Healthy Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars (Copycat Recipe)

Enjoy all the holiday magic with these Healthy Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars! Made with wholesome ingredients, they’re a festive treat you can feel good about.

The holiday season is here, and you know what that means: festive treats, cozy vibes, and the smell of baked goods wafting through the air! 

One of my all-time favorite holiday indulgences is the classic Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bar, but let’s be real—it’s not the healthiest option out there. So, I thought, why not create a better-for-you version that you can enjoy without feeling like you need to add “detox” to your New Year’s resolutions?

Enter these Healthy Cranberry Bliss Bars: all the delicious flavors you love, but with wholesome ingredients that will leave you feeling blissful in more ways than one.

Imagine biting into a chewy, sweet, and tangy bar packed with creamy cashew butter, rich maple syrup, and the perfect zing of orange zest. The white chocolate chips and dried cranberries add just the right amount of decadence.

And don’t even get me started on the cream cheese frosting—lightened up with Greek yogurt but still just as creamy and delicious as you’d hope. These bars are basically the epitome of holiday cheer in every bite, and they’re so good you’ll forget they’re actually on the healthier side.

Whether you’re serving them up at a holiday party, gifting them to friends, or hoarding them all for yourself (I won’t judge), these bars are guaranteed to become your new holiday favorite. So, get ready to put on your coziest holiday socks, grab your mixing bowls, and let’s get baking some healthier holiday magic!

If you enjoy these homemade cranberry bliss bars you may also want to try my 30 Easy Christmas Cookie Recipes.

WHAT IS THE STARBUCKS CRANBERRY BLISS BAR RECIPE?

The classic Starbucks version of the Cranberry Bliss Bars are a popular seasonal treat offered during the holiday season. 

They’re like a blondie cookie bar infused with hints of ginger, topped with sweet cream cheese frosting, tart dried cranberries, and a drizzle of white chocolate. Known for their festive flavors and indulgent texture, Cranberry Bliss Bars have become a beloved item on Starbucks’ holiday menu.

The starbuck’s cranberry bliss bars contain ingredients like brown sugar and other regular sugars, orange extract, all purpose flour, unsalted butter, etc. What sets the copycat version apart is the healthier ingredients without compromising on taste.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THE HEALTHY STARBUCKS CRANBERRY BLISS BARS

1. Guilt-Free Indulgence: All the flavors you love from the original Cranberry Bliss Bars, but made with healthier ingredients so you can indulge without the sugar crash.
2. Easy to Make: Simple, straightforward recipe that’s perfect for even the busiest holiday schedules. Whip these up in no time and impress everyone at your next gathering!
3. Gluten-Free Goodness: With almond and oat flour, these bars are completely gluten-free, making them perfect for anyone with dietary restrictions—no one has to miss out on the bliss!
4. Protein Boost: Thanks to the cashew butter and Greek yogurt, you’re getting a good dose of healthy fats and protein in every bite. Dessert that fuels you? Yes, please!
5. Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The combination of sweet white chocolate, tart cranberries, and zesty orange makes each bite a flavor explosion you won’t be able to resist.
6. Festive & Gorgeous: These bars are as pretty as they are delicious, with vibrant cranberries and a drizzle of melted white chocolate. Ideal for holiday parties or as edible gifts.
7. Versatile Treat: Great for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. Honestly, they’re good any time of day—don’t be surprised if you find yourself reaching for one with your morning coffee!

SIMPLE INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR THE COPYCAT STARBUCKS CRANBERRY BLISS BARS

You will need the following ingredients listed below to make the famous cranberry bliss bars (the exact measurements, nutrition facts and full recipe are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post):

• Almond flour – this is a replacement for the all purpose flour in the original recipe. I love using Bob’s Red Mill almond flour.
• Baking soda
• Ground ginger
• Sea salt
• Creamy almond butter
• Pure maple syrup
• Large egg
• Vanilla extract
• Orange zest
• Plain greek yogurt
• Cream cheese
• Powdered sugar
• Dried cranberries
• Creamy white chocolate chips – can use vegan white chocolate chips for the white chocolate drizzle if desired.
• Optional – coconut sugar, lemon zest, almond milk, whole wheat flour, white flour, heavy cream, etc.

HOW TO MAKE THE DELICIOUS CRANBERRY BLISS BARS

1. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F and line a square 8×8″ baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl combine the almond flour, baking soda, ground ginger, and sea salt.
3. In a separate large mixing bowl combine the almond butter, maple syrup, egg, vanilla extract and orange zest. 
4. Combine the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, then add the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.
5. Add to prepared pan and bake for 18-22 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
6. While blondie batter is baking, make the sweet cream cheese frosting. Combine the plain greek yogurt, cream cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
7. Allow bars to cool in pan, then add the cream cheese icing. Remove from pan and cut into 4 large squares. Then cut each square diagonally to make 8 triangles. 
8. Sprinkle with additional dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.
9. Melt more white chocolate and drizzle over top. Enjoy your healthy starbucks cranberry bliss bars!

STORING LEFTOVER HEALTHIER STARBUCKS CRANBERRY BLISS BARS

To store leftover healthier Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars, place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week to maintain freshness. 

If you want to keep them longer, freeze them! Just layer the cookie bars between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to three months. 

When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge or at room temperature. Perfect for grabbing whenever you need a burst of holiday bliss!

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR BEST RESULTS

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature before mixing. This helps everything blend smoothly and ensures the best texture for your bars and frosting.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, stir just until combined to avoid tough, dense bars. Overmixing can ruin that soft, chewy texture.
• Zest Like a Pro: Only zest the outer, colorful part of the orange—avoid the bitter white pith. The zest adds a burst of citrusy flavor that takes these bars to the next level!
• Chill the Bars Before Frosting: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before adding the cream cheese frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and keeps it thick and luscious.
• Evenly Spread the Frosting: Use a spatula to spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the bars, making sure every bite gets a generous layer of creamy goodness.
• Perfect White Chocolate Drizzle: Melt the white chocolate with a little bit of coconut oil for a smoother, more manageable drizzle. You can use a spoon or a piping bag to get that gorgeous, even drizzle over the bars.
• Customize Your Toppings: Add some extra holiday flair by sprinkling chopped nuts, extra orange zest, or even a few festive sprinkles on top of the bars.
• Cut with Precision: For clean and neat triangles, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. This keeps the frosting and toppings from smearing.

FAQS

IS THERE A DAIRY-FREE OPTION FOR THE GREEK YOGURT IN THE FROSTING?

Certainly! Opt for a dairy-free yogurt, such as coconut or almond yogurt, to create a delicious dairy-free frosting without compromising on flavor.

CAN I REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF SUGAR IN THE RECIPE FOR A LOWER SUGAR VERSION?

Absolutely! Adjust the amount of maple syrup or honey to suit your taste preferences and dietary goals. The recipe is flexible to accommodate various sweetness levels.

CAN I MAKE THESE BARS NUT FREE BY SUBSTITUTING ALMOND FLOUR WITH A DIFFERENT TYPE OF FLOUR?

Certainly! You can use oat flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a nut-free alternative for the base.

ARE THERE ALTERNATIVES TO THE WHITE CHOCOLATE TO FURTHER REDUCE THE SUGAR CONTENT?

Yes! Consider using sugar-free or dark chocolate chips to reduce the overall sugar content while still maintaining the chocolatey goodness.

HOW DO I ENSURE THESE CRANBERRY BARS STAY FRESH AND MOIST WHILE STORED?

Storing the healthy starbucks cranberry bliss bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator helps maintain their freshness. Adding a slice of bread to the container can also act as a moisture preserver.

CAN I USE FRESH CRANBERRIES INSTEAD OF DRIED?

Certainly! Chop fresh cranberries finely and use them as a delicious substitute for dried cranberries, adding a burst of tartness to the bars.

CAN I USE REGULAR WHITE FLOUR INSTEAD OF GLUTEN FREE?

Absolutely. If you don’t need to make this a gluten free recipe, you can use all-purpose flour. The measurements should be the same.

Other Easy Holiday Treats You May Like!

• Christmas Chocolate Peppermint Truffles
• Heart Shaped Jam Thumbprint Cookies
• Vegan & Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
• Gluten Free Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies
• Easy Christmas Sugar Cookie Fudge
• Gluten-Free Christmas Tree Brownies
• Sugar Free Sugar Cookies
• No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls (5 Ingredients)
• Chocolate Covered Pretzel Wreaths
• Santa Rice Krispie Treats
• Easy Reindeer Cake Pops
• Peppermint Layered Christmas Chocolate Fudge
• Gluten-Free Oreo Cake Balls
• Easy Christmas Crack Recipe

IF YOU TRIED THESE HEALTHY CRANBERRY BLISS BARS PLEASE LEAVE THEM A COMMENT IN THE COMMENT SECTION AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS STARBUCKS COPYCAT RECIPE ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails