Name: Homemade Cranberry Bliss Bars Just Like Starbucks
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 16 bars
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 ¼ cups light brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ¾ cup dried cranberries; 1 cup white chocolate chips; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 ½ cups powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; ⅓ cup more dried cranberries, chopped, for topping; ⅓ cup melted white chocolate, for drizzle

Hey y'all! Have you ever craved those dreamy, chewy Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars but wished you could whip them up at home? You're in luck! This easy, foolproof recipe brings that perfect combo of soft blondie base, creamy orange-infused frosting, and sweet-tart cranberries right to your kitchen—perfect for holidays, bake sales, or a cozy treat any day. Let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Homemade Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe

Soft, chewy texture with bursts of tart cranberries and creamy white chocolate.
Much more affordable than store-bought—make a big batch for less!
Perfect for holiday parties, gifting, or a sweet everyday pick-me-up.
Easily customizable with favorite mix-ins or gluten-free options.
Ready in under an hour with simple kitchen tools.

Ingredients for Homemade Cranberry Bliss Bars Just Like Starbucks

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
1 ½ cups packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon orange extract (or zest of 1 orange)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon fine sea salt
¾ cup dried cranberries, chopped
¾ cup white chocolate chips
For the Frosting:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
2 cups powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon orange zest
⅓ cup dried cranberries, chopped (for topping)
⅓ cup white chocolate, melted (for drizzling)

How to Make Homemade Cranberry Bliss Bars Just Like Starbucks

Step 1: Prepare the Blondie Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang for easy removal.
In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.
Add eggs, vanilla, and orange extract (or zest), mixing until combined.
Stir in flour, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, and salt until just combined—do not overmix.
Gently fold in chopped dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.
Spread batter evenly into prepared pan.

Step 2: Bake the Bars

Bake for 22-25 minutes, until the center is set and edges are golden. Do not overbake for chewy bliss!
Let cool completely in the pan (about 1 hour).

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy (about 2-3 minutes).
Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and orange zest, beating until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Assemble and Decorate Your Homemade Cranberry Bliss Bars Just Like Starbucks

Spread the frosting evenly over cooled bars.
Sprinkle chopped dried cranberries over the top.
Drizzle with melted white chocolate for that iconic Starbucks look. Let set for 15 minutes.
Use a sharp knife to slice into triangles or squares. Enjoy!

Notes For Homemade Cranberry Bliss Bars Just Like Starbucks

For extra gooey bars, slightly underbake and let them finish setting while cooling.
Chill bars before slicing for the cleanest edges—check this bar-slicing technique.
Swap in gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free bliss bars! Learn more about gluten-free swaps at Bob's Red Mill.

Variations for Homemade Cranberry Bliss Bars Just Like Starbucks

Make them nutty by adding ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter.
Swap dried cherries for cranberries for a sweet/tart twist.
Try a lemon-flavored frosting instead of orange for zingy brightness.

Required Equipment for Homemade Cranberry Bliss Bars Just Like Starbucks

9x13-inch baking pan
Parchment paper
Large mixing bowls
Hand mixer or stand mixer
Whisk and spatula
Sharp knife

Storage Instructions & Shelf Life

Store Homemade Cranberry Bliss Bars Just Like Starbucks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, freeze frosted and sliced bars (separated by parchment paper) for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge overnight.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Pair with a cup of hot coffee, homemade chai latte, or a glass of chilled milk.
Serve as a festive holiday dessert platter with cookies and fudge.
Top with extra zest or crushed peppermint for seasonal flair.

Pro Tips for Homemade Cranberry Bliss Bars Just Like Starbucks

Use room temperature ingredients for the smoothest cream cheese frosting (frosting tips here).
Lightly coat cranberries and white chocolate chips in flour before folding in to prevent sinking.
Don’t skip chilling the bars before slicing; it makes the texture perfect and clean cuts easy.

FAQ: Homemade Cranberry Bliss Bars Just Like Starbucks

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?: Dried cranberries are best for a chewy, authentic texture, but you can use fresh ones chopped small; increase sugar for extra tartness.
How do I keep the bars from being too sweet?: Use semi-sweet white chocolate chips and slightly reduce powdered sugar in the frosting to balance flavors.
Can I make these bars dairy-free?: Yes! Use vegan butter, dairy-free cream cheese, and a plant-based white chocolate for an equally delicious dairy-free version.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour (includes cooling)