Intro
If you’ve ever treated yourself to a Cranberry Bliss Bar with your coffee and thought, “I need this at home,” you’re in the right place. These bars are rich, buttery, tangy, and sweet all at once—basically dessert perfection.
This homemade Cranberry Bliss Bars recipe delivers everything you love: a soft blondie-style base, creamy sweetened cream cheese frosting, and that signature topping of dried cranberries and white chocolate drizzle. The best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make and taste even better than the store-bought version.
Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a potluck, or just because your sweet tooth is calling, these bars are guaranteed to disappear fast.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe
- Better than store-bought – fresher, softer, and more flavorful
- Perfect balance of flavors – sweet white chocolate + tangy cranberries
- Easy to slice and share – great for parties and gifting
- Make-ahead friendly – flavors get even better after chilling
These bars feel fancy, but the steps are totally beginner-friendly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Blondie Base
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1½ cups brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup white chocolate chips
- ½ cup dried cranberries
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Topping
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup white chocolate, melted
How to Make Cranberry Bliss Bars
Step 1: Prep the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Blondie Batter
In a bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well. Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt just until combined. Fold in white chocolate chips and dried cranberries.
Step 3: Bake
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the edges are set and the center is just slightly soft. Let cool completely before frosting.
Step 4: Frost the Bars
Beat cream cheese until smooth, then mix in powdered sugar and vanilla. Spread a generous layer over the cooled blondie base.
Step 5: Add the Signature Topping
Sprinkle dried cranberries evenly over the frosting. Drizzle melted white chocolate on top in a zigzag pattern.
Step 6: Chill and Slice
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set. Slice into bars or triangles for that classic look.
Tips for Perfect Cranberry Bliss Bars
- Don’t overbake – a slightly soft center keeps the bars moist
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest frosting
- Chill before slicing for clean, sharp edges
- Triangles look fancy and are great for holiday trays
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Make ahead: These bars can be made 1–2 days in advance
- Store: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days
- Freeze: Freeze unfrosted bars for up to 2 months
Variations to Try
- Orange zest in the frosting for extra brightness
- Dark chocolate drizzle instead of white
- Gluten-free flour blend for a GF version
- Reduced sugar frosting if you prefer less sweetness
When to Serve Cranberry Bliss Bars
These bars shine during:
- Holiday parties
- Cookie exchanges
- Coffee dates
- Bake sales
- Gifting (they travel well!)
They’re rich enough to feel indulgent, but not so heavy that you can’t go back for seconds.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Bliss Bars recipe is one of those desserts that looks impressive, tastes incredible, and never fails to get compliments. Once you make them at home, you may never go back to buying them again.
If you try this recipe, don’t forget to share it with someone who loves white chocolate and cranberries as much as you do. Happy baking!
Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe
Ingredients
Blondie Base
- ¾ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1½ cups brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup white chocolate chips
- ½ cup dried cranberries
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Topping
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup white chocolate melted
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Blondie Batter
- In a bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well. Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt just until combined. Fold in white chocolate chips and dried cranberries.
Step 3: Bake
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the edges are set and the center is just slightly soft. Let cool completely before frosting.
Step 4: Frost the Bars
- Beat cream cheese until smooth, then mix in powdered sugar and vanilla. Spread a generous layer over the cooled blondie base.
Step 5: Add the Signature Topping
- Sprinkle dried cranberries evenly over the frosting. Drizzle melted white chocolate on top in a zigzag pattern.
Step 6: Chill and Slice
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set. Slice into bars or triangles for that classic look.
Hi, I’m Olivia Brooks! Cooking is my passion, and I love turning everyday ingredients into meals that bring joy to the table. On CulinaryPearl, I share simple recipes, helpful kitchen tips, and inspiration for food lovers everywhere