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Ultimate Homemade Cranberry Bliss Bars with Coconut: A Festive Delight

Step aside, Starbucks! These homemade Cranberry Bliss Bars with a delightful addition of coconut are not just a copycat; they’re an elevated experience. Imagine the classic, beloved flavors of tart cranberries, rich white chocolate, and creamy frosting, all nestled on a chewy blondie base, now infused with a subtle, tropical hint of coconut. This recipe promises to deliver an irresistible treat that will capture your heart and palate, making every bite feel like a festive celebration.

Closeup of a freshly baked Cranberry Bliss Bar with coconut, cranberries, and white chocolate drizzle

When the irresistible combination of cranberries and chocolate comes calling, my willpower simply vanishes. It’s a mission impossible to resist, and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way! This isn’t just a dessert; it’s a sensory journey that perfectly balances sweetness with a touch of tang, creating a flavor profile that’s utterly addicting. For those who adore seasonal baking and are always on the hunt for that perfect holiday dessert, these Cranberry Bliss Bars with Coconut are an absolute game-changer. They embody everything you love about the original, enhanced with a textural and flavor dimension that truly sets them apart.

Why These Cranberry Bliss Bars Are Truly Irresistible

This particular bar feels as though it was crafted specifically for my cravings. Picture this: vibrant cranberries, creamy white chocolate, and fragrant coconut – all harmoniously blended on an ooey-gooey, soft blondie base. These are not just some of my favorite ingredients; they are a delightful marriage, coming together to create a blissful symphony of flavors and textures. It’s the very definition of simple deliciousness, a word that perfectly describes the pure joy found in every single bite. The holiday season often calls for familiar comforts, and this recipe delivers exactly that, but with an exciting twist that makes it uniquely special.

If anyone ever wishes to test their strong will, I challenge them to place a plate of these Cranberry Bliss Bars with Coconut before them. I guarantee you’ll witness a delightful surrender. They’ll fidget, perhaps even tug at their hair, but within moments, they’ll be devouring a piece like a starved animal. All pretense of strong will, completely evaporated. This treat holds that kind of power – the power to transport you to a state of pure, unadulterated dessert euphoria.

The Perfect Blend of Flavors and Textures

The foundation of this incredible dessert is the blondie base, which truly lives up to its “ooey gooey” description. It’s so incredibly soft it practically melts in your mouth, providing a tender canvas for all the toppings. The combination of tart cranberries and sweet white chocolate is not just present; it’s perfectly balanced, ensuring neither flavor overpowers the other. This classic pairing is a hallmark of the holiday season, evoking feelings of warmth and cheer. The cream cheese frosting is an absolute dream – tangy, smooth, and utterly delicious. If you’re a fan of white chocolate, you will undoubtedly adore this frosting. What truly elevates this recipe, however, is the thoughtful addition of coconut. It doesn’t make the bars overly sweet; instead, it introduces a wonderful chewiness and a subtle tropical aroma that complements the other flavors beautifully. While I personally adore coconut and might be tempted to add even more, I found that half a cup was precisely the right amount to achieve that perfect balance. Finally, the drizzle, made from melted white chocolate and a hint of coconut oil, adds a delicate sheen and a slight, satisfying crunch that finishes the bar perfectly.

Tips for Achieving Blondie Perfection

Baking blondies might seem straightforward, but a few key tips can elevate your Cranberry Bliss Bars from good to absolutely phenomenal. First and foremost, **do not overbake the blondie base**. This is perhaps the most crucial advice for achieving that signature ooey-gooey texture. Even a few extra minutes in the oven can transform a soft, chewy bar into a tough, dry one. Keep a close eye on them; as soon as the edges appear set and slightly golden, remove them from the oven. The center might still look a little soft, but it will continue to set as it cools, resulting in that coveted tender crumb. Patience is key during the cooling process; allow the blondies to cool completely on a wire rack before attempting to frost them. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a clean, even application. Using room temperature ingredients for both the blondie batter and the cream cheese frosting also contributes to a smoother, more uniform mixture, leading to a superior end product. Don’t rush the steps, and you’ll be rewarded with a dessert that’s truly worth savoring.

The Secret Ingredient: Coconut Oil and Why It Matters

While the original Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bar recipe doesn’t include coconut or coconut oil, these additions are highly recommended and are what truly make this version stand out. The shredded coconut, whether sweetened or unsweetened, adds a delightful texture and a subtle, fragrant, tropical note that complements the tart cranberries and sweet white chocolate beautifully. It introduces a layer of complexity that transforms the familiar into something extraordinary. Furthermore, the inclusion of coconut oil in the white chocolate drizzle is a small but powerful enhancement. Coconut oil helps to create a smoother, more glossy drizzle that sets with a slight snap, adding another pleasant textural contrast. This isn’t just about adding flavor; it’s about optimizing the overall experience, from mouthfeel to aroma. If you’re hesitant, I encourage you to try it with the coconut additions – you might just discover your new favorite holiday treat.

Cranberry Bliss Bars with Coconut

Author: Anna

Cranberries, white chocolate, and coconut atop a gooey blondie base make this truly irresistible treat perfect for the holiday season.

Prep Time: 30 mins

Cook Time: 18 mins

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings: 6 people

Calories: 831 kcal

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Ingredients

For the Blondie Base:

¾ cup unsalted butter (1 ½ sticks)
1 ½ cups packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
⅛ teaspoon ground cloves (optional, but adds warmth)
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)
6 oz. white chocolate chips or baking chocolate

For the Frosting and Drizzle:

1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
6 oz. white chocolate chips or baking chocolate
½ tablespoon coconut oil
½ cup shredded coconut, divided (sweetened or unsweetened)
½ cup dried cranberries

Instructions

Line a 13″x9″ baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Set aside.
Melt butter in a microwave-safe dish. Pour into a large mixing bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer. Add brown sugar and stir until well combined. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
Add eggs and vanilla extract to the cooled butter-sugar mixture and beat until thoroughly combined and smooth.
In a separate medium mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves (if using). With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined. When there are still a few flour lumps in the batter, gently fold in the dried cranberries, white chocolate chips, and shredded coconut. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and set, but the center still appears slightly soft. Remember, it’s better to slightly underbake blondies for a chewier texture. Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
**Meanwhile, prepare the Drizzle:** Melt 6 oz. white chocolate with ½ tablespoon of coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler. Stir until completely smooth and glossy. Set aside to cool slightly.
**Prepare the Frosting:** In a clean mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy. Add about half of the melted white chocolate (from step 6) to the frosting mixture and beat until fully incorporated. Stir in half of the shredded coconut.
Once the blondies are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
Sprinkle the remaining dried cranberries and shredded coconut over the frosting. Drizzle the remaining cooled white chocolate and coconut oil mixture over the frosted bars in a decorative pattern.
Cut the cooled bars into desired shapes, traditionally triangles, and store in the refrigerator.

Notes

It is best to slightly underbake the blondie base, as even a few more minutes in the oven can result in a tough, dry bar. As soon as you see the edges set and turn a very light golden, pull them out and let them cool completely on the counter. They will continue to set as they cool, ensuring that perfect gooey center. The addition of coconut and coconut oil is optional but highly recommended for an enhanced flavor and texture profile, setting this recipe apart from the original Starbucks version.

Nutrition

The inspiration for this recipe comes from a cherished booklet, “Best Loved Cookies and Bars” from Taste of Home, capturing the essence of the famous Starbucks holiday treat. Without a doubt, their fame is truly deserved, and this homemade rendition, with its unique coconut twist, pays a beautiful tribute while carving out its own legacy.

Indulge in Homemade Bliss This Season

These Cranberry Bliss Bars with Coconut are more than just a dessert; they are a warm hug on a cold day, a festive staple for holiday gatherings, and a delightful treat to share with loved ones. The blend of textures, from the chewy blondie to the creamy frosting and the slight crunch of the drizzle, along with the symphony of sweet and tart flavors, makes them utterly unforgettable. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at holiday treats for the first time, this recipe is straightforward to follow and guarantees a truly rewarding experience. Pair a piece with a warm cup of coffee or tea, and savor the moment of pure, unadulterated bliss. Make these bars a new tradition in your home, and watch as they become a fast favorite among family and friends.

So, tell me, what is your ultimate dessert combination that you simply can’t resist?

xoxo,

Anna