Cranberry Bliss Bars Starbucks

Craving the cozy, festive flavor of Cranberry Bliss Bars Starbucks brings out every winter? Now you can bake your own batch at home with this easy, bakery-style recipe. Featuring a chewy blondie base, tangy dried cranberries, and creamy orange-scented frosting, these bars are perfect for holidays, coffee dates, or anytime you need a sweet pick-me-up.

Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Bliss Bars

• 🍊 Zesty and festive: With orange zest, tart cranberries, and cream cheese
• 🍰 Chewy base + rich frosting: The perfect holiday dessert combo
• 🕒 Make-ahead friendly: Stores well and freezes beautifully
• ❄️ Better than store-bought: No preservatives, all flavor
• 👩‍🍳 Easily customizable: Add nuts, use less sugar, or go gluten-free

Ingredients

For the Bars:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¾ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup white chocolate chips

For the Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 orange

Garnish:

• Extra dried cranberries, chopped
• White chocolate shavings or drizzle

Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare Pan
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
2. Make the Blondie Base
   Cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time. Mix in vanilla and orange zest.
3. Add Dry Ingredients
   In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture. Fold in cranberries and white chocolate.
4. Bake
   Spread batter evenly in pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely in the pan.
5. Frosting
   Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and orange zest. Beat until fluffy.
6. Assemble & Garnish
   Spread frosting over cooled bars. Sprinkle chopped cranberries and white chocolate on top. Chill slightly before slicing.
7. Slice & Serve
   Cut into 12 squares or triangles. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
• Total Time: 40–45 minutes
• Servings: 12 bars
• Estimated Cost: $8–10

Nutrition (Per Bar – Approx.)

• Calories: 250
• Fat: 13g
• Sugar: 22g
• Carbs: 30g
• Protein: 2g

Tips & Variations

✅ Baking Tips:

• Don’t overmix the batter — fold gently for chewy texture
• Cool bars fully before frosting to prevent melting
• Chill before slicing for clean cuts

🌱 Vegan or Gluten-Free Swaps:

• Use plant-based butter & cream cheese
• Substitute flax eggs for regular eggs
• Use almond or coconut flour instead of all-purpose

🔄 Add-ins & Twists:

• Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch
• Swap orange zest for lemon for a citrus change
• Add a dash of cinnamon or cardamom to the blondie base

FAQs

Can I freeze cranberry bliss bars?
Yes! Wrap individually and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

How long do they last in the fridge?
Up to 7 days in an airtight container.

Can I make them ahead for a party?
Definitely! Make 1–2 days in advance and frost the day of serving.

Are these just like Starbucks’ version?
Even better — less sweet, more real flavor, and totally customizable.

Cranberry Bliss Bars Starbucks (Copycat Recipe)

A chewy, festive dessert bar with tart cranberries, zesty orange, and rich cream cheese frosting. Just like Starbucks — but better at home!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12 bars

Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

• – 9×13 pan
• Mixing bowls
• – Electric mixer or whisk
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack

Ingredients

  

• **Bars:**
• – 1 cup butter softened
• – 1 cup brown sugar
• – 2 large eggs
• – 1 tsp vanilla extract
• – Zest of 1 orange
• – 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• – ½ tsp baking powder
• – ¼ tsp salt
• – ¾ cup dried cranberries
• – ½ cup white chocolate chips
• **Frosting:**
• – 8 oz cream cheese softened
• – ¼ cup butter softened
• – 2 cups powdered sugar
• – 1 tsp vanilla extract
• – Zest of 1 orange
• **Toppings:**
• – Extra dried cranberries chopped
• – White chocolate drizzle or shavings

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment.
• Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, vanilla, and zest.
• Mix dry ingredients, then combine with wet. Fold in cranberries and chocolate.
• Spread into pan and bake 25–30 minutes. Cool completely.
• Beat frosting ingredients until smooth.
• Spread frosting on cooled bars. Garnish with cranberries and chocolate.
• Chill slightly, then slice and serve.

Notes

– Let bars cool before frosting
– Store in fridge for up to 7 days
– Freeze for up to 3 months

Keyword Cranberry Bliss Bars Starbucks

Conclusion

Homemade Cranberry Bliss Bars Starbucks-style are the ultimate holiday indulgence. With their bright cranberry-orange flavor and creamy topping, they’re festive, fun, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re baking a batch for friends or stashing some for yourself, these bars deliver bliss in every bite.

Pair with a peppermint mocha, add to your holiday dessert tray, or gift in a festive box. Either way, these bars bring joy—Starbucks not required.