Cranberry Bliss Bars – a homemade version of the popular, seasonal Starbucks treat! White chocolate blondies with added dried cranberries, orange zest, and a cream cheese frosting come together to create the most delicious festive dessert! They’re also vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free (paleo-friendly), but nobody would guess it!
They got the name right for these bad boys, because they are pure BLISS. Cranberry bliss bars are one of my favorite holiday recipes to make this time of the year! They are perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive get-together!
I used to really enjoy the Starbucks version, but after making them at home, I don’t think the famous coffee shop treat even compares! Maybe because I know this option is just as delicious while being made with better-for-you ingredients, or the fact that they’re soft, decadent, and bursting with flavor! I find this at-home version to be slightly softer. in texture than the Starbucks version, much like a gooey blondie, but I actually prefer them this way! Be sure to add them to your Thanksgiving and Christmas menu’s!
Copycat Starbucks Cranberry bliss bar recipe video
Why you’ll love this recipe
- You only need a few ingredients and one-bowl to whip up this easy holiday dessert!
- Holiday baking is one of the best parts of the holiday and these are sure to be a hit with the whole family!
- Wholesome – This cranberry bliss bar recipe comes together with just a handful of healthier ingredients like almond flour (I’ll leave nut-free options below!), fresh orange zest, unsweetened dried cranberries, and are sweetened with maple syrup!
- Dietary friendly – whether you have family or friends that are vegan, gluten-free, refined sugar-free, or paleo, these work for everyone!
How to make Starbucks cranberry bliss bars
Full recipe is in the recipe card at the bottom of the post!
Equipment
- Mixing bowl & spatula
- Parchment paper
- Square baking dish
- Small bowl for melting chocolate
Ingredients for cranberry bliss bars
- Almond flour: If you are nut-free, tiger nut flour makes a wonderful 1:1 swap!
- Coconut sugar
- Unsweetened dried cranberries: It can be hard to find unsweetened dried cranberries. I buy mine on Thrive Market or in Sprouts. However, use whatever you like/can find!
- Orange zest
- Frosting: There are a few options here. You can make your favorite homemade frosting or use a store-bought option. I used Miss Jones Baking frosting – it’s made with great ingredients!
- White chocolate: You can use your favorite white chocolate brand! For refined sugar-free options, I like to use Lily’s. For vegan white chocolate, Pascha is a great brand!
- Coconut oil: You can also use grass-fed butter or vegan butter.
Steps to make Starbucks cranberry bliss bars
- Make the dough: in a bowl, combine all of the blondie ingerdients, mixing until the dough forms. Press it into a parchmnt-lined baking dish.
- Bake: Bake at 350F for 12-13 minutes, until lightly golden all over. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
- Frost & decorate: Remove the bars from of the pan by gently lifting the sides of the parchment paper and placing it on a cutting board. Gently add the frosting to the bars, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle over some dried cranberries, then drizzle over melted white chocolate.
- Slice: cut the bars lengthwise into long strips or cut into square bars.
Expert Tips
- Storing leftover cranberry bliss bars: Store Cranberry Bliss Bars in the refrigerator, covered. They will last up to 5 days. Note: If you are serving these for a holiday, they’ll be okay out on the counter for a few hours.
- Line your baking pan: for easier removal and cutting of your cranberry bliss bars, line your pan with parchment paper that overhangs on the sides. This will allow you to “lift” the bars out of the pan, prior to slicing.
- Can I freeze cranberry bliss bars? Yes! Place the sliced bars in the refrigerator for at least 3-4 hours, then place in a freezer-friendly container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw the bars overnight in the refrigerator before serving. If your frosting has hardened and doesn’t seem to want to defrost, simply leave them out on the counter for a bit.
More healthy desserts to make
- Snickerdoodle creme pies
- Vegan fudge stripes
- Vegan sticky bun cookies
- Banana caramel cookies
- Healthy peanut butter crack bars
- Healthy butterfingers
If you make this recipe, it’d mean the world to me if you left a star rating and review below and be sure to tag me in your creations on socials @danishealthyeats! x
Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars (Copycat Recipe)
Ingredients
Blondies
- 2 cups almond flour (or tiger-nut flour for nut-free!)
- 1/2 cup softened coconut oil, grass-fed butter, or vegan butter
- 1 egg, room temp
- 2/3 cup coconut sugar
- 2 tbsp finely grated orange zest
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- good pinch sea salt
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
Frosting
- frosting, of choice
- white chocolate chunks or chips
- dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325F. Line a 9×9 baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine all of the blondies ingredients, mixing well until dough forms – folding in the chocolate chips and dried cranberries last. Press the dough evenly into the baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake for 15-18 or so minutes until golden around the edges and slightly golden in the center – the center should still be a tad soft to the touch. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
- Once cooled, spread the frosting over top. You can then cut these into bars OR triangles like the classic Starbucks version.
- In a small bowl, melt the white chocolate in the microwave or using double-boiler method. Microwave: Heat in 30 second increments, stirring well between each, until melted and completely smooth.
- Drizzle the white chocolate over each bar or triangle. Then top with a few dried cranberries. Place in the fridge for 20ish minutes, to allow the white chocolate to firm up. Then serve!
delicious healthier version!
Thanks, Crys!