The Cranberry Bliss Bars are a delectable holiday indulgence combining a tender, blondie base with the sweetness of white chocolate and the tang of cranberries. Each piece is topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, sprinkled with more cranberries, and finished with an elegant white chocolate drizzle.
Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a cozy treat with a hot beverage, these bars bring festive cheer to any occasion. Adaptable and easy to prepare, they’re sure to be a hit at your next celebration.
Full Recipe:
Blondie Layer:
- ¾ cup (1½ sticks) salted butter, cubed
- 1½ cups packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- 6 ounces white baking chocolate, coarsely chopped
Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 6 ounces white baking chocolate, melted
- ½ cup dried cranberries, chopped
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Melt the butter in the microwave for one minute and mix in the brown sugar. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and let it cool.
- Beat in eggs and vanilla with an electric mixer.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually combine this dry mixture with the butter mixture.
- Fold in the dried cranberries and chopped white chocolate. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared dish.
- Bake for 18–21 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Gradually blend in half the melted white chocolate.
- Spread the frosting over the cooled blondies. Sprinkle with cranberries and drizzle with the remaining melted white chocolate.
- Cut into 30 bars (squares or triangles). Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: 236 kcal | Servings: 30 bars
The Story Behind Cranberry Bliss Bars
Cranberry Bliss Bars are more than just a holiday treat; they’re an iconic dessert with roots in Starbucks cafes. These white chocolate cranberry blondies have become a symbol of festive indulgence, their fame growing year after year. Inspired by the coffeehouse’s seasonal menu, this homemade version captures the essence of the original, offering an even fresher and more satisfying experience. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply enjoying a quiet evening by the fire, these bars are a delightful addition to your seasonal repertoire.
What Makes Cranberry Bliss Bars Special?
The appeal of Cranberry Bliss Bars lies in their harmonious balance of flavors and textures. The sweet and buttery blondie base is infused with rich white chocolate and tangy dried cranberries. This combination creates a dessert that is both decadent and refreshing. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting and a final sprinkle of cranberries and white chocolate drizzle, each bite offers a perfect blend of creaminess and tartness. Their festive appearance makes them a visual treat as well, ideal for holiday tables and gift-giving.
Tips for Perfecting Your Bars
Achieving the perfect Cranberry Bliss Bars requires attention to a few key details. Start by ensuring your butter is properly melted and cooled before mixing—it creates a smooth texture in the blondie base. Use high-quality white chocolate for both the batter and the topping to enhance the overall flavor. When spreading the frosting, make sure the blondie layer is completely cooled to avoid melting the topping. Finally, cutting the bars into neat triangles or squares not only enhances their presentation but also makes them easier to serve.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
This recipe improves on the classic Starbucks version by omitting the orange zest found in the original, creating a cleaner flavor profile that highlights the cranberries and white chocolate. However, the recipe remains highly adaptable; you can reintroduce the orange zest or incorporate other festive spices to suit your taste. The flexibility of the recipe makes it a favorite among home bakers who want to personalize their creations.
Occasions to Enjoy Cranberry Bliss Bars
Cranberry Bliss Bars are versatile enough to suit any festive occasion. They are a hit at holiday parties, family gatherings, and office potlucks. Their long shelf life, when refrigerated, makes them ideal for preparing ahead of time or gifting to loved ones. Packed with seasonal flavors and a luxurious texture, these bars pair beautifully with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, enhancing any celebratory moment.
Healthier Alternatives and Customizations
While the traditional recipe leans toward indulgence, there are ways to make Cranberry Bliss Bars a little lighter. You can substitute low-fat cream cheese in the frosting or use less sugar in the blondie base. For a dairy-free version, plant-based butter and cream cheese alternatives work well. Adding nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, introduces a crunchy element, while swapping the white chocolate for dark chocolate offers a deeper flavor profile.
The Visual Appeal of Cranberry Bliss Bars
Presentation is key to the charm of Cranberry Bliss Bars. The snowy white frosting contrasted with ruby-red cranberries creates a striking visual, reminiscent of holiday decorations. Drizzling melted white chocolate over the top adds an artistic flair that enhances their festive allure. When arranged on a decorative platter, these bars are sure to impress both the eyes and the palate.
Storage and Longevity
Cranberry Bliss Bars are as practical as they are delicious. Once prepared, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, maintaining their flavor and texture. If you’re planning to make them well in advance, they also freeze beautifully. Simply wrap individual bars in parchment paper, place them in a freezer-safe container, and thaw as needed for a ready-to-enjoy treat.
Why Cranberry and White Chocolate Work Together
The combination of cranberries and white chocolate is a timeless pairing. The cranberries provide a tangy, slightly tart note that cuts through the richness of the white chocolate, creating a balanced flavor. This harmony is further enhanced by the creamy frosting and soft blondie base, which act as the perfect backdrop for these standout ingredients. Together, they create a dessert that feels indulgent without being overwhelming.
The Joy of Baking at Home
Baking Cranberry Bliss Bars at home offers an unparalleled sense of accomplishment. The process is simple enough for beginners, yet rewarding for seasoned bakers who appreciate the finer details of flavor and texture. As the bars bake, the aroma of warm butter, sugar, and cranberries fills the kitchen, adding to the cozy, festive atmosphere. Sharing these homemade treats with friends and family only enhances their appeal, turning a simple recipe into a cherished tradition.
Conclusion
Cranberry Bliss Bars are the epitome of holiday cheer, combining classic flavors with a touch of indulgence. Their stunning appearance, delightful taste, and versatility make them a must-have during the festive season. Whether you’re recreating Starbucks’ famous treat or experimenting with your own variations, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. From their ease of preparation to their undeniable charm, Cranberry Bliss Bars embody the joy of baking and sharing during the most wonderful time of the year.