If you’re craving something delightful, cozy, and just a little bit festive any time of year, you’re in luck! This Cranberry Bliss Bread Recipe is one of my go-to favorites because it balances sweet, tart, and creamy flavors in such a scrumptious way. Whether you’re a fan of Starbucks’ famous Cranberry Bliss bar or just love quick breads with a twist, this recipe will totally wow your taste buds—and your friends when you bring it to the table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect balance of flavors: The tart cranberries and sweet white chocolate chips create a harmonious taste that’s truly addictive.
- Easy to make at home: You don’t need any fancy equipment or ingredients to whip this up—just a bit of patience and love.
- Versatile and festive: It’s ideal for holiday breakfasts, afternoon tea, or as a thoughtful homemade gift.
- Great texture: Moist, tender bread with pockets of melty chocolate and juicy cranberries that always impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cranberry Bliss Bread Recipe is how simple, yet flavorful, the ingredients are. You’ll find everything you need is easy to get, and each element really plays a role—from the fluffy crumble of the white chocolate to the tangy zing of dried cranberries. Here’s a quick rundown so you know what to grab before starting.
- All-purpose flour: The base of the bread, gives it structure without being too dense.
- Whole wheat flour: Adds a subtle nuttiness and boosts the bread’s texture and nutrition.
- Baking soda and baking powder: Leavening agents that help the bread rise perfectly fluffy and light.
- Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavors.
- Unsalted sweet cream butter: Use softened for easy creaming; lends richness and tenderness.
- Sugar: Sweetens the bread adequately without overpowering the cranberries.
- Large eggs: Bind ingredients and add moisture for a tender crumb.
- Pure vanilla extract: Adds warmth and deepens the flavor profile.
- Buttermilk: Provides moisture and acidity to activate leavening for a lighter texture.
- Dried cranberries: The star ingredient, giving bursts of tartness throughout the bread.
- White chocolate chips: Bring creamy, sweet pockets of goodness and make this bread feel extra special.
- Powdered sugar (for icing): To create the luscious vanilla glaze topping.
- Milk (for icing): Adjust to get the perfect drizzle consistency.
Variations
One of the things I love most about this Cranberry Bliss Bread Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I’ve tried a few tweaks over time, and each turned out glorious! Feel free to experiment depending on what you like or what you have on hand.
- Use fresh cranberries: If you have fresh ones around, lightly tossing them in flour before adding keeps them from sinking to the bottom, giving you juicy bursts throughout the bread.
- Substitute white chocolate with dark chocolate: For a slightly less sweet, more sophisticated flavor, dark chocolate chips work beautifully.
- Make it vegan: Replace eggs with flax eggs and butter with coconut oil, and use a non-dairy milk alternative to keep that moist crumb.
- Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch and complement cranberries perfectly—my family goes crazy for this addition during the holidays.
How to Make Cranberry Bliss Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Mix Your Dry Ingredients
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. I always like to make sure my loaf pan is greased well—either spray with nonstick baking spray or butter it generously. Then sift together the flours, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Sifting helps ensure everything is evenly mixed and keeps the loaf light, which is a little trick I discovered when my bread used to be dense.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar, Then Add Eggs
Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar together until fluffy and pale—this usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This creaming step is key because it incorporates air, giving your bread that tender, soft crumb. Next, add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition so the mixture doesn’t split or curdle.
Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk Alternately
Now it’s time to bring it all together. Add half of your dry ingredients to the butter mixture, then add half the buttermilk, blend, and repeat, ending with the dry ingredients. This alternating method helps prevent overmixing. I like to mix until just combined—overmixing made my bread tough in the past, so trust me on this one!
Step 4: Fold in Cranberries and White Chocolate Chips
Gently stir in your dried cranberries and white chocolate chips so they’re spread evenly throughout the batter. This is my favorite part—the pops of tart fruit and creamy chocolate are what make this recipe feel so extravagant without much effort.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Delicious
Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan and slide it into the oven. Bake for about an hour, but start checking around 55 minutes by inserting a toothpick; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, you’re golden. Let the bread cool completely in the pan before removing it to a wire rack. This patience pays off—I used to slice too soon and ended up with a crumbly mess!
Step 6: Prepare the Creamy Vanilla Icing
While the bread cools, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until you get a smooth but pourable glaze. Drizzle it evenly over the top—don’t rush this part! Allow the icing to dry for at least 30 minutes, then sprinkle with that extra chopped cranberries and drizzle melted white chocolate on top. It’s the cherry on top that really shines.
Pro Tips for Making Cranberry Bliss Bread Recipe
- Don’t skip sifting: It really helps with uniform mixing and a lighter texture.
- Room temperature ingredients: Make sure butter, eggs, and buttermilk aren’t cold—this keeps batter smooth and well combined.
- Fold gently: Stir in the cranberries and white chocolate chips at the end, so you don’t break them or overwork the batter.
- Wait to slice: Let the icing set fully before cutting; otherwise, the glaze will smear and the bread may crumble.
How to Serve Cranberry Bliss Bread Recipe
Garnishes
I like to add a few extra chopped dried cranberries on top for an inviting pop of color and chewiness, plus a gentle drizzle of white chocolate. Sometimes I sprinkle a tiny bit of finely chopped toasted pecans to add some contrast in texture. It really makes the loaf look like you bought it at a cafe, and it’s so simple!
Side Dishes
This bread is versatile enough to enjoy on its own, but I love serving it alongside a hot cup of coffee or chai tea, especially on chilly mornings. For a little extra, pair it with creamy yogurt topped with honey or a fresh fruit salad for a balanced, tasty brunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to slice this bread thick and serve it on a rustic wooden board alongside fresh cranberries, white chocolate chunks, and sprigs of rosemary for that holiday charm. Wrapping individual slices in parchment paper tied with twine also makes a lovely gift or party favor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover cranberry bliss bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This helps keep it moist without drying out—though honestly, it rarely lasts that long in my house!
Freezing
If you want to make this ahead, I highly recommend freezing slices wrapped in wax or parchment paper, then placed in a freezer bag. They keep well for up to three months and thaw quickly when you need a quick treat.
Reheating
To warm leftover bread, I pop a slice in the toaster oven for just 3-4 minutes—it refreshes the aroma and gives the chocolate a slight melt without making the bread soggy. You can also microwave for about 10 seconds if you’re in a hurry, but watch it closely!
FAQs
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Can I substitute dried cranberries for fresh ones?
Absolutely! If using fresh cranberries, toss them lightly in flour before folding them into the batter to prevent them from sinking to the bottom. They’ll give your bread an even brighter, juicier tartness.
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Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the flours for your favorite gluten-free baking mix. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to achieve a similar texture. Baking time might vary slightly, so keep an eye on it.
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How do I prevent the white chocolate from melting into the batter?
To avoid this, gently fold the white chocolate chips into the batter right at the end, and don’t overmix. Also, room temperature ingredients help so the batter isn’t warm enough to melt the chips during mixing.
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What’s the best way to store leftover cranberry bliss bread?
Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freezing sliced bread works wonderfully.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Cranberry Bliss Bread Recipe comes together—it’s like having your favorite Starbucks treat fresh out of your own oven. The balance of tart cranberries, sweet white chocolate, and that creamy vanilla icing hits all the right notes every single time. When I first made it, my family went crazy for it, so now it’s a holiday tradition we look forward to. You’ll enjoy it just as much, whether for a special occasion or a cozy everyday treat. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your baking repertoire!
Print
Cranberry Bliss Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bread is a deliciously moist and tender loaf packed with dried cranberries and white chocolate chips, topped with a smooth vanilla icing and extra cranberry and white chocolate drizzle. This sweet bread combines rich buttermilk flavor and subtle vanilla for a festive treat perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Bread Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted sweet cream butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries (+ 1/2 cup chopped for decorating)
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (+ 1/2 cup for melting and drizzle)
Vanilla Icing Ingredients:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2-4 tablespoons milk
Toppings:
- 1/2 cup chopped dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray or butter to ensure the bread does not stick during baking.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt. This step helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a stand mixer, cream the softened butter with the sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes, which incorporates air for a lighter bread.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs to the butter and sugar mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully combine and maintain the airy texture.
- Alternate Adding Wet and Dry Ingredients: Begin adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk alternately to the wet mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Fold in Cranberries and White Chocolate: Gently stir in the 1/2 cup dried cranberries and 1/2 cup white chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool completely in the pan before removing it to a wire rack set over a cookie sheet to catch drips. This cooling prevents the bread from breaking apart when handled.
- Make Vanilla Icing: In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 2-4 tablespoons of milk to achieve a smooth, pourable icing consistency.
- Decorate: Pour the vanilla icing evenly over the cooled bread. While the icing is still wet, sprinkle the 1/2 cup chopped dried cranberries and drizzle the melted white chocolate chips on top.
- Set and Serve: Allow the icing and toppings to set for at least 30 minutes to ensure the glaze firms up before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming with sugar.
- Use buttermilk for a tender crumb and slight tang that complements the cranberries.
- For a more intense white chocolate flavor, use good quality white chocolate chips.
- If desired, toast the chopped cranberries lightly before decorating for extra texture and flavor.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to one week.
- The bread can also be frozen if wrapped well, for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/12 of loaf)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
