Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars (Better Copycat) Recipe

Introduction

These Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars are a delightful holiday treat with a perfect balance of tart cranberries, creamy white chocolate, and bright orange zest. This better copycat recipe lets you enjoy these rich, chewy bars fresh from your own kitchen anytime you want.

Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
• ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¾ cup dried cranberries (roughly chopped)
• ¾ cup white chocolate chips (or chopped white chocolate)
• 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp orange zest
• ¼ tsp salt
• 3 oz white chocolate (melted and slightly cooled)
• ¼ cup dried cranberries (roughly chopped)
• 1 oz white chocolate (melted for drizzle)
• Extra orange zest (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth, about 1 minute.
3. Step 3: Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until combined.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, and cinnamon.
5. Step 5: Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients with a rubber spatula until just combined—avoid overmixing. Then fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips evenly.
6. Step 6: Spread the thick batter evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with the back of a spatula.
7. Step 7: Bake for 22 to 26 minutes, until the edges are set and lightly golden. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs. The center may look slightly underdone; this is normal and will set as it cools. For best results, check that the center temperature reaches 200-202°F before removing.
8. Step 8: Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, at least 1 hour.
9. Step 9: To make the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a medium bowl for 2 to 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
10. Step 10: Add the powdered sugar and beat until smooth. Mix in the vanilla extract, orange zest, and melted white chocolate until fully combined and smooth.
11. Step 11: Spread the frosting evenly over the fully cooled bars.
12. Step 12: Sprinkle the chopped dried cranberries over the frosting. Drizzle with the melted white chocolate in a crosshatch or zigzag pattern. Add extra orange zest if desired.
13. Step 13: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set before cutting.
14. Step 14: Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars from the pan and cut into 16 squares, or cut into triangles for a Starbucks-style presentation.

Tips & Variations

• For a softer bar, slightly underbake by a minute or two and let them set completely while cooling.
• Substitute dried cherries for cranberries for a different but equally delightful tartness.
• If white chocolate isn’t available, use white chocolate chips or finely chopped white baking chocolate.
• Add a pinch of cardamom to the dry ingredients for a warm, aromatic twist.

Storage

Store the frosted bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Allow them to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving for the best texture. These bars also freeze well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the bars and frosting ahead. Store separately if possible and frost just before serving for the freshest taste.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Fresh cranberries have more moisture and tartness, which can affect the texture and balance. It’s best to use dried cranberries for this recipe to maintain the correct consistency and sweetness.

Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars (Better Copycat) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 142 reviews

These Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars copycat a beloved seasonal treat with a chewy, spiced blondie base loaded with dried cranberries and white chocolate chips, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting infused with orange zest and melted white chocolate. Finished with extra cranberries and a drizzle of white chocolate, these bars offer a perfect balance of tart, sweet, and creamy flavors that are easy to make at home.

• Author: Zane
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bars

• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
• ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¾ cup dried cranberries (roughly chopped)
• ¾ cup white chocolate chips (or chopped white chocolate)

Frosting

• 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp orange zest
• 3 oz white chocolate (melted and slightly cooled)
• ¼ tsp salt

Topping

• ¼ cup dried cranberries (roughly chopped)
• 1 oz white chocolate (melted for drizzle)
• Extra orange zest (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides to facilitate easy removal of the bars later.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and packed light brown sugar until smooth and combined, about 1 minute. Then, add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is combined well.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, and ground cinnamon until evenly mixed.
4. Fold Dry into Wet: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a rubber spatula until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the texture tender. Next, fold in the roughly chopped dried cranberries and white chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter.
5. Spread Batter: Spread the thick batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use the back of a spatula to smooth the top as much as possible since the batter is thick.
6. Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 22-26 minutes. The edges should be set and lightly golden. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. The center might seem slightly underdone; that’s okay as it will set while cooling. For perfect doneness, the internal temperature should reach 200-202°F.
7. Cool Completely: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least 1 hour to set properly.
8. Make the Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and continue mixing until smooth. Then mix in vanilla extract, orange zest, melted white chocolate, and salt until the frosting is creamy and fully combined.
9. Frost the Bars: Spread the frosting evenly over the completely cooled bars with an offset spatula or knife.
10. Add Toppings: Sprinkle the roughly chopped dried cranberries on top of the frosting. Drizzle with the melted white chocolate in a crosshatch or zigzag pattern. Optionally, sprinkle some fresh orange zest for an extra burst of fresh citrus aroma.
11. Chill: Refrigerate the frosted bars for at least 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set firmly before cutting.
12. Cut and Serve: Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into 16 squares or triangular shapes similar to Starbucks style. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

• For best texture, use room temperature eggs and softened cream cheese and butter.
• Be careful not to overbake the bars to keep them chewy and moist.
• The orange zest in both batter and frosting adds a lovely bright citrus note that complements the cranberries and white chocolate.
• Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Frozen bars can be thawed overnight in the fridge before serving.
• Adjust white chocolate amount based on your sweetness preference.

Keywords: Cranberry Bliss Bars, Starbucks copycat, white chocolate bars, cream cheese frosting, holiday dessert, cranberry bars