Name: Cranberry White Chocolate Bliss Bars Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 ½ cups light brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon orange extract; ½ teaspoon ground ginger; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup white chocolate chips; ¾ cup dried cranberries (Craisins); 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1 ½ cups powdered sugar; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon orange extract; ¼ cup dried cranberries, chopped; ¼ cup white chocolate, melted

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 150 reviews

If you’re anything like me, you love finding that one dessert that feels like a warm hug — and trust me, this Cranberry White Chocolate Bliss Bars Recipe is exactly that. It’s that perfect combo of tart cranberries and sweet white chocolate, all wrapped up in a soft, buttery bar with a dreamy cream cheese frosting. I absolutely love how this recipe turns out every single time, and I can’t wait to share all the tips and tricks so you can nail it on your first try too.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Balance of Flavors: Tart cranberries and sweet white chocolate create a flavor combo that’s dangerously addictive.
Simple to Make: No fancy techniques—just mix, bake, and frost. Even beginners will have success!
Versatile Treat: Great for holidays, potlucks, or an everyday snack that feels extra special.
Outstanding Texture: Soft bars with creamy frosting and a little chew from the cranberries keep every bite interesting.

Cranberry White Chocolate Bliss Bars Recipe - Recipe Step

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Cranberry White Chocolate Bliss Bars Recipe are straightforward, but each plays a crucial role. The orange and vanilla extracts add a subtle zing that wakes up the other flavors. And the dried cranberries give that tart pop that balances the sweetness from the white chocolate chips perfectly. I always buy good-quality dried cranberries and white chocolate chips to get the tastiest results.

Cranberry White Chocolate Bliss Bars Recipe - Ingredients

Unsalted butter: Melted butter makes the bars rich and moist without overpowering flavors.
Light brown sugar: Adds a hint of caramel depth and extra moisture.
Eggs: Bind all the ingredients nicely and give structure.
Vanilla extract: Brings natural sweetness and warmth; don’t skip it!
Orange extract: This little addition elevates the bars with a refreshing citrus note.
Ground ginger: Just a touch for subtle spiciness that pairs beautifully with cranberry and orange.
Baking powder: Helps the bars rise and have a light texture.
Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
All-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy base for these bliss bars.
White chocolate chips: Melts into pockets of melty sweetness.
Dried cranberries (Craisins): Give that signature tart and chewy bite.
Cream cheese: For the smooth, tangy frosting that’s the star on top.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and lightens the frosting for a perfect spread.
Chopped dried cranberries: For garnish and texture in the frosting layer.
Melted white chocolate: Drizzled last for a pretty and delicious finish.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I adore about this Cranberry White Chocolate Bliss Bars Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Depending on your mood or what you have on hand, you can switch things up and still get a beautifully delicious result. Don’t be shy about making it your own!

Nutty Twist: I sometimes toss in chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and warmth. My family goes crazy for this addition, especially around the holidays.
Vegan Version: Swap the butter for coconut oil and use dairy-free cream cheese to make these bars vegan-friendly, and they still taste amazing.
Different Dried Fruit: If you’re not a cranberry fan, dried cherries or raisins work just as well and bring their own unique flavor.
Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a cozy spice boost that’s perfect for autumn.

How to Make Cranberry White Chocolate Bliss Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F. I like to line a 13×9 baking dish with parchment paper – it makes life so much easier when it’s time to lift out the bars and slice. Plus, cleanup is a breeze. If you don’t have parchment, just grease the pan well.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the melted butter and light brown sugar until they’re blended smoothly. This part smells heavenly! Then, add your eggs along with the vanilla and orange extracts. I discovered that fresh orange extract totally brightens this recipe, so don’t skip it.

Next, toss in the ground ginger, baking powder, kosher salt, and flour. Beat just until the flour disappears — overmixing can make the bars tough, so be gentle here. Then fold in the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries by hand. Folding helps keep the texture tender and the cranberries intact.

Step 3: Bake the Bars

Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan. Pop it into the oven for about 22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and the center looks set but not dry. I usually check around 20 minutes to make sure it’s not overbaking — you want soft, chewy bars, not dry slabs.

Once done, pull it out and let it cool completely before moving on to the frosting. This is key because warm bars will melt your frosting and make a mess.

Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the bars cool, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar for about 3 minutes until the mixture is silky and smooth. Then add the vanilla and orange extracts and beat again for another 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the bowl sides to make sure the frosting is uniform and creamy.

Spread the frosting generously over the cooled bars, then sprinkle the chopped dried cranberries on top right away so they stick nicely.

Step 5: The Finishing Touch

Melt the remaining white chocolate and drizzle it artfully over the frosted bars. This final touch adds an elegant look and a boost of sweetness that will have everyone asking for the recipe. For best results, refrigerate the bars for about an hour before slicing to let everything set perfectly.

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Pro Tips for Making Cranberry White Chocolate Bliss Bars Recipe

Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and cream cheese are at room temp for smooth mixing and perfect frosting texture.
Don’t Skip the Orange Extract: This is the secret flavor booster that makes these bars stand out from regular cranberry bars.
Fold in Chips & Cranberries Gently: To avoid breaking the fruit and keep the white chocolate chips intact, gently fold them in by hand rather than mixing at high speed.
Cool Completely Before Frosting: Trust me, frosting warm bars leads to a melty mess—patience here will yield perfect layers.

How to Serve Cranberry White Chocolate Bliss Bars Recipe

Cranberry White Chocolate Bliss Bars Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple and sprinkle the top with extra chopped dried cranberries for a pop of color and chewiness. Sometimes I add a few shaved white chocolate curls or even a light dusting of powdered sugar to make them look extra fancy when serving guests.

Side Dishes

These bars pair wonderfully with a cozy cup of coffee or a mug of hot tea—especially spiced tea like chai. If you’re serving them for dessert, a scoop of vanilla ice cream is a delightful companion that melts into all the layers.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I love arranging these bars on a festive platter with fresh rosemary sprigs and cranberries scattered around—they look stunning and festive. Another fun idea is to cut them into bite-size squares and serve them on decorative toothpicks for easy snacking at gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You’ll want to store these bars in an airtight container in the fridge because of that cream cheese frosting. I’ve kept leftovers fresh for up to 4-5 days this way, and they stay soft and flavorful. Just make sure to cover tightly so they don’t absorb other fridge smells.

Freezing

If you want to freeze them, slice into bars first, then wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. I’ve had great results freezing for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight for best texture.

Reheating

Since these bars are best enjoyed chilled because of the cream cheese frosting, I recommend eating them straight from the fridge or at room temperature. If you want them a touch softer, let them sit out for 10-15 minutes. Reheating in the microwave can make the frosting melt and get messy.

FAQs

Can I substitute fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Fresh cranberries are much more tart and contain more moisture, so using them might make the bars soggy and alter the texture. If you want that fresh cranberry flavor, try slightly roasting them first to reduce moisture or stick with dried cranberries for the best results.
Is it okay to use store-bought orange extract or fresh orange zest?

Both work well! Orange extract adds a strong, consistent citrus flavor, while fresh orange zest gives a fresh, natural brightness. I’ve used both depending on what I had; the extract tends to be more pronounced, so use zest if you prefer a subtler note.
Can these bars be made gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just keep an eye on baking time, as gluten-free flours sometimes bake faster or slower. The texture will still be deliciously soft.
Why is it important to let the bars cool completely before frosting?

Because the frosting contains cream cheese, spreading it on warm bars can cause it to melt and slide off, creating a messy presentation and uneven flavor distribution. Cooling lets the bars set and ensures that frosting stays smooth and thick.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry White Chocolate Bliss Bars Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen. From the first time I whipped it up, it quickly became a staple for holidays, weekend treats, and casual get-togethers. The blend of tart cranberries, creamy frosting, and sweet white chocolate feels like pure joy in every bite. I encourage you to try making these bars yourself—you might just find your new favorite dessert to share (or keep all to yourself!). If you follow the steps and pro tips, I promise you’ll get rave reviews and a batch that disappears fast. Happy baking!