Name: Cranberry White Chocolate Bliss Bars Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter melted; 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons orange zest; 1 cup white chocolate chips; 3/4 cup dried cranberries; 6 ounces white chocolate baking chocolate; 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese (brick-style); 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 1-2 tablespoons whipping cream; 2 ounces white chocolate; 2 tablespoons dried cranberries

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 5 reviews

If you’re craving something that’s utterly comforting yet feels a bit festive, you have to try my Cranberry White Chocolate Bliss Bars Recipe. These bars are like a little slice of joy—a buttery base studded with tart cranberries and sweet white chocolate, all topped with a dreamy cream cheese frosting. Trust me, once you make them, they’ll probably become your go-to treat for brunch, holiday gatherings, or an anytime snack that really hits the spot.

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Balance: The tartness of dried cranberries beautifully complements the sweetness of white chocolate for a harmonious flavor.
Moist & Tender Base: Using melted butter and brown sugar ensures a soft, rich bar that’s never dry.
Creamy Frosting: The cream cheese frosting with melted white chocolate adds a silky finish that elevates every bite.
Easy to Make: Simple steps and common ingredients make this recipe approachable even for beginners.

Cranberry White Chocolate Bliss Bars, festive dessert recipes, easy holiday treats, cranberry and white chocolate bars, no-bake holiday desserts - A rectangular layered dessert lies on white parchment paper inside a glass baking dish on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is golden brown, thin, and even. On top is a thick, smooth white frosting layer covering the entire surface. Thin white icing lines are drizzled across the frosting, forming a light grid pattern. Scattered over the top are small dried red fruit pieces, evenly spaced, adding bright red spots to the white frosting. The cloth nearby has green, red, and dark colors in a check pattern. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Cranberry White Chocolate Bliss Bars Recipe brings together a few simple ingredients that each play a part in creating that perfect texture and flavor balance. Here’s why I love what’s in this recipe and some tips for picking your ingredients.

Unsalted Butter: Melting it brings moisture and helps achieve that fudgy, tender crumb you want.
Brown Sugar: Adds caramel-like richness and keeps the bars nice and soft, plus a bit of depth you don’t get with just white sugar.
Eggs: Bind everything together and add to that satisfying chewiness.
Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and enhances the sweetness of the white chocolate and cranberries.
All-Purpose Flour: The trusty base—make sure you spoon and level for accuracy!
Baking Powder & Salt: Small additions that give lift and balance the sweetness.
Orange Zest: Adds a fresh citrus twist that brightens every bite. I tend to zest directly over the bowl to keep all that aromatic goodness in the mix.
White Chocolate Chips: They melt nicely into pockets of creamy sweetness but try not to overmix to keep the chips intact.
Dried Cranberries: Tart and chewy, they bring zing and contrast perfectly.
White Chocolate (for frosting and drizzle): I recommend baking-quality chopped chocolate instead of chips here for smoother melting.
Full-Fat Cream Cheese: Make sure to use the block kind — it makes the frosting creamy and thick, not runny.
Powdered Sugar: For sweetness and that silky, smooth frosting texture.
Whipping Cream: Helps loosen the frosting to just the right spreadable consistency.
Dried Cranberries (for topping): Adds a pop of color and tartness on top — I love how they make the bars look as good as they taste!

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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.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the things I love most about my Cranberry White Chocolate Bliss Bars Recipe is just how easy it is to tailor it to your preferences. I’ve played around with different tweaks — and honestly, you will too once you make it the first time!

Fruit Swap: I sometimes use chopped dried cherries instead of cranberries for a slightly sweeter, less tart bar—and it’s delicious.
Nutty Addition: Adding chopped pecans or walnuts can add a lovely crunch and extra flavor dimension. My sister loves this variation for holiday parties.
Gluten-Free: I haven’t tried this with gluten-free flour blends yet, but a 1:1 baking mix might work well—just keep an eye on texture.
Less Sweet: If you’re watching sugar, feel free to reduce the powdered sugar in the frosting a bit—it’s still creamy and tasty.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cranberry White Chocolate Bliss Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat

I always start by preheating my oven to 350°F and prepping a 9×13 inch pan with a good spritz of non-stick spray. Then, I line it with parchment paper leaving an overhang on the sides. This little trick is a game changer because it makes it so easy to lift out the bars without messing up any edges—a neat presentation is half the fun!

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a big bowl, I beat together the melted butter and sugar until well combined. This step smells amazing—and yes, I sneak tastes here and there. Then, I mix in the eggs and vanilla extract until the mixture is silky and smooth.

Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

With the mixer on low, I add the flour, baking powder, and salt gradually. This keeps the flour from puffing up all over your kitchen—true story, I’ve done that! Once the dry ingredients are just combined, in go the orange zest, white chocolate chips, and dried cranberries. A few gentle stirs is all you need so those goodies stay intact throughout baking.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

I spread the batter evenly into my prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Pop it in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. About the 20-minute mark, I check with a toothpick to make sure it comes out clean but the edges are still golden. That’s the sweet spot for bars that feel soft but not underbaked.

Step 5: Make the Dreamy Cream Cheese Frosting

While the bars cool, I chop the white chocolate finely and melt it in the microwave using 45-second intervals on medium power, stirring in between so it doesn’t scorch. Meanwhile, cream the softened cream cheese until smooth. Then, blend in the melted white chocolate and powdered sugar gradually at low mixer speed. Whipping cream goes in last to loosen up the frosting until it’s silky and spreadable.

Step 6: Frost and Top

Once the bars are fully cool (seriously, don’t rush this or the frosting will melt!), spread the frosting evenly. For the final flourish, I melt a bit more white chocolate and drizzle it over the bars, then sprinkle dried cranberries on top. It’s such a showstopper!

Step 7: Slice Like a Pro

To get clean slices, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang and set it on a cutting board. I use a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts. This little extra effort keeps every bar looking neat and polished.

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Pro Tips for Making Cranberry White Chocolate Bliss Bars Recipe

Use Fresh Zest: Zest directly over your mixing bowl to catch the oils and add maximum orange aroma.
Melt Chocolate Gently: Microwave on medium power in short bursts, stirring often to prevent burning the white chocolate.
Cool Bars Fully: Absolutely wait for the bars to cool completely before frosting to avoid a melty mess.
Clean Knife Slicing: Wipe your knife between cuts for neat squares—keeping the lines sharp and the frosting smooth.

How to Serve Cranberry White Chocolate Bliss Bars Recipe

Garnishes

For me, the dried cranberries on top aren’t just for looks—they add a little burst of tang and chewiness, cutting through the sweetness perfectly. Sometimes I add a tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after the white chocolate drizzle for that subtle contrast. If it’s a holiday treat, a few fresh rosemary needles tossed on top make a beautiful garnish and add an unexpected herbal note.

Side Dishes

These bars pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a lightly spiced chai tea for a cozy afternoon pick-me-up. At brunch, I like serving them alongside fresh fruit salad or yogurt parfaits—they bring a sweet balance without overpowering other flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

I sometimes cut the bars into bite-sized squares and serve them on decorative trays, especially during holiday parties. For a more elegant touch, put each piece in a mini cupcake liner—this makes them easy to grab and adds a pop of color. If you’re gifting them, wrap the bars in parchment and tie with rustic twine and a sprig of rosemary or cinnamon stick for that homemade charm that always impresses.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover bars keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. I recommend layering them with parchment or wax paper between layers if you stack, to keep the frosting from sticking and ruining their presentation.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these bars many times with great results. After baking and fully cooling, I wrap the unfrosted bars tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. When I’m ready to enjoy them, I thaw overnight in the fridge, then spread the frosting fresh. This keeps everything tasting vibrant and luscious.

Reheating

Because of the cream cheese frosting, I don’t recommend reheating these bars in the microwave—they’re best enjoyed at room temperature or chilled. Just take them out about 15-20 minutes before serving to take the chill off and bring out all those flavors and textures.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried in this Cranberry White Chocolate Bliss Bars Recipe?

Fresh cranberries have much higher moisture content, which can affect the texture and baking time. Using fresh would likely result in a soggy bar. It’s best to stick with dried cranberries to keep the bars chewy and balanced. If you only have fresh, you could try chopping and lightly drying or cooking them first, but dried is definitely recommended.
What type of white chocolate works best for the frosting?

I recommend using baking-quality white chocolate bars chopped into pieces rather than white chocolate chips. Baking chocolate melts more smoothly and evenly without graininess, giving your frosting that silky texture every time.
Can I make the bars gluten-free?

While I haven’t tested this recipe extensively with gluten-free flour, a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend should work. Just watch the texture during mixing and baking, since gluten-free flours can behave differently. If you try it, let me know how it goes!
How do I get the cleanest slices for these bars?

Once the bars are completely cool and frosted, lift them out of the pan with the parchment paper. Use a sharp knife, and wipe the blade after each cut with a damp cloth or paper towel. This helps keep the frosting neat and prevents the bars from sticking to the knife.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, making this Cranberry White Chocolate Bliss Bars Recipe always feels like a little celebration in my kitchen. From the comforting scent while baking to the first sweet-tart bite, these bars never fail to lift my spirits. I’m so excited for you to give them a try—you’ll find they’re simple, satisfying, and a true crowd-pleaser. Next time you want a sweet that’s a bit special, you’ve got this recipe in your back pocket, ready to brighten any day.