Fancy a Holiday Treat
Everyone I’m sure has heard of and been to Starbucks for some special treat. One of my favorites is around only a short time during the Holiday Season. Starbucks’ Cranberry Bliss Bars are just the perfect winter treat. Similar to a blondie, but adding white chocolate and to really get those holiday flavors in full effect dried cranberries and orange zest with a cream cheese frosting! This is literally the best holiday splurge and with how beautiful it looks a great gift to bring to a party. Just typing this out and thinking about this bar is making my mouth water.
The holiday season is a time for indulgence, warmth, and cherished traditions—and no treat embodies this spirit quite like Cranberry Bliss Bars. With their sweet, tangy flavors and festive flair, these bars have become synonymous with cozy winter afternoons and holiday gatherings. But what makes them so irresistible? Let’s dive into the history, flavors, and how you can recreate these beloved bars at home to spread holiday cheer.
The Story Behind Cranberry Bliss Bars
First introduced by Starbucks as a limited-edition holiday treat, Cranberry Bliss Bars quickly captured the hearts of coffee lovers everywhere. Their perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, combined with the creamy, spiced topping, makes them a standout during the festive season. Over time, they’ve become a hallmark of holiday indulgence, signaling the arrival of winter festivities in every Starbucks store.
What Makes Cranberry Bliss Bars Special?
Cranberry Bliss Bars are a symphony of flavors and textures:
- The Base: A soft, chewy blondie infused with hints of brown sugar and vanilla.
- The Toppings: A creamy layer of sweet cream cheese frosting topped with dried cranberries and a drizzle of white chocolate.
- The Secret Spice: Subtle notes of orange zest and ginger give these bars their unmistakable holiday charm.
The combination of tangy cranberries, creamy frosting, and a buttery blondie creates a treat that feels festive yet comforting.
Why Cranberry Bliss Bars Are a Holiday Favorite
Cranberry Bliss Bars evoke the cozy, joyful essence of the holiday season. They’re:
- Visually Festive: Their snowy white frosting and ruby-red cranberries are perfect for holiday aesthetics.
- Perfectly Portable: These bars are ideal for holiday potlucks, cookie swaps, or as a homemade gift.
- Pair Perfectly with Coffee: Their rich, sweet flavor complements a steaming cup of coffee or cocoa.
How Cranberry Bliss Bars Can Brighten the Holidays
Whether you’re enjoying a quiet moment by the fire or hosting a festive gathering, Cranberry Bliss Bars add a touch of sweetness and joy to any occasion. Baking them at home can become a cherished tradition, bringing family and friends together over the warm scents of sugar and spice.
This holiday season, why not skip the line at Starbucks and make your own Cranberry Bliss Bars? They’re the perfect way to share a little bliss with the ones you love. 🎄✨
The Starbucks Copy Cat
With my love of this holiday treat- I wanted to find out how to make it! I want to know what ingredients are in it, what I can substitute (if anything) and just in general how to be able to have this fantastic little dish whenever my family desires! Thanks to Brittany over at Dreams + Coffee. I have found the PERFECT recipe!
The Special Ingredient
After trying out many versions I have come to the conclusion that Brittany is right “I think I found the ingredient that sets this recipe apart from other copycat recipes – fresh orange zest!” TRUST ME! This recipe will instantly become a family favorite that will be asked for year after year!
Cranberry Bliss Bars aren’t just a dessert—they’re a celebration of the season. Their festive colors and bold flavors capture the essence of the holidays, reminding us of the joy found in sharing food and moments with loved ones. Now that our oldest is 5 she is getting to try these for the first time, and I can tell you –she approves!
This holiday season, treat yourself (and your loved ones) to the magic of Cranberry Bliss Bars. After all, a little sweetness is what the holidays are all about!
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Perfect Cranberry Bliss Bars
Ingredients
- Bars
- 1 cup Butter (Melted)
- 1 1/2 cups Brown Sugar
- 2 Eggs
- 2 tsp Orange Zest
- 1 tsp Vanilla
- 1/2 tsp Ground Ginger
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 2 cups Flour
- 1 cup White Chocolate Chips
- 3/4 cup Craisins
- Frosting and Topping
- 8 oz Cream Cheese (Softened)
- 1 1/2 cups Powdered Sugar
- 1 tsp Orange Zest
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla
- 1/3 cup Craisins
- 1/2 cup White Chocolate Chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 13×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Mix melted butter and brown sugar over medium speed with an electric mixer. Add in eggs, orange zest, and vanilla extract and beat until mixed well. Add in ground ginger, baking powder, salt, and flour, mixing until just blended.
- Mix in white chocolate chips and Craisins.
- Spread evenly into the bottom of prepared pan. Bake in preheated oven for 18-22 minutes until set and golden brown at the edges. Avoid over-baking – it will make the bars hard! Remove from oven and place pan on a wire rack to cool. Allow bars to cool entirely before topping with frosting.
- To make the frosting, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add orange zest and vanilla extract and mix well. Top cooled bars with frosting. Sprinkle with Craisins and drizzle white chocolate over the top with a fork.
- For best results, place bars in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour to help them set before cutting.
- Slice into triangles and enjoy!
I tried a different version of copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars and it was Meh. I tried this recipe after seeing it on your blog and this time they were a hit! Absolutely delicious! The bars were moist and just the perfect density, the frosting sweet but not too sweet. This is mt keeper. Thank you for sharing. Bliss
So glad to hear this! Let me know if there are any recipes you are interested in seeing on the blog!