Cranberry Bliss Bars (Starbucks Copycat Recipe)
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Cranberry Bliss Bars are totally delish! And with this easy bliss bars recipe, you no longer have to wait until the winter season to indulge. My copycat cranberry bliss bars are just as tender, tart, and sweet as the originals — ready in only 30 minutes!
These taste just like the Starbucks version! But trust me when I say that these copycat Starbucks cranberry bliss bars make the best cookie bars, and the homemade version is so much better!
Cranberry bars have such a good flavor and can really be made any time of the year.
The fun part of making these Starbuck’s cranberry bliss bars is that you can also change up how you decorate the top of the bars.
You can add a white chocolate drizzle, powdered sugar, melted chocolate, lemon zest, or anything else that you want to put on top of this delicious cranberry bliss bar recipe.
With that buttery blondie base, these soft blondies are perfect for the holiday party. Gather the simple ingredients that you need to make this cranberry bliss bars recipe!
It’s an easy Starbucks copycat recipe that makes the perfect sweet bar.
The tart cranberries give these delicious treats the perfect pop of flavor. Paired with that golden brown look, you’ll be hooked and for good reason!
Table of Contents
Cranberry Bliss Bars
If you have ever been to Starbucks in the fall or winter, I am sure you have at least seen these spectacular treats — if not devoured one or twenty!
Cranberry Bliss Bars are perfectly named as they are pure dessert bliss packed into a little bar.
First, a tender blondie base is packed with cranberries, white chocolate, and a hint of spice.
Top that off with a fabulous orange cream cheese frosting, then finish with tart dried cranberries and a drizzle of white chocolate.
Pair your treat with a homemade peppermint mocha or iced cinnamon dolce latte.
And be sure to try more cranberry treats like these shortbread cookies or my famous Christmas cake!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Dried Cranberries – Sweetened are best to balance the natural tartness.
But since Starbucks cranberry bliss bars also feature frosting and chocolate drizzle, feel free to stick with unsweetened if you prefer.
Do not use fresh or frozen cranberries — the texture is not the same, and they will make your bars a bit soggy. - White Chocolate Chips – These will melt easier than some white chocolate bars because they contain extra cocoa butter. Grab the highest quality you can find.
If you’re not a huge fan of the flavor, you can use white candy melts instead. - Orange Juice – Sweet and tart, it’s the perfect pair for cranberry and helps cut through the richness of the cream cheese frosting.
To amp up the flavor a bit more, include a tablespoon or two of zest as well!
Tips for Making Cranberry Bliss Bars like Starbucks
- Follow the steps carefully.
They’re there for a reason! Butter and sugar need to be mixed for a while to cream properly, but the batter for the blondie base should not be overmixed.
It’s also important to let the bars cool completely before adding the toppings. Otherwise, they will simply melt into the base and make a gooey mess.
- Use parchment paper!
Not only is another way to prevent sticking, but it makes it much easier to slice the bliss bars (more on that later).
Spray the baking pan with nonstick spray, then press the parchment into the pan so it sticks to the bottom.
Leave some hanging over the edges on opposite sides, then add another light coating of spray.
- Easy drizzling tip:
Instead of buying special piping bags, use a Ziploc baggie! Spoon the melted white chocolate inside, seal shut, then snip off one of the bottom corners.
Squeeze from above the chocolate to get a consistent drizzle, guiding the bottom of the bag with your other hand.
Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars FAQ
Unfortunately, yes. You’ll only find cranberry bliss bars at Starbucks during the winter holiday season.
However, with this easy recipe, you can make them right at home and enjoy copycat cranberry bliss bars all year round!
You bet! Swap the cranberries for dried blueberries, then replace the orange juice with lemon instead.
First, lift the dessert out of the pan and transfer it to a cutting board — this is why we used parchment paper!
Slice lengthwise into 3 strips, then rotate and cut across to make squares.
Finally, slice each square diagonally to make two triangles, just like the cranberry bliss bars at Starbucks!
Storing Leftover Homemade Bliss Bars
Once cooled and frosted, transfer bars to an airtight container with a piece of parchment between each layer.
Keep cranberry bliss bars in the refrigerator and enjoy within 5 days.
You can also freeze Starbucks cranberry bliss bars! Place in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze for about an hour, until firm.
Then, stack between layers of parchment in a freezer-safe container or storage bag. Store for up to 3 months and thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
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Other Easy Bar Recipes
Cranberry Bliss Bars (Starbucks Copycat Recipe)
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
- 5 ounce bag sweetened dried cranberries
- 12 ounce bag white chocolate chips, divided
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8″x8″ baking pan with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray.
- Place butter in a large microwave safe bowl, microwave to melt butter. Add sugar to melted butter, beat with an electric mixer. Add eggs and vanilla. Beat until well combined.
- Add salt, flour, baking powder, cinnamon and ginger. Mix until just combined. Do not over mix or the bars will be tough. Fold in 3/4 cup cranberries and 3/4 cup white chocolate chips. Pour batter into prepared pan.
- Bake for 20-22 minutes until the center is set.
- Meanwhile melt remaining white chocolate in a small microwave safe bowl. Set aside. Combine cream cheese, powdered sugar and orange juice in a medium size bowl. Beat until combined. Pour in half of white chocolate, reserve the remaining chocolate. Beat to combine. Set aside.
- Remove bars from oven and place on a cooling rack.
- Frost bars with cream cheese frosting. Sprinkle with remaining cranberries. Drizzle with reserved melted white chocolate.
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Originally published September 2013, updated and republished September 2024
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We’re Donna and Chad, the dream team behind The Slow Roasted Italian. Our focus is on taking complicated OUT of the kitchen. Life is busy enough, making meals should be fast and easy, to help make your life as simple as possible. Read More >>
definitely better than starbucks!
They look so good! I have a copycat recipe for them too and it's one of my fave bars I made last fall! Saw them on FG – so eyecatching!
Hi Averie! Thanks for stopping by. These bars are addictive, I had to give them a shot as soon as it felt like fall to me. I have to hurry and give them away before I eat them all though. We are so happy to be back in fall, it makes me happy.
probably my favorite thing at Starbucks. sounds good!
Hi Dina! Thank you for stopping by. They are my favorite too. They taste like fall to me.
These look amazing Donna! I love those cranberry bars from Starbucks. I need to try making my own now!
Your recipe says "1 (12 ounce) bag white chocolate chips, divided" and "7 ounces white chocolate chips (divided)". Do you really need 19 oz white chocolate chips? It looks like you use 3/4 cup in the bar and the "remaining" amount in the icing/drizzle. Is the remaining amount whatever is leftover from the 12 oz bag? Or is it that plus another 7 oz? Did I read it entirely wrong?! Thanks!
I tried this – I think I baked it wrong – how do you know when the center is "set"?
I baked as the recipe said, but after 22 minutes it was still goopy in the middle – how do you know when it's "set"?
Hi Sharon, the center is set when it is no longer "wiggly". Did you try to bake them a few minutes longer?
Feel free to contact me by email and I would be happy yo try and help you figure out what went wrong. donna {at} tsrifood {dot} com
I did a double batch and mine was goopy in the middle for ever. I had to almost double the baking time. I think the problem is that they are tooo thick when baking looking at mine it seems like I could have made a tray and half with the amount. Will try to make again, but not tonight as all the stores are closed this late on Christmas Eve!
I tried it again and the results were phenomenal!! I actually doubled the recipe, used a 9 x 13 pan and cooked it until it set. Won the dessert competition at work! THANKS!
Yay! So happy you loved them and congrats on the competition. We will have to start a blue ribbon wall for the recipes that win competitions. 🙂
I LOVED your recipe!!! Looked at many and doubled yours and baked it in a jelly roll pan for the exact time you said…DELISH!!!!!! Dont know if you will get this? Or how to post a picture? I am new to doing this, so if you have any help for me, Id love to post a picture of mine…thank you for the great recipe!!
These are my mom's favorite thing to get from Starbucks. Now she will be happy to make them herself.
Mine has been in the oven for 22 mins, no where near done! The icing looks completely wrong and I followed it step by step. I'm confused how this came out for anyone.
They look so good! better than Starbucks!sounds good!
I have been looking for a recipe like this forever, and finally stumbled upon it!
Is the Nutrition info for the complete pan or the individual serving? I would like to make your bars for a Diabetic.
Is 1 (one) cookie really 678 calories? Is that a typo maybe, hopefully?
Thank you
This recipe is an absolute delight! I’m a huge fan of Donna and Chad’s recipes from The Slow Roasted Italian, and this Cranberry Bliss Bars recipe is no exception. So easy and delicious!
Hi Adriana!
We’re so glad that you enjoyed the recipe!
TSRI Team Member,
Devlyn
Made these Cranberry Bliss Bars following Donna’s recipe, and they turned out amazing! I added a bit more orange zest for extra flavor.
Hi Ethan!
We’re so glad you enjoyed the recipe!!
TSRI Team Member,
Devlyn
Wow, I can’t believe how close these Cranberry Bliss Bars are to the restaurant version. Donna and Chad have done it again with this fantastic recipe!
Hi Lucas!
We’re so glad you enjoyed the recipe!!
TSRI Team Member,
Devlyn