Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe

why make this recipe

This Cranberry Bliss Bars recipe is bright, sweet, and festive. It uses simple ingredients and gives you soft bars with a creamy topping. You can make it for a holiday plate, a potluck, or just a sweet snack.

introduction

These bars mix orange zest, cranberries, and white chocolate for a tasty bite. The base stays soft and the frosting stays creamy. For another cranberry idea, see a quick cranberry meatballs Christmas recipe: quick cranberry meatballs Christmas recipe.

how to make Cranberry Bliss Bars

Follow the steps below. Work in order and cool the bars before you frost them.

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
• 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. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, combine brown sugar and orange zest. Rub the zest into the sugar.
3. Add melted butter and whisk. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well, then add vanilla.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
5. Fold dry ingredients into wet until just combined. Fold in cranberries and white chocolate chips.
6. Spread batter in pan and bake 25–30 minutes until edges are golden.
7. Cool in pan for 20 minutes, then lift out to cool fully.
8. Beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add sugar and vanilla; beat until smooth.
9. Spread frosting on cooled bars. Top with chopped cranberries and orange zest.
10. Chill 1 hour. Slice into triangles or squares and serve.

how to serve Cranberry Bliss Bars

Cut the bars into triangles or squares. Serve them cold or at room temperature. They are nice with coffee or tea.

how to store Cranberry Bliss Bars

Put the bars in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can freeze slices for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge.

tips to make Cranberry Bliss Bars

• Soften cream cheese and butter first so the frosting mixes smooth.
• Don’t overmix the batter. Fold gently to keep the bars soft.
• Press parchment into the pan for easy lift-out and clean cuts.
• For a strong orange flavor, add a bit more orange zest on top.
• If you want simple party plans, look at these 30 easy crockpot recipes to pair with your bars: 30 easy crockpot recipes.

variation (if any)

• Use fresh cranberries cooked with sugar instead of dried for a tarter bite.
• Swap white chocolate chips for white chocolate chunks or dried cherries.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg for more warm spice.

FAQs

Q: Can I use salted butter?
A: Yes. If you use salted butter, skip any extra salt in the recipe.

Q: Can I make the bars ahead?
A: Yes. Make them a day ahead and keep them chilled. The flavors will meld well.

Q: Can I use light cream cheese?
A: Yes. Light cream cheese works, but the frosting may be a bit softer.

Q: Do I have to chill the bars before slicing?
A: Chilling helps the frosting set and gives cleaner slices, so it is best.

Conclusion

For a close copycat version and step-by-step photos, see the Belle of the Kitchen Cranberry Bliss Bars copycat page: Belle of the Kitchen Cranberry Bliss Bars {Starbucks Copycat Recipe}.
You can also compare another well-loved recipe at Recipe Girl for more tips and presentation ideas: Cranberry Bliss Bars – Recipe Girl.

Cranberry Bliss Bars

Bright, sweet, and festive bars combining orange zest, cranberries, and white chocolate with a creamy frosting, perfect for holiday gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 12 bars

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the bars

• 1.5 cups packed light brown sugar
• 1 piece 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
• to taste extra orange zest optional

Method

 

Preparation

1. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, combine brown sugar and orange zest. Rub the zest into the sugar.
3. Add melted butter and whisk. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well, then add vanilla.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
5. Fold dry ingredients into wet until just combined. Fold in cranberries and white chocolate chips.

Baking

1. Spread batter in pan and bake for 25–30 minutes until edges are golden.
2. Cool in pan for 20 minutes, then lift out to cool fully.

Frosting and Serving

1. Beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add sugar and vanilla; beat until smooth.
2. Spread frosting on cooled bars. Top with chopped cranberries and optional orange zest.
3. Chill for 1 hour. Slice into triangles or squares and serve.

Notes

Soften cream cheese and butter first so the frosting mixes smoothly. Don't overmix the batter; fold gently to keep the bars soft. Press parchment into the pan for easy lift-out and clean cuts. For a stronger orange flavor, add more orange zest on top.