Cranberry Bliss Bars (Starbucks Recipe)

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Did you know you can make your favorite seasonal treat from Starbucks in your very own kitchen? These Cranberry Bliss Bars are a menu item Starbucks fans look forward to each year. But now, you can make them whenever you’re craving one!

These delicious dessert bars have a chewy blondie base and cream cheese icing with a hint of orange and mixed-in dried cranberries. Then, it’s topped off with a sweet white chocolate drizzle and more chopped cranberries — absolutely decadent!

Cookie bars are an excellent dessert to bring to work events, family gatherings, or seasonal parties. They’re easy to make and a refreshing break from the typical cookies, brownies, and cupcakes with the same (if not better) satisfying sweetness!

Ingredient notes

Cake Ingredients

• Butter | Be sure the unsalted butter is at room temperature to make mixing easier and achieve the correct consistency.
• Sugar | Boost the holiday flavor by sweetening the bar with light brown sugar instead of classic white sugar.
• Vanilla | Add vanilla extract to deepen the creamy notes.
• Eggs | Add a couple of large eggs for texture.

• Flour | All-purpose flour is the perfect ingredient to give these bars structure.
• Salt | A bit of salt brings out the sweeter taste.
• Baking powder | Add baking powder to the recipe to make chewy bars.
• Ginger | Bring out the seasonal spices and add ground ginger to the base of this dessert.
• Orange | Brighten the tasty bars with fresh orange juice and zest.
• Cranberries | Add some dried cranberries for texture and tangy flavor.
• Chocolate chips | White chocolate chips bring bursts of creamy white chocolate in each bite.

Icing

• Cream cheese | Have your cream cheese softened before starting the recipe.
• Orange | Match the orange notes in the bars with fresh orange juice and zest in the yummy frosting.
• Vanilla | Vanilla extract brings more creaminess to the icing.
• Powdered sugar | Sweeten the simple icing recipe with silky powdered sugar.

Garnish

• Cranberries and chocolate chips | If desired, add chopped dried cranberries and more white chocolate chips on top of the dessert.

How to make the Cranberry Bliss Bars at Starbucks

Who knew making Starbucks’ Cranberry Bliss Bars at home was so easy? 

STEP 1 | Preheat and mix

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F, and cream butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl using a hand-held electric mixer or spoon.

STEP 2 | Add eggs and vanilla

Next, add the vanilla and eggs one at a time and beat them for another minute or two until the ingredients are well combined.

STEP 3 | Mix dry ingredients

Whisk the flour, salt, baking powder, and ground ginger in a separate bowl. Then, add the dry ingredients to the bowl with the wet ingredients and blend.

STEP 4 | Add remaining ingredients

Now, pour in the orange juice and fresh zest, chopped cranberries, and white chocolate chips, mixing until everything is well combined. 

STEP 5 | Flatten dough and bake

Next, line a baking pan with parchment paper and lay out the dough about 1/2 inch thick. Use a spatula to flatten the dough and slip the sheet into the preheated oven to bake for about 20 minutes. 

STEP 6 | Cool the cake

When the cake is done and the edges are golden brown, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly for about 15 minutes.

How to Make Easy Cream Cheese Icing

STEP 1 | Combine ingredients

Start with a mixing bowl. Then add the softened cream cheese, orange juice and zest, vanilla, and powdered sugar and mix the ingredients for no longer than 1 minute or until combined.

STEP 2 | Add icing

Spread the icing on top of the bars and sprinkle with a few chopped cranberries.

STEP 3 | Drizzle with melted chocolate

Then, melt the white chocolate chips and drizzle it over the cream cheese frosting. Before slicing and serving, let the chocolate harden.

STEP 4 | Slice and serve!

Finally, cut the tasty treat into three or four-inch squares, cutting each on a diagonal to form triangles. Then, enjoy the homemade version of a delicious cranberry bliss bar– Or two!

If you’re looking for more cranberry dessert recipes to make this Christmas extra special, try my White Chocolate Cranberry Scones, festive Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti Recipe with Christmas sprinkles, and healthy Orange Cranberry Muffins with a citrusy glaze — Yum!

Variations and Substitutions

• Sprinkles. Add festive green and red sprinkles to the bars for the perfect holiday season treat!
• Boost the Orange Flavors. For a harder citrus kick, add orange extract to the recipe, too!
• Bliss Bar Bites. Cut the baked recipe into small one-inch squares for mini bliss bars that can be enjoyed in one bite.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Save your cranberry bliss bars for up to five days when stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
• Or freeze the dessert for up to three months.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to Serve with Cranberry Bliss Bars

Enjoy these bars with your favorite seasonal beverage, like this Dark Chocolate Peppermint Mocha, Chai Tea Latte, or refreshing Cranberry White Grape Christmas Punch.

Beyond the Recipe

The only time you’ll find these Cranberry Bliss Bars at your favorite coffee shop is during the winter months.

It is an addictive blondie cake with tart dried cranberries and cream cheese frosting that screams holiday cheer and pairs wonderfully with many of their seasonal beverages.