Starbucks-Inspired Cranberry Bliss Bread (Sweet, Festive & Bakery-Style)

If you love the iconic holiday flavors of Starbucks’ Cranberry Bliss treats, this Starbucks-inspired cranberry bliss bread is about to become your new favorite seasonal bake. Moist, tender, and loaded with dried cranberries, white chocolate, and bright orange zest, this loaf captures everything people adore about the original — but in cozy, sliceable bread form.

This recipe delivers bakery-style results at home without complicated steps or specialty equipment. The crumb is soft and rich, the cranberry-orange flavor is perfectly balanced, and the white chocolate drizzle adds that unmistakable Bliss-style sweetness. It’s festive enough for Christmas morning, yet simple enough for everyday baking throughout the winter season.

Whether served with coffee, gifted during the holidays, or enjoyed as an afternoon treat, this cranberry bliss bread feels indulgent, nostalgic, and undeniably special.

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Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Bliss Bread

This loaf earns its place in your holiday baking lineup for all the right reasons:

• Inspired by the Starbucks favorite
• Moist, tender crumb that stays fresh for days
• Balanced sweet-tart cranberry flavor
• White chocolate and orange for bakery flair
• Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or gifting

Unlike overly dense quick breads, this recipe stays light yet rich — making every slice satisfying without being heavy.

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What Makes Cranberry Bliss Flavor So Popular?

The magic lies in contrast and balance. Tart cranberries cut through the sweetness of white chocolate, while orange zest adds brightness that keeps the bread from tasting cloying. Vanilla and cream cheese elements round everything out, creating a flavor profile that feels indulgent but refined.

By baking these flavors into a loaf instead of a bar, the result is more versatile, sliceable, and perfect for sharing.

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Ingredients

Simple pantry staples combine with festive add-ins for irresistible flavor.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• ¼ cup fresh orange juice
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¾ cup dried cranberries
• ¾ cup white chocolate chips

White Chocolate Glaze (Optional but Recommended):

• ¾ cup white chocolate chips
• 2 tbsp heavy cream

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Instructions

Follow these steps for bakery-quality cranberry bliss bread.

1. Preheat and Prepare
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
   In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
   In a separate bowl, whisk sugar, melted butter, eggs, sour cream, orange juice, zest, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Combine Batter
   Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir gently until just combined.
5. Fold in Add-Ins
   Gently fold in dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.
6. Bake
   Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 50–60 minutes, tenting loosely with foil if browning too quickly.
7. Cool Completely
   Let bread cool in pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool fully.
8. Glaze
   Melt white chocolate with cream, drizzle over cooled loaf, and allow to set before slicing.

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Tips for Perfect Cranberry Bliss Bread

• Don’t overmix — gentle folding keeps the loaf tender
• Toss cranberries lightly in flour to prevent sinking
• Use fresh orange zest for best flavor
• Let glaze set fully before slicing for clean cuts

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Make-Ahead, Storage & Gifting

Make Ahead:
Bake the loaf a day ahead — flavors deepen overnight.

Storage:
Store wrapped at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.

Freezing:
Freeze unglazed loaf for up to 2 months. Glaze after thawing.

Gifting Tip:
Wrap in parchment and twine or place in a bakery box for beautiful holiday gifts.

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Delicious Variations

Cream Cheese Swirl Version
Add a sweetened cream cheese swirl for true Bliss-bar vibes.

Dark Chocolate Cranberry Bread
Swap white chocolate for dark chocolate chips.

Nutty Holiday Loaf
Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.

Gluten-Free Option
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

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When to Serve Cranberry Bliss Bread

This loaf shines during:

• Christmas mornings
• Holiday brunch spreads
• Afternoon coffee breaks
• Dessert tables
• Homemade gift exchanges

It pairs perfectly with coffee, tea, or a cozy latte.

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A Holiday Bakery Classic at Home

Starbucks holiday treats are beloved because they feel nostalgic, indulgent, and seasonal. This cranberry bliss bread captures that same spirit while letting you enjoy it anytime — no café line required. It’s proof that the best holiday flavors can come straight from your own oven.

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Final Thoughts

This Starbucks-inspired cranberry bliss bread is festive baking at its finest: moist, flavorful, and beautifully indulgent. Easy enough for beginner bakers yet impressive enough for guests, it’s a recipe you’ll return to every holiday season.

One slice, and you’ll understand why cranberry bliss is a classic.