about Cranberry Bliss Bars

Q: Can I use fresh cranberries?
A: Yes. If you use fresh cranberries, toss them in a little flour or sugar first and expect a tarter, juicier result.

Q: Can I make these nut-free?
A: Yes. The recipe as written has no nuts. Be sure your mix-ins are labeled nut-free if needed.

Q: How thick should I cut the bars?
A: Cut to your liking. For parties, small squares or triangles work best. For larger servings, cut into 12–16 pieces.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes. Use two 9×13 pans or a larger pan, and watch baking time — thicker pans may need more time.

Conclusion

If you want more versions or copycat takes on Cranberry Bliss Bars, try this detailed Cranberry Bliss Bars {Starbucks Copycat Recipe} – Belle of the Kitchen, a popular option from Cranberry Bliss Bars – Recipe Girl, or this tested recipe at Cranberry Bliss Bars {Starbucks Copycat} – i am baker for variations and tips.

Cranberry Bliss Bars

These Cranberry Bliss Bars are soft, tangy, and sweet, featuring orange zest, white chocolate, and tart dried cranberries, perfect for sharing during the holidays.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American, Holiday

Servings 12 pieces

Calories 325 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the bars

• 1.5 cups packed light brown sugar
• 1 each zest of 1 orange
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted 2 sticks
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup sweetened dried cranberries
• 1 cup white chocolate chips

For the frosting

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 0.5 cup sweetened dried cranberries, chopped
• Extra orange zest (optional)

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
• In a bowl, combine the brown sugar and orange zest. Rub the zest into the sugar to release the oils.
• Add the melted butter and whisk until smooth.
• Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each. Stir in the vanilla.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
• Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Fold in the 1 cup cranberries and the white chocolate chips.

Baking

• Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
• Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the edges are golden and a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
• Let the bars cool in the pan for about 20 minutes. Then lift them out using the parchment and cool completely on a wire rack.

Making the Frosting

• Beat the cream cheese and softened butter until light and fluffy.
• Add the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla. Beat until smooth.
• Spread the frosting over the cooled bars. Sprinkle with the chopped cranberries and extra orange zest if you like.
• Chill for 1 hour to set the frosting.

Serving

• Slice into triangles or squares and serve.

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Unfrosted bars can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw and frost later. Frosted bars can be frozen for up to 1 month to protect the frosting texture.

Keyword Cranberry Bliss Bars, Dessert Bars, Easy Baking, Holiday Treats, Sweet Treats