If you love the flavors of Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars but want something homemade and even more shareable, this Cranberry Bliss Loaf is the perfect treat! It’s packed with dried cranberries, creamy white chocolate, and a hint of orange zest, topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting that’s as blissful as its name. Whether you’re serving this at a holiday gathering or enjoying it with a cup of coffee, it’s sure to be a hit.
This loaf is easy to make, bakes beautifully, and has all the festive flavors you crave in the cooler months. Let’s dive into the recipe and get baking!
Ingredients
For the Loaf:
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional but recommended)
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
For the Frosting:
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon orange juice (optional)
For the Topping: Optional
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
• 2 tablespoons white chocolate, melted
Key Ingredient Breakdown
• Dried Cranberries: These add a tangy, chewy texture that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the white chocolate and cream cheese frosting. Look for dried cranberries without added sugar for a slightly healthier option. (these have less sugar added)
• White Chocolate Chips: Sweet and creamy, white chocolate elevates this loaf to a dessert-worthy treat.
• Greek Yogurt: This helps keep the loaf moist and tender while adding a subtle tang that complements the cream cheese frosting.
• Orange Zest: This is optional, but a little zest takes the flavor to the next level, adding brightness to the sweet and tart cranberries.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper. (these pans are awesome and don’t need to be lined)
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and orange zest. Stir in the Greek yogurt until smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Gently fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool the loaf in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the loaf cools, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy. Stir in the orange juice, if using, for extra flavor.
Spread the frosting over the completely cooled loaf. Sprinkle with chopped dried cranberries and drizzle with melted white chocolate.
Tips
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep the loaf tender.
• Tent Your Loaf: If the top starts browning too quickly, cover it with aluminum foil about halfway through baking.
• Chop the Cranberries: Smaller pieces ensure an even distribution of flavor in every bite.
FAQs
1. Can I make this loaf ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the loaf and store it (unfrosted) at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 4 days. Frost it just before serving for the freshest flavor.
2. Can I freeze this loaf?
Yes! Freeze the unfrosted loaf tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight, frost, and serve.
3. What can I use instead of white chocolate chips?
You can substitute white chocolate chunks or even dark chocolate for a less sweet option.
4. How can I make this healthier?
Swap half the flour for whole wheat flour, use unsweetened dried cranberries, and reduce the frosting by half.
This Cranberry Bliss Loaf is the perfect combination of festive flavors and homemade comfort. It’s an irresistible dessert (or snack!) that tastes like the holidays. Whether you’re gifting slices to friends or savoring it with your morning coffee, this recipe is sure to bring some bliss to your day.
Let me know how it turns out for you!
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and orange zest. Stir in the Greek yogurt until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Gently fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool the loaf in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the loaf cools, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy.
- Spread the frosting over the completely cooled loaf. Sprinkle with chopped dried cranberries and drizzle with melted white chocolate.
Nutrition
