Cranberry Bliss Bars Starbucks

If you’ve ever fallen in love with the seasonal treat from your favorite coffee shop, this Cranberry Bliss Bars Starbucks copycat recipe is your chance to enjoy the same holiday magic at home—any time of year. These bars feature a chewy blondie base studded with white chocolate and dried cranberries, topped with a rich layer of cream cheese frosting and finished with more cranberries and orange zest. Whether you’re hosting a party or cozying up with a latte, this sweet and tangy dessert will absolutely hit the spot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tastes just like Starbucks (maybe better!)
• Perfect for holidays or gifting
• Easy to make and bake in one pan
• Freezer-friendly and make-ahead approved
• Customizable for gluten-free or dairy-free diets

Ingredients

For the Blondie Base

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup old-fashioned oats
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup white chocolate chips

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 orange

Garnish

• ¼ cup dried cranberries, chopped
• 2 tablespoons white chocolate, melted (optional for drizzle)
• Extra orange zest

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
2. Make the blondie base: Cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs and vanilla; mix until smooth.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, oats, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet and mix just until combined.
6. Fold in dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.
7. Spread batter evenly in prepared pan and bake for 25–28 minutes. Don’t overbake.
8. Let cool completely in the pan.
9. Make the frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and orange zest.
10. Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars.
11. Sprinkle with extra cranberries and drizzle melted white chocolate if using.
12. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before slicing into bars.

Recipe Details

this recipe

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: ~1 hour 10 minutes
• Servings: 12 bars
• Estimated Cost: $8–$10

Nutrition Facts (per bar)

• Calories: ~250
• Fat: 13g
• Carbs: 32g
• Sugar: 22g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 1g

Tips & Variations

• Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter, vegan cream cheese, and egg replacers (like flax eggs).
• Gluten-Free: Substitute almond or 1:1 gluten-free flour and certified gluten-free oats.
• Add-ins: Chopped pecans or orange extract boost texture and flavor.
• Storage: Store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
• Presentation Tip: Slice into triangles for the iconic Starbucks look.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! These bars actually taste even better after sitting overnight in the fridge.

Do I have to include orange zest?
It’s highly recommended for that signature citrusy tang, but you can omit it if preferred.

How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Can I freeze cranberry bliss bars?
Absolutely! Freeze in a single layer, then stack with parchment between layers.

What’s the best way to cut them cleanly?
Chill first, then use a sharp knife wiped clean between slices.

Cranberry Bliss Bars Starbucks

A soft, chewy bar filled with white chocolate and cranberries, topped with citrusy cream cheese frosting. Just like Starbucks—but homemade and even better!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 12 bars

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 251

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• **Blondie Base:**
• – 1 cup unsalted butter softened
• – 1 cup brown sugar
• – 2 large eggs
• – 1 tsp vanilla extract
• – 2 cups all-purpose flour
• – ¾ cup old-fashioned oats
• – 1 tsp baking powder
• – ½ tsp salt
• – 1 cup dried cranberries
• – ½ cup white chocolate chips
• **Frosting:**
• – 8 oz cream cheese softened
• – ¼ cup unsalted butter
• – 2 cups powdered sugar
• – 1 tsp vanilla extract
• – Zest of 1 orange
• **Toppings:**
• – ¼ cup dried cranberries chopped
• – White chocolate drizzle optional
• – Extra orange zest

Equipment

• – 9×13” pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment.
2. Cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
3. Mix flour, oats, baking powder, and salt separately; then combine.
4. Fold in cranberries and white chocolate. Spread into pan.
5. Bake 25–28 minutes. Cool completely.
6. Beat frosting ingredients. Spread on cooled bars.
7. Sprinkle toppings. Chill 30 min, then slice and serve.

Notes

– Store in fridge up to 5 days
– Freeze individually for longer storage
– For triangle slices, cut bars in half lengthwise, then diagonally

Conclusion

These cranberry bliss bars Starbucks style are a festive treat that brings bakery-level flavor to your own kitchen. From the chewy, sweet-tart base to the luscious cream cheese frosting and zesty cranberry topping, every bite is a blissful holiday moment. Serve them at your next gathering or wrap them up as edible gifts—everyone will think you bought them at the coffee shop!