I remember the first time I tasted Cranberry Bliss Bars at Starbucks during the holiday season. They instantly felt like a festive hug after a long day. When I found myself craving that cozy sweetness at home, I knew I had to create my own version—one that’s easy, family-friendly, and just a little better than the original. It takes about 45 minutes total, and trust me, these bars are worth every bite.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe
- Tastes better than the Starbucks original with richer flavors and that perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
- Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients you can easily find or keep stocked.
- Easy to customize with swaps like nuts or different dried fruits to suit your tastes.
- Quick to make for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings, with minimal fuss and maximum comfort.
What are Cranberry Bliss Bars?
Cranberry Bliss Bars are luscious, festive treats known for their soft, chewy base studded with tart Craisins and white chocolate chips. They’re topped with a creamy, tangy frosting that’s flavored with orange and vanilla extracts, then drizzled with white chocolate and sprinkled with chopped Craisins. These bars have become a seasonal favorite at Starbucks, cherished for their sweet and tangy flavor combo that feels festive and comforting.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing Bowls: For combining wet and dry ingredients smoothly.
- Electric Mixer: Makes beating shortening, sugar, and frosting quick and effortless.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for precise ingredient amounts.
- 15×10 or 13×9 inch Jelly Roll Pan: The ideal size for even baking and easy cutting.
- Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Fork: For drizzling melted white chocolate decoratively over the finished bars.
Ingredients for Cranberry Bliss Bars
- 1 cup (2 sticks) vegetable shortening, melted: Provides a tender, flaky texture without heaviness.
- 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar: Adds deep sweetness and moisture to the bars.
- 2 eggs: Bind the ingredients and add structure.
- 1 teaspoon orange extract: Brightens flavors with citrusy notes.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and adds warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Brings subtle warmth fitting for the season.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bars rise slightly for a tender crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy yet tender base.
- 1 cup white chocolate chips: Adds creamy sweetness dotted throughout.
- 3/4 cup Craisins: Tart sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the chocolate. They also make a festive garnish, much like beautiful sugared cranberries.
- 1/3 cup Craisins (roughly chopped): For topping and extra burst of tang.
- 8 oz. cream cheese (softened): The star of the frosting, making it rich and creamy. If you enjoy the blend of cream cheese and cranberries, consider trying our easy cream cheese cranberry loaf recipe.
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
- 1/2 teaspoon orange extract: Infuses frosting with citrus brightness.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth to the frosting flavor.
- 2 squares white baking chocolate or almond bark (melted): Used to drizzle the finishing touch.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
| Ingredient | Substitution Options | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vegetable Shortening | Melted Butter, Coconut Oil | May slightly alter the texture and flavor. |
| White Chocolate Chips | Milk Chocolate Chips, Dark Chocolate Chips, Butterscotch Chips | Adjust sweetness accordingly. |
| Craisins | Dried Cherries, Raisins, Chopped Dates | Consider the sweetness and moisture content. |
| Orange Extract | Lemon Extract, Almond Extract, Orange Zest | Adjust amount to taste. |
How to Make Cranberry Bliss Bars: Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 15×10 or 13×9 inch jelly roll pan or rimmed cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- Beat melted vegetable shortening and brown sugar over medium speed with an electric mixer. Add eggs, 1 teaspoon orange extract, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; beat until well combined. Add ground ginger, baking powder, salt, and flour; beat until just blended without overmixing.
- Stir in white chocolate chips and Craisins by hand. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 18-22 minutes until set and golden brown at the edges. Remove and cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- Make the frosting by beating cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Mix in 1/2 teaspoon orange extract and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars. Sprinkle with chopped Craisins and drizzle melted white chocolate decoratively with a fork. Chill for about an hour or slice and serve immediately. Cut into triangles and enjoy!
Tips and Notes for Perfect Cranberry Bliss Bars
- Don’t overbake the bars to avoid a hard texture; they should be lightly golden at the edges.
- Let the bars cool fully before frosting to prevent melting and sliding.
- Using parchment paper makes it easier to lift the bars out of the pan and simplifies cleanup.
- For cleaner slices, chill the bars after frosting, then use a sharp knife warmed with hot water.
How to Store Cranberry Bliss Bars
Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to a week. To keep them even longer, wrap well and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving for the best texture.
Troubleshooting: Common Problems and Solutions
- Why are my bars too crumbly? Possibly under-bound; ensure eggs are well mixed and do not reduce shortening.
- Why are my bars too hard? Likely overbaked; reduce baking time and keep a close eye near the end.
- Why are my bars too soggy? Frost the bars only after they are completely cooled to avoid melting the frosting.
Vegan Cranberry Bliss Bars
| Ingredient | Vegan Substitution | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vegetable Shortening | Vegan Butter or Coconut Oil | Use solid vegan butter preferably for the best texture. |
| Eggs | Flax Eggs or Applesauce | 1 tblsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tblsp water per egg is ideal. |
| White Chocolate Chips | Vegan White Chocolate Chips | Find these at specialty or online stores. |
| Cream Cheese | Vegan Cream Cheese Alternative | Brands like Kite Hill or Tofutti work well. |
| White Baking Chocolate | Vegan White Chocolate Baking Chocolate | Check to ensure fully dairy-free ingredients. |
Other Topping Ideas for Cranberry Bliss Bars
- Chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds for crunch.
- Fresh orange zest to intensify the citrus flavor.
- Festive sprinkles for holidays or celebrations.
- Drizzled caramel sauce for a richer, indulgent twist.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (estimate): 290 calories, 14g fat, 38g carbohydrates, 2g protein. This estimate varies by portion size and specific ingredients used.
More Cranberry Recipe
The Ultimate Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 15×10 or 13×9 inch jelly roll pan or rimmed cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- Beat melted vegetable shortening and brown sugar over medium speed with an electric mixer. Add eggs, 1 teaspoon orange extract, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; beat until well combined. Add ground ginger, baking powder, salt, and flour; beat until just blended without overmixing.
- Stir in white chocolate chips and Craisins by hand. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 18-22 minutes until set and golden brown at the edges. Remove and cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- Make the frosting by beating cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Mix in 1/2 teaspoon orange extract and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars. Sprinkle with chopped Craisins and drizzle melted white chocolate decoratively with a fork. Chill for about an hour or slice and serve immediately. Cut into triangles and enjoy!
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze these Cranberry Bliss Bars?
Yes, freeze wrapped bars for up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge before serving.
Can these Cranberry Bliss Bars be made gluten-free?
Yes, swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, but results may vary slightly in texture.
Can I make this without white chocolate?
Absolutely. You can omit or replace white chocolate chips with your favorite chocolate chips or nuts.
Conclusion
If you’re craving a cozy, festive treat that’s easy to make and better than the original, these Cranberry Bliss Bars are for you. They bring that perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and creamy to your kitchen with simple steps and familiar ingredients. I’d love to hear how yours turn out, so don’t forget to leave a comment or share your photos. Let’s make every bite a little celebration!
