Cranberry Bliss Bars (Copycat-Style)
If you’ve ever had the pleasure of biting into a luscious Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bar, you know exactly why these treats are so beloved. These bars combine a soft, buttery base with tart dried cranberries, sweet white chocolate chips, and a dreamy cream cheese frosting that’s just the right amount of tangy and sweet. The best part? You can easily make these Cranberry Bliss Bars (Copycat-Style) right at home with simple pantry staples and a little love. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a cozy afternoon treat, or just because, this recipe promises to bring smiles to everyone’s faces.
Why It’s Crowd-Pleasing
The magic of these bars lies in their perfect balance of flavors and textures. The chewy, golden base is studded with tart dried cranberries and creamy white chocolate chips, creating a delightful contrast in every bite. Then, the luscious cream cheese frosting adds a smooth, tangy finish that elevates the whole experience. These bars are sweet without being overpowering, and the festive red cranberries make them a charming addition to any dessert spread. Plus, they’re easy to slice and serve, making them an ideal treat for parties or gifting.
What Goes In
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – the foundation for a soft, tender crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder – helps the bars rise just enough.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – adds rich flavor and moistness.
- 1 cup brown sugar – for deep, caramel-like sweetness.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar – adds light sweetness and helps with texture.
- 2 large eggs – bind everything together and add moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – for warm, aromatic depth.
- 1 cup dried cranberries – provide tart bursts and festive color.
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips – melt into sweet, creamy pockets.
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened – base for the smooth frosting.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar – sweetens the frosting perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice – adds a bright tang to the frosting.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances the frosting’s flavor.
Equipment & Tools
- Baking pan (8×8 inch recommended) – for perfect bar thickness.
- Mixing bowls – to combine dry and wet ingredients separately.
- Electric mixer or hand whisk – to cream butter and sugar smoothly.
- Spatula – for folding in cranberries and chocolate chips gently.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for precise ingredient amounts.
- Cooling rack – to cool the bars before frosting.
- Knife or bench scraper – to cut bars neatly after frosting.
Cranberry Bliss Bars (Copycat-Style), Made Easy
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your 8×8 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This ensures your bars will come out cleanly and bake evenly.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside while you prepare the wet ingredients. This step helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the batter.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer or whisk to beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. Proper creaming is key to a tender texture.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract. Your batter should be smooth and glossy.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars soft and tender.
Step 6: Fold in Cranberries and White Chocolate Chips
Using a spatula, gently fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips. This ensures they’re evenly distributed without breaking or melting the chips prematurely.
Step 7: Bake the Bars
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. Let the bars cool completely on a cooling rack before frosting.
Step 8: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, and mix until creamy and well combined. The frosting should be thick but spreadable.
Step 9: Frost and Serve
Once the bars have cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. For a decorative touch, you can sprinkle a few extra dried cranberries or white chocolate chips on the frosting. Chill the bars for at least 30 minutes to set the frosting before slicing into squares.
Variations for Dietary Needs
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
- Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free twist, and try a vegan cream cheese frosting alternative.
- Swap dried cranberries for dried cherries or blueberries for a different fruity note.
- Reduce sugar slightly or use coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index.
Easy-to-Miss Gotchas
- Be sure your butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for smooth mixing; cold ingredients will cause lumps.
- Don’t overmix the batter once you add the flour; this can make the bars tough instead of tender.
- Watch the baking time closely—overbaking can dry out the bars, while underbaking leaves them too gooey.
- Allow the bars to cool fully before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting and sliding off.
Save It for Later
These bars store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze unfrosted bars for up to 3 months—just thaw and frost when ready to serve. For the best texture, slice after chilling so the bars hold together nicely.
Cranberry Bliss Bars (Copycat-Style) FAQs
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries contain more moisture and can alter the texture of the bars significantly. It’s best to stick with dried cranberries for that chewy, concentrated tartness that complements the sweetness perfectly.
What’s the best way to get smooth cream cheese frosting?
Make sure your cream cheese and butter are fully softened to room temperature before mixing. Beat them well with powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla until the frosting is silky and lump-free.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the bars a day or two in advance and keep them refrigerated. Frost them just before serving for the freshest flavor and best texture.
Are there other delicious cranberry desserts I can try?
If you love cranberry flavors, you might enjoy making a Cranberry Swirl Cheesecake for a creamy dessert, or these delightful White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies. For something savory and sweet, Cranberry Brie Bites are a fantastic appetizer option.
Similar Recipes
- Cranberry Swirl Cheesecake – a creamy, festive cheesecake with a cranberry ribbon.
- White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies – chewy cookies bursting with tart cranberries and sweet white chocolate.
- Cranberry Brie Bites – a savory-sweet appetizer perfect for gatherings.
The Takeaway
Making Cranberry Bliss Bars (Copycat-Style) at home is a rewarding and straightforward baking project that brings the joy of a beloved café treat directly to your kitchen. With simple ingredients like dried cranberries, white chocolate chips, and a luscious cream cheese frosting, these bars hit the perfect note of festive flavor and comforting sweetness. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or indulging yourself, these bars deliver a delicious experience that’s well worth the effort. Plus, with easy variations and helpful tips, you can customize this recipe to suit your tastes and dietary preferences. So grab your mixing bowls and get ready to bake a batch of these crowd-pleasing delights!
Share on Pinterest
Cranberry Bliss Bars (Copycat-Style)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8x8 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar with an electric mixer or whisk until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated, then stir in the vanilla extract until smooth and glossy.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Gently fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips using a spatula to distribute evenly.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until edges are golden and a toothpick comes out mostly clean with moist crumbs. Cool completely on a rack.
- Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy and well combined.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Optionally, sprinkle extra dried cranberries or white chocolate chips on top. Chill for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Ensure butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for smooth mixing and lump-free frosting.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding flour to keep bars tender, not tough.
- Watch baking time carefully to avoid drying out or underbaking the bars.
- Cool bars completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding off the frosting.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze unfrosted bars up to 3 months.
