Introduction

Cranberry Bliss Bars are a festive treat inspired by Starbucks’ popular holiday dessert. These bars combine a buttery cake base with tangy cranberries, rich white chocolate, and a creamy frosting topped with a delicate drizzle. Perfect for a holiday gathering or a cozy afternoon snack.

A single slice of cake is shown on a simple white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. The cake slice has three visible layers: the bottom layer is a light golden brown crumbly base with dark red dried fruit pieces inside; the middle layer is a pale, creamy filling embedded within the base; the top layer is thick, white frosting spread smoothly with scattered bright red dried cranberry pieces on top. The slice has a slightly moist texture and rough edges on the base, with the frosting gently dripping down the sides. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/4 cup softened butter
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
1.5 oz (40g) white chocolate, roughly chopped
1.5 oz (40g) cream cheese, at room temperature
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon dried cranberries, chopped
3 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon milk
3/4 teaspoon vegetable shortening

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease or line a standard-size loaf tin with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add the egg, ground ginger, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until all ingredients are fully combined.
Step 4: Gently fold in the all-purpose flour and baking powder until the batter is smooth.
Step 5: Stir in the chopped dried cranberries and white chocolate pieces evenly throughout the mixture.
Step 6: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared loaf tin and bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and springs back when touched.
Step 7: Allow the cake to cool completely in the loaf tin before adding frosting.
Step 8: For the frosting, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy.
Step 9: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake and sprinkle the chopped dried cranberries on top, pressing them gently into the frosting.
Step 10: To make the drizzled icing, beat powdered sugar, milk, and vegetable shortening together in a small bowl until smooth.
Step 11: Drizzle the icing in thin diagonal strips over the frosted cake for a beautiful finishing touch.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh or frozen cranberries if you prefer a less sweet variation, but adjust sugar in the frosting accordingly.
White chocolate chips can replace chopped white chocolate for convenience.
For extra texture, add chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts to the batter.
If cream cheese isn’t available, mascarpone cheese can be used for a milder frosting flavor.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. You can also freeze the bars without frosting for up to a month; thaw completely before frosting and serving.

How to Serve

A slice of cake rests on a white plate on a white marbled surface with red and white festive patterns slightly visible around the edges. The cake has two main layers: the bottom layer is a textured light brown with visible chunks of dark red fruits inside, and the top layer is a thick, smooth white frosting lightly covered with small, scattered pieces of dried red fruit. The frosting drapes gently over the edges of the cake, showing a contrast between the soft white top and the dense, chunk-filled brown base. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend in a 1:1 ratio. Ensure your baking powder is gluten-free as well.

How do I prevent the frosting from melting?

Make sure the cake is completely cooled before frosting. Keep the finished bars refrigerated until serving to help the frosting maintain its texture.