Cranberry Bliss Bars – The Ultimate Homemade Holiday Treat Everyone Loves

Cranberry Bliss Bars were the first dessert I ever tried to recreate after tasting them at Starbucks years ago, and from that moment on, I was hooked on perfecting them at home. That soft, chewy blondie base, the tangy dried cranberries, the rich white chocolate drizzle, and that unmistakable cream cheese frosting—it felt like a holiday wrapped into a single bite.

I’m Lily Anne Bakehart, recipe developer and editor at DishWhirl, and baking has always been how I tell stories. Some of my earliest kitchen memories are tied to bars like these—holiday trays on the counter, powdered sugar dusting the air, and someone sneaking a corner piece before dinner. Cranberry Bliss Bars became my personal baking challenge: how to capture that nostalgic café flavor, but make it warmer, easier, and more home.

After countless test batches (and many “quality control” bites), this recipe is the one I proudly share. It’s approachable, budget-friendly, and doesn’t require specialty equipment—just simple ingredients and a little love. My philosophy has always been the same: Make it warm. Make it easy. Make it feel like home. These Cranberry Bliss Bars do exactly that.

Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a cookie exchange, or just because your kitchen needs something sweet and comforting, this recipe delivers every time.

Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Bliss Bars

What Makes These Cranberry Bliss Bars Special

• Better than the café version – thicker, softer, and more generously frosted
• Perfect balance of flavors – sweet white chocolate + tangy cranberries
• Beginner-friendly – no mixer required if you don’t want one
• Budget-conscious – made with pantry staples
• Great for make-ahead baking – they slice beautifully and store well
• Holiday-worthy but year-round delicious

Unlike store-bought versions that can sometimes feel overly sweet or dry, these homemade Cranberry Bliss Bars stay moist and tender, with frosting that melts slightly into the blondie layer—exactly how it should be.

Ingredients

For the Blondie Base

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup dried cranberries
• ¾ cup white chocolate chips

Ingredient Notes

• Brown sugar gives that signature caramel depth.
• Melted butter creates a chewy, bakery-style texture.
• Dried cranberries cut through the sweetness beautifully.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 6 oz cream cheese, softened
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the White Chocolate Drizzle

• ½ cup white chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon neutral oil (optional, for smooth melting)

Step-by-Step Instructions

How to Make Cranberry Bliss Bars at Home

1. Prepare the pan
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy lifting.
2. Mix the wet ingredients
   In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and brown sugar until glossy. Add eggs and vanilla, whisking until smooth.
3. Add dry ingredients
   Gently fold in flour, baking powder, and salt. Stop mixing as soon as no dry streaks remain.
4. Fold in cranberries and white chocolate
   This ensures even distribution and prevents sinking.
5. Bake
   Spread batter evenly in the pan. Bake 18–22 minutes, until edges are set and the center is just soft.
6. Cool completely
   This step is crucial before frosting.
7. Make frosting
   Beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
8. Frost and drizzle
   Spread frosting evenly. Melt white chocolate and drizzle diagonally across the bars.
9. Chill for clean cuts
   Refrigerate 30 minutes before slicing.

Cranberry Bliss Bars

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• Author: Lily Anne Bakehart
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 16–20 bars
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Soft, chewy Cranberry Bliss Bars with white chocolate, dried cranberries, and cream cheese frosting—better than bakery versions.

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Ingredients

For the Blondie Base

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed

• 2 large eggs, room temperature

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ¾ cup dried cranberries

• ¾ cup white chocolate chips

Ingredient Notes

• Brown sugar gives that signature caramel depth.

• Melted butter creates a chewy, bakery-style texture.

• Dried cranberries cut through the sweetness beautifully.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 6 oz cream cheese, softened

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the White Chocolate Drizzle

• ½ cup white chocolate chips

• 1 teaspoon neutral oil (optional, for smooth melting)

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Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°F.

• Mix wet ingredients.

• Fold in dry ingredients.

• Add cranberries and white chocolate.

• Bake and cool completely.

• Frost, drizzle, and chill.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Are Cranberry Bliss Bars Seasonal or Available Year-Round?

Cranberry Bliss Bars are traditionally associated with the holiday season, especially winter, when cranberries and white chocolate desserts feel most comforting. While some cafés release them only during certain months, making them at home means you can enjoy Cranberry Bliss Bars any time of year. That’s one of the biggest perks of this recipe—you’re no longer limited by seasonal menus.

Have Cranberry Bliss Bars Ever Been Discontinued?

Many fans worry each year whether Cranberry Bliss Bars will return. While availability can vary, the truth is that homemade Cranberry Bliss Bars are never discontinued. Baking them yourself guarantees consistency, quality, and the freedom to customize sweetness, thickness, and frosting.

How to Cut Cranberry Bliss Bars into Perfect Triangles

One of the signature details of Cranberry Bliss Bars is their triangular shape. To achieve this at home:

• Chill the bars thoroughly
• Lift the slab from the pan using parchment
• Cut into long rectangles first
• Slice diagonally to form neat triangles

Using a warm knife wiped clean between cuts gives bakery-style results.

Helpful Tips from My Kitchen

• For extra richness, brown the butter before mixing
• Use high-quality white chocolate for smoother drizzle
• Don’t overbake—the center should look slightly underdone
• Store frosting-side up to protect texture

If you enjoy cozy comfort food, you might also love my Cabbage Dumplings, another DishWhirl favorite that proves simple ingredients can create unforgettable meals.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Cranberry Bliss Bars are more than just a dessert—they’re a cozy memory, a holiday tradition, and proof that simple ingredients can create something truly special. This homemade version gives you everything you love: rich flavor, soft texture, and that unmistakable festive charm.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear about it. Share it with family, save it for later, or pass it along to someone who could use a little sweetness today. After all, food isn’t just about eating—it’s about connection, comfort, and big love from simple ingredients