These homemade Starbucks-inspired Cranberry Bliss Bars are a delightful treat with a soft, chewy base topped with a creamy frosting and a burst of dried cranberries. Perfect for the holidays, they’re easy to make and taste just like the ones you love from the café, but at a fraction of the cost.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Better than store-bought – Enjoy the same great taste without the premium price.
- Perfect for the holidays – A festive combination of cranberries, white chocolate, and orange.
- Easy to make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
- Great for sharing – Ideal for holiday gatherings, cookie swaps, or as a homemade gift.
- Customizable – Adjust sweetness, swap ingredients, or add a personal touch.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon orange oil or 1 teaspoon orange extract
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- ½ cup dried cranberries
For the Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon orange oil or ½ teaspoon orange extract
- 1 cup white chocolate chips, melted and divided
- ½ cup dried cranberries
Directions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and spray with nonstick baking spray.
Make the Base:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add vanilla extract, orange oil, and eggs. Mix until fully combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together salt, flour, and baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until combined.
- Fold in white chocolate chips and dried cranberries.
Bake:
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Bake for 25-27 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
Prepare the Frosting:
- In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and orange oil until fluffy and smooth.
- Melt white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
- Add half of the melted white chocolate to the frosting mixture and beat until smooth.
Assemble the Bars:
- Once cooled, lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper.
- Spread frosting evenly over the bars.
- Sprinkle dried cranberries over the top.
Finish with Chocolate Drizzle:
- Drizzle the remaining melted white chocolate over the bars.
- Cut into triangles for a classic Cranberry Bliss Bar shape.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 18 bars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Calories per Serving: 320 kcal
Variations
- Nutty Twist – Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
- Extra Citrus Flavor – Increase the orange extract for a bolder citrus taste.
- Dark Chocolate Version – Swap white chocolate for dark chocolate.
- Gluten-Free – Use a gluten-free flour blend.
- Lower Sugar – Reduce sugar and use a sugar substitute if desired.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Reheating: Serve chilled or bring to room temperature for the best texture.
FAQs
How close are these to the Starbucks version?
They taste almost identical but fresher and even more flavorful.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Dried cranberries are best since they add sweetness without excess moisture.
What if I don’t have orange oil or extract?
You can omit it or use fresh orange zest for a natural citrus note.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! They store well and actually taste better after a day in the fridge.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of white chocolate?
Yes, but white chocolate gives the bars their signature flavor.
How do I cut them into the classic triangle shape?
Cut into rectangles first, then slice diagonally into triangles.
Do I have to use cream cheese frosting?
Yes, it’s essential for the signature taste, but you can use a vanilla glaze instead.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Use plant-based butter, dairy-free cream cheese, and vegan white chocolate.
What’s the best way to drizzle the white chocolate?
Use a piping bag or a spoon to drizzle evenly over the bars.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Use a larger baking pan or make two separate batches.
Conclusion
These homemade Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars are the perfect holiday treat. With a soft, chewy base, creamy frosting, and festive cranberry topping, they bring a taste of the season right to your kitchen. Whether you're making them for a party, gifting them to friends, or indulging in a sweet moment for yourself, these bars are sure to become a favorite. Try them today and enjoy a little bliss in every bite!
Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour 25minutes
- Yield: 18 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These homemade Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars are a perfect holiday treat that rivals the café version! With a chewy base, creamy frosting, and a burst of dried cranberries, they are easy to make, customizable, and great for gifting or sharing at holiday parties. This recipe gives you the same delicious flavor of Starbucks' Cranberry Bliss Bars at a fraction of the cost!
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon orange oil or 1 teaspoon orange extract
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- ½ cup dried cranberries
For the Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon orange oil or ½ teaspoon orange extract
- 1 cup white chocolate chips, melted and divided
- ½ cup dried cranberries
Instructions
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and spray with nonstick baking spray.
-
Make the Base: In a mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add vanilla extract, orange oil, and eggs, mixing until fully combined.
-
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together salt, flour, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until combined. Fold in white chocolate chips and dried cranberries.
-
Bake: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 25-27 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
-
Prepare the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and orange oil until fluffy and smooth. Melt white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. Add half of the melted white chocolate to the frosting mixture and beat until smooth.
-
Assemble the Bars: Once cooled, lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper. Spread frosting evenly over the bars and sprinkle dried cranberries over the top. Drizzle the remaining melted white chocolate over the bars. Cut into triangles for the classic Cranberry Bliss Bar shape.
Notes
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Reheating: Serve chilled or bring to room temperature for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
