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

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There is something absolutely magical about the combination of tart cranberries and sweet white chocolate, especially when they come together in a bar that’s soft, chewy, and utterly delightful. This Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe captures that essence perfectly, bringing you a homemade version of those famous coffee shop treats you’ve been craving. It’s an easy way to impress your friends or family with a dessert that sings with bright flavors and comforting richness in every single bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a thick, light brown dough mixture. On top of the dough, there is a small pile of bright white chips and a larger heap of deep red dried berries, both close to the center. A white spatula with a wooden handle rests inside the bowl, its blade inserted into the dough at the side. A folded dark purple cloth is positioned near the bottom left corner of the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making your Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe shine. Each component plays a vital role, from the buttery base to the tangy cranberries and luscious cream cheese frosting, creating a beautifully balanced flavor and texture.

1 cup unsalted butter, melted: Provides a rich, moist base and helps keep the bars tender.
1 ½ cups light brown sugar, packed: Adds subtle caramel notes and keeps the texture chewy.
2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture for a soft crumb.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and depth of flavor.
1 teaspoon orange extract: Gives a lovely citrusy brightness that complements the cranberries.
½ teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a warm, subtle spice that pairs beautifully with the fruit.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bars rise slightly for a light texture.
½ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
2 cups all-purpose flour: The structure of the bars, providing chewiness and stability.
1 cup white chocolate chips: Melts into sweet pockets throughout the bars, adding creamy bursts of flavor.
¾ cup dried cranberries (Craisins): Adds that signature tartness and chewy texture.
8 ounces cream cheese, softened: The base of the frosting, adding tang and smoothness.
1 ½ cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and creates that classic creamy frosting texture.
Additional ½ teaspoon each vanilla and orange extracts for frosting: To carry the flavor through the topping perfectly.
¼ cup dried cranberries, chopped for garnish: A pretty, tart pop on top to finish it off.
¼ cup white chocolate, melted for drizzling: Adds a beautiful, glossy finishing touch.

How to Make Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Mix Your Base

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a 13×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper—this makes cleanup a breeze and ensures your bars come out perfectly. In a mixing bowl, beat together the melted butter and light brown sugar until they’re thoroughly combined and silky. This sweet, buttery mixture forms the backbone of your bars and is key to achieving that irresistible chewy texture.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Extracts

Next, add the eggs along with the vanilla and orange extracts to your butter and sugar mix. Beat everything together well until smooth and uniform. The eggs bring the bars together, while the extracts introduce a vibrant, aromatic note that really wakes up the flavor profile and ties in beautifully with the cranberries.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to blend the dry ingredients. Sprinkle in the ground ginger, baking powder, kosher salt, and all-purpose flour. Beat gently until everything just comes together—overmixing can make the bars tough. Then fold in the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries carefully, making sure the sweet and tart goodies are evenly distributed throughout the batter for little bursts of delight in every bite.

Step 4: Bake the Bars

Spread your batter evenly in the prepared pan and pop it into the oven for about 22 minutes. You’re looking for a lightly browned top and firm edges—this ensures the bars will hold their shape but still be soft and chewy inside. Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely before moving on to the frosting step; patience here pays off with a smooth, luscious topping.

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a clean bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar for about 3 minutes until creamy and fluffy. Then add the vanilla and orange extracts and beat a couple of minutes more, scraping down the sides as needed. This frosting is where that signature tang and sweetness comes alive, perfectly complementing the berry and spice notes below.

Step 6: Frost and Garnish

Spread the frosting evenly over your cooled bars, then sprinkle on the chopped cranberries for that vibrant, tart contrast. Melt the remaining white chocolate and drizzle it artistically across the top—this final touch delivers on both taste and presentation, making these bars look as good as they taste. Chill for about an hour to set everything before slicing into 24 squares and serving.

How to Serve Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe

This image shows three thick triangular bars arranged on a sheet of parchment on a wooden board. Each bar has two main layers: the bottom layer is pale beige with a chewy texture and visible white chocolate chips inside, while the top layer is white frosting cream covered with scattered dark red dried cranberry pieces and a light drizzle of white chocolate. Around the bars on the parchment and board are a few extra white chocolate chips and dried cranberries. In the background, there is a white cup filled with black coffee, with white cups and stacked white plates blurred behind it. The entire scene is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Besides the chopped cranberries and white chocolate drizzle, you can top these bars with candied orange peel or even a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant look. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary also add an unexpected but charming fragrant touch that pairs well with the citrus notes.

Side Dishes

These bars are sweet and satisfying enough to stand on their own, but if you’re serving a brunch or afternoon tea, pair them with a cup of hot coffee, spiced tea, or even a glass of sparkling wine. Light fruit salads or citrus-flavored yogurt also make refreshing accompaniments that play nicely with the cranberry and orange flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive gathering, arrange the bars on a pretty platter lined with fresh evergreen sprigs or cranberries to celebrate the season. You can also stack smaller cut pieces in a decorative jar or gift bag to share the joy as homemade gifts. Mini versions baked in cupcake tins decorated with frosting swirls are adorable for parties and easy to grab and enjoy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe treats keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Keep them chilled to maintain the freshness of the cream cheese frosting and to preserve the bars’ chewy texture.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these bars later, they freeze beautifully. Cut them into squares, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, and place in a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to three months without losing their delicious flavor or texture.

Reheating

When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw the bars overnight in the refrigerator. You can enjoy them chilled or warm them slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften the white chocolate drizzle—just enough to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven feel without melting the frosting completely.

FAQs

Can I substitute fresh cranberries for dried cranberries in this recipe?

Fresh cranberries have much higher moisture content, which could affect the texture and baking time of the bars. It’s best to stick to dried cranberries or Craisins to maintain the proper chewiness and flavor balance.

Is there a way to make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. Just be sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to help the bars hold together properly.

Can I make the frosting dairy-free?

You can try substituting cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative like vegan cream cheese. Keep in mind that the frosting’s texture and flavor might change slightly, but it should still be delicious.

How important is the orange extract in this Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe?

Orange extract adds a bright citrus note that complements the tart cranberries beautifully. While you could omit it if necessary, the bars won’t have quite the same vibrant flavor profile, so it’s worth including if you can.

Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?

Yes, doubling the recipe works well. Just use a larger baking dish or two pans so the bars bake evenly. Keep the same baking temperature but watch the time carefully, as it may vary slightly.

Final Thoughts

Making this Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe at home is a joyful experience—each step brings you closer to a treat that tastes like it just came from your favorite coffee shop but with a personal touch. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special gathering, or just to treat yourself, these bars never disappoint. Go ahead, give them a try and share that warm, blissful feeling with everyone you love!