Homemade Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars

Introduction

These Cranberry Bliss Bars bring a little bakery magic into your kitchen with bright cranberries, sweet white chocolate, and a velvety orange cream cheese topping. Soft, chewy, and just festive enough for holiday sharing, they bake up in a single pan and make an instant crowd-pleaser. If you love seasonal treats, you might also enjoy the chewier texture found in this moist cranberry bars recipe which shares the same cozy spirit. Ready in under an hour from start to finish, these bars are perfect for last-minute gifts or a sunny afternoon with coffee.

Why This Recipe Is a Great Choice

This copycat keeps things simple without sacrificing the layers of flavor that make the original so addictive. You only need pantry staples plus dried cranberries and white chocolate chips, and the dough comes together in one bowl for minimal cleanup. The orange-scented cream cheese frosting adds a bright, tangy finish that lifts the sweetness and makes each bite memorable. Because the bars are baked in an 8-inch square pan, they come out with chewy edges and a softer center ideal for cutting into neat gift-ready squares. If you like fruit-forward cookie bars, these hit that balance between bakery-worthy and homey perfectly, much like the festive kick in these cherry bars found in our collection.

Flavor and Texture

Imagine a buttery base flecked with rolled oats, tender from just the right amount of brown sugar and butter. The dried cranberries add a tart pop that cuts through the sweetness of white chocolate, while the orange zest in the frosting brightens every bite. The texture is pleasantly chewy with slightly crisp edges thanks to the oats and proper bake time. The cream cheese layer is silky, not heavy, creating a balanced contrast that keeps you coming back for another square.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp milk
• Zest of 1 orange

Step by Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
4. In another bowl, mix the flour, oats, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
5. Fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.
6. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Allow to cool completely.
8. In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and orange zest until smooth.
9. Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled bars, cut into squares, and enjoy!

Tips for Best Results

For neat slices, chill the pan for 20 to 30 minutes after frosting so the topping firms up slightly before cutting. If your cranberries are particularly dry, soak them briefly in warm orange juice to plump them up and add extra citrus depth. Use room-temperature butter and cream cheese so both the dough and frosting blend smoothly without overworking. Watch the baking time closely you want a golden top but a tender center; a toothpick in the middle should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. Finally, feel free to press a few extra white chocolate chips on top just after frosting for an inviting, photo-ready finish.

Storage and Make Ahead

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to keep the frosting fresh and the texture ideal. For longer storage, freeze unfrosted bars wrapped tightly for up to two months, then thaw and top with cream cheese frosting before serving. You can also prepare the frosting a day ahead and keep it chilled; just whip again briefly before spreading. These bars travel well in a single layer lined with parchment for gifting.

Final Thought

These copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars are proof that bakery-quality treats can come from a simple home pantry and a little attention to texture. They are festive, shareable, and flexible perfect for cookie swaps, brunch spreads, or a sweet holiday surprise. Keep the recipe handy; once people taste them, you’ll be asked to make them again.

Conclusion

If you want a tested reference for a similar classic, see the original inspiration over at Cranberry Bliss Bars {Starbucks Copycat Recipe} – Belle of the Kitchen.

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