White Chocolate Cranberry Bliss Bars

White Chocolate Cranberry Bliss Bars bring all the cozy holiday flavors you love into one homemade dessert that feels nostalgic, festive, and incredibly satisfying. If you enjoy the seasonal Cranberry Bliss Bars from Starbucks, this version delivers that same irresistible charm—yet tastes even fresher, softer, and more vibrant thanks to real orange zest, creamy frosting, and generously scattered cranberries. Because you’re making them at home, you get full control over texture, sweetness, and the level of festive flair.

Interestingly, cranberry dessert bars became popular in the early 2000s when coffee shops and bakeries began pairing bright fruit flavors with rich white chocolate for winter menus. That balance of tart and sweet is what keeps people craving them year after year.

These bars slice beautifully, pack well, and make a gorgeous addition to any dessert platter. Whether you’re recreating a seasonal favorite or simply craving something cozy and cheerful, White Chocolate Cranberry Bliss Bars bring holiday magic to every bite.

Recipe Yield: 12 bars

INGREDIENTS

1 cup all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp fine sea salt
½ tsp ground ginger
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup coconut oil, melted
½ cup light brown sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp almond extract
½ cup white chocolate chips
½ cup dried cranberries, chopped
3 tbsp orange zest

Frosting:
4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
1¼ c powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp orange juice
2 tbsp finely chopped dried cranberries
2 tbsp melted white chocolate (for drizzle)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prep the pan:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment, leaving overhang for easy lifting.

2. Mix dry ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ginger until evenly combined.

3. Combine wet ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk melted butter, melted coconut oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, vanilla, and almond extract until smooth.

4. Fold and flavor:
Add dry mixture to wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Fold in white chocolate chips, chopped dried cranberries, and orange zest.

5. Bake the bars:
Spread thick batter into the prepared pan. Bake 18–21 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden and the center is set. Cool completely.

6. Make the frosting:
Beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and orange juice. Beat until fluffy and smooth.

7. Frost generously:
Spread frosting over cooled bars. Scatter chopped dried cranberries across the top.

8. Add the signature drizzle:
Drizzle melted white chocolate in thin, swooping lines across the frosted surface.

9. Slice and serve:
Chill 15 minutes for clean cuts. Lift out of the pan and slice into squares or triangles.

Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe

• Don’t Overbake:
  Because these bars rely on moisture from cranberries, brown sugar, and coconut oil, slightly underbaking keeps them soft and tender.
• Chill to Slice Perfectly:
  Just 15 minutes in the fridge firms the frosting and creates clean, bakery-style cuts.
• Use Fresh Orange Zest:
  It brightens the entire recipe and gives these bars a luxurious, bakery-quality citrus aroma.