Name: Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 ½ cups light brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon orange extract; ½ teaspoon ground ginger; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup white chocolate chips; ¾ cup dried cranberries (Craisins); 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1 ½ cups powdered sugar; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon orange extract; ¼ cup dried cranberries, chopped; ¼ cup white chocolate, melted

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 1 review

If you’ve ever found yourself dreaming about those irresistible coffee shop treats during the holidays, then this Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe is going to be your new best friend. Bursting with zesty orange, tart cranberries, and the sweet warmth of white chocolate, these bars are the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, with a luscious cream cheese frosting that makes every bite melt in your mouth. They’re easy to make, so you can impress friends and family with a homemade version of this beloved seasonal favorite without any fuss or fancy ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with light brown cookie dough that has a smooth but thick texture. On top of the dough, there are two layers: one made of small white chips scattered unevenly, and another of dark red dried cranberries piled mostly in the center. A white spatula rests inside the bowl, touching the dough on the left side. Part of a brown egg and a purple cloth are visible near the bowl at the bottom edges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role, giving the bars their signature flavor, moist texture, and festive look. By keeping the list simple yet thoughtful, these bars come together easily while packing in all the goodness you want from a holiday treat.

Unsalted butter (1 cup melted): Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb that isn’t dry or too dense.
Light brown sugar (1 ½ cups packed): Brings a deep, caramel-like sweetness that balances the tart cranberries perfectly.
Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and add moisture for that perfect bar texture.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances sweetness with a warm, familiar flavor.
Orange extract (1 teaspoon): Gives a bright, fresh citrus note that lifts the whole recipe beautifully.
Ground ginger (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle spicy warmth that complements the fruit and sweetness.
Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the bars rise just enough to stay soft and cakey.
Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Balances flavors and sharpens sweetness.
All-purpose flour (2 cups): The base that provides structure to your bars.
White chocolate chips (1 cup): Melt into creamy pockets of luscious flavor throughout.
Dried cranberries (¾ cup Craisins): Add chewy tart bursts that truly define the bars.
Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): The star of the frosting, creating a tangy, creamy topping.
Powdered sugar (1 ½ cups): Sweetens the frosting and creates that smooth, spreadable texture.
Chopped dried cranberries (¼ cup): Adds a pretty, tangy garnish and texture contrast.
Melted white chocolate (¼ cup): Drizzled on top for an extra layer of decadence and beauty.

How to Make Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 13×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper so the bars will come out easily once baked. This small prep step saves you a lot of stress later and ensures perfect edges on your bars.

Step 2: Mix Together the Bar Batter

In a large mixing bowl, beat the melted butter and light brown sugar until they become beautifully blended and creamy. Then, add the eggs along with the vanilla and orange extracts, mixing until everything comes together smoothly. This combination is where the magic starts, as the extracts add layers of bright, festive flavor.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Next, gently add the ground ginger, baking powder, kosher salt, and flour to your butter mixture. Beat just until everything is combined—overmixing will toughen the bars, so be careful! Now fold in the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries, ensuring they’re evenly distributed without breaking up the berries too much.

Step 4: Bake the Bars

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan, spreading it so the thickness is uniform. Bake for about 22 minutes until the edges are lightly browned and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the pan to a cooling rack and let it cool completely—this cooling step is crucial before frosting to prevent melting and sliding.

Step 5: Make and Spread the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the bars cool, whip up the frosting by beating softened cream cheese with powdered sugar for about 3 minutes until creamy and fluffy. Add in the vanilla and orange extracts and beat again for a couple more minutes, scraping down the bowl to ensure smoothness. Spread this luscious frosting over the cooled bars evenly. Sprinkle the chopped dried cranberries over the frosting for a pretty, tart contrast.

Step 6: The Finishing Touch

Melt the white chocolate and drizzle it artistically over the top of the frosted bars. The glossy white chocolate adds an elegant finish and a sweet, creamy burst with every bite. Refrigerate the bars for about an hour to set the frosting before slicing and serving.

How to Serve Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe

The image shows three triangular bars arranged on white parchment paper over a wooden board. Each bar has two visible layers: a thick bottom layer that is light tan with white chips and dried red cranberries inside, and a smooth white top layer sprinkled with small pieces of dried red cranberries and thin white chocolate drizzle. Around the bars, some white chips and dried cranberries are scattered on the white marbled surface. In the background, there is a white cup filled with dark coffee and some stacked white plates. The scene is bright and clean with a cozy feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These bars shine on their own, but a few additional touches like a sprinkle of extra dried cranberries or a light dusting of powdered sugar add festive flair. For a special occasion, you could also scatter some chopped pistachios for a crunch and pop of green color that complements the reds perfectly.

Side Dishes

Pair Cranberry Bliss Bars with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a warm mug of spiced cider. The creamy, tart, and sweet flavors in the bars marry so well with warm, spiced beverages that it’s basically a match made in heaven.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties or gifting, cut the bars into neat squares and stack them on a pretty platter, interspersed with fresh cranberries or sprigs of rosemary. Wrapping individual bars in parchment and tying them with a ribbon turns them into charming homemade gifts that everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keeping them chilled helps maintain the cream cheese frosting texture and keeps the dried cranberries nice and chewy.

Freezing

If you want to make these ahead of time for a party or quiet indulgence, freeze unfrosted bars tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before frosting and serving for the freshest taste and texture.

Reheating

Since these bars are best enjoyed cool or at room temperature, we don’t recommend reheating them once frosted. However, if you prefer a softer bar, you can let them sit out for 20-30 minutes before serving, bringing out the delicious cream cheese frosting’s perfect consistency.

FAQs

Can I substitute fresh cranberries for dried cranberries in this Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe?

Fresh cranberries have higher moisture and tartness, which can affect the texture and baking time. Dried cranberries provide the right chewiness and concentrated flavor that works best here.

What can I use if I don’t have orange extract for this recipe?

If you don’t have orange extract, use freshly grated orange zest instead—about 1 teaspoon in the batter and another in the frosting will add that bright citrus zing you want.

How do I prevent the bars from becoming too dense?

The key is not to overmix the batter once you add the flour. Mix until just combined to keep the bars light and tender.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

You can experiment with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum, but results may slightly vary. It’s best to test small batches to find the perfect texture you like.

How long do the bars need to chill before slicing?

About one hour in the refrigerator is perfect to set the frosting and white chocolate drizzle, making slicing neat and easy without smudging.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe enough if you love seasonal treats packed with layers of flavor and texture. From the buttery base to the tangy cranberries, creamy frosting, and sweet white chocolate drizzle, every bite feels like a little celebration. Give this recipe a try—you might just find yourself making these bars a holiday tradition everyone eagerly awaits!