Okay, so, every year it’s the SAME THING. The *second* Starbucks puts out their Cranberry Bliss Bars, everyone goes bananas, right? I swear, you can practically hear the collective cheer across the internet. But, like, what about the rest of the year? Do we just…suffer until the holidays roll around again?!
That’s where this Cranberry Bliss Bars {Starbucks Copycat Recipe} comes in, friends! Seriously, I’ve been tweaking this recipe for ages, and I’m finally ready to share it. Now you can have that perfect white chocolate-cranberry-orange thing going on *any* time you want. Score!
I remember the first time I tried one of those bars. Wow. That cream cheese frosting? The little bursts of cranberry? I was hooked! Baking’s always been my thing, so naturally, I had to figure out how to make ’em myself. And trust me, after a few (ahem, *several*) attempts, I nailed it. You’re gonna love how easy (and yummy!) these are!
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Bliss Bars {Starbucks Copycat Recipe}
The Perfect Starbucks Copycat Recipe
Seriously, this recipe is *so* close to the real deal, you won’t believe it! I’ve obsessed over getting that tangy cream cheese frosting and chewy blondie texture just right. My family says it’s even better!
Simple and Straightforward Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe
Forget complicated baking! This Cranberry Bliss Bars recipe is super easy to follow. You don’t need to be a pro baker to whip these up – trust me, if *I* can do it, you can too!
Year-Round Cranberry Bliss Bars {Starbucks Copycat Recipe}
Okay, this is the best part! No more waiting for the holidays. You can make these *any* time you get a craving. Cranberry Bliss Bars whenever you want? Yes, please!
What You Need to Make Cranberry Bliss Bars {Starbucks Copycat Recipe}
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! You know I’m all about using the good stuff, and these Cranberry Bliss Bars are no exception. Fresh is best, trust me! Here’s the lowdown:
Ingredients for the Blondie Base
Okay, for the blondie part, you’ll need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks / 227 g) unsalted butter
- 2/3 cup (113 g) white chocolate chips
- 1 3/4 cups (350 g) light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 2 1/2 cups (312.5 g) all purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 cup (160 g) dried cranberries
Ingredients for the Cream Cheese Frosting
And for that dreamy frosting, grab:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 3/4 cup (94 g) confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 cup (160 g) white chocolate chips, melted and divided
- 1/2 cup (65 g) dried cranberries, chopped
How to Make Cranberry Bliss Bars {Starbucks Copycat Recipe}: Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Blondie Batter
Okay, first things first! Let’s get that blondie batter going. You’ll want to preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (that’s 175 degrees C for my friends across the pond!). And don’t forget to line your 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper – trust me, it makes life *so* much easier later when you’re trying to get these babies out!
Now, in a large microwave-safe bowl, toss in your butter and white chocolate chips. Zap ’em in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until everything’s all melty and smooth. Careful, it gets hot! Let it cool just a tad before you move on. Then, add your brown sugar and stir until it’s all combined.
Next up, the eggs and egg yolk! Add them one at a time, mixing well after each. Then, stir in your vanilla extract and that lovely orange zest. Mmm, I can smell it already!
In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and ginger. Now, gradually add those dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until *just* combined. Don’t overmix! Finally, fold in those beautiful dried cranberries.
Baking the Cranberry Bliss Bars
Alright, spread that batter evenly into your prepared pan. Pop it in the oven for about 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to just start turning golden brown. Keep an eye on them – ovens can be tricky!
Once they’re done, take ’em out and let them cool *completely*. I know, it’s torture, but trust me on this one. You don’t want melty frosting, do you?
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting
While those blondies are cooling, let’s make that amazing cream cheese frosting! In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the remaining white chocolate chips in those same 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Set aside.
In a large bowl, using a hand mixer, beat the cream cheese and confectioners’ sugar together until smooth and creamy. Now, *slowly* pour in HALF of that melted white chocolate (we’re saving the other half for drizzling later!). Mix until it’s all combined. Stir in the orange zest.
Finishing Touches: The Cranberry Bliss Bars {Starbucks Copycat Recipe}
Okay, now that your blondies are *completely* cool, spread that frosting evenly over the top. Sprinkle those chopped dried cranberries all over, and then drizzle the remaining melted white chocolate over the bars in a zig-zag pattern. So pretty!
Now, if you can, let the frosting set up a bit before you cut into them. But honestly? I usually can’t wait. Enjoy every single bite!
Tips for the Best Cranberry Bliss Bars {Starbucks Copycat Recipe}
Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Seriously, don’t skip this! I know it’s tempting to just grab everything straight from the fridge, but trust me, room temperature ingredients make a *huge* difference. The butter and eggs blend together so much better, giving you that perfect, smooth texture we’re after.
Don’t Overbake the Cranberry Bliss Bars
These bars should be slightly chewy, not dry and crumbly. Keep a close eye on them in the oven! Overbaking will totally ruin that soft, delicious texture. When in doubt, pull them out a little early – they’ll continue to set as they cool.
Cool Completely Before Frosting
Okay, I know I already said this, but it’s *so* important it’s worth repeating! If you try to frost these while they’re still warm, the frosting will melt into a gooey mess. Patience, my friend! Let them cool completely, and you’ll be rewarded with perfectly frosted Cranberry Bliss Bars.
Cranberry Bliss Bars {Starbucks Copycat Recipe} Variations
Different Extracts
Want to mix things up a bit? Try swapping out the vanilla extract for almond or lemon extract! A little almond extract gives it a warm, nutty vibe, and lemon? Wow! Talk about a bright, citrusy zing that really complements the cranberries!
Add Nuts
I *love* a little crunch in my desserts! Roughly chopped walnuts or pecans add such a nice texture to these Cranberry Bliss Bars. Just fold them into the batter along with the cranberries. Yum!
Spice it Up
Feeling a little adventurous? A tiny pinch of nutmeg or cloves can really deepen the flavor of these bars. Just a *smidge*, though, or it’ll overpower everything! Start small and taste as you go. You got this!
Storing Your Cranberry Bliss Bars {Starbucks Copycat Recipe}
How to Store Cranberry Bliss Bars
Okay, if you actually have any of these left (which, honestly, I doubt!), you’ll want to pop ’em in the fridge. Just store them in an airtight container, and they’ll be good for about 3-4 days. Easy peasy!
Can You Freeze Cranberry Bliss Bars {Starbucks Copycat Recipe}?
Yep, you totally can! If you want to keep them longer, just wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then toss them in a freezer bag. They’ll last for up to a month or two. When you’re ready to eat them, just let them thaw in the fridge overnight. They might not be *quite* as perfect as fresh, but they’ll still be delicious!
FAQ About Cranberry Bliss Bars {Starbucks Copycat Recipe}
Can I use fresh cranberries?
Okay, so, technically, *yes*, you *can* use fresh cranberries. But! You gotta do a little extra work. Fresh cranberries have a lot more moisture, so I’d recommend cooking them down a bit with some sugar first to get rid of some of that liquid. Otherwise, your bars might end up a little soggy. And nobody wants soggy Cranberry Bliss Bars, right?
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap out the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend. I’ve had good luck with a 1:1 replacement, but honestly, every blend is a little different. Keep an eye on the batter – if it seems too dry, add a splash of milk. If it’s too wet, add a little more flour. You know, just go with your gut!
How long do these bars last?
If you store them in the fridge in an airtight container, they’ll stay good for about 3-4 days. But let’s be real, they probably won’t last that long! They’re just too yummy. Seriously, every time I make these Cranberry Bliss Bars, they disappear in like, a day. Oops!
Nutritional Information for Cranberry Bliss Bars {Starbucks Copycat Recipe}
Okay, so, I’m not gonna lie, I’m *terrible* at calculating all the nutrition info for these Cranberry Bliss Bars. There are just too many variables, you know? Like, what brand of white chocolate chips did you use? How big were your eggs? Did you sneak a little extra frosting (oops, guilty!)?
So, basically, what I’m saying is that any nutritional information you find online is just a *guess*. It’ll vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use. If you’re really concerned about it, I recommend using a nutrition calculator yourself with the exact ingredients you used. But honestly? I prefer to just enjoy these in moderation and not worry too much about the numbers! Live a little, right?
Enjoy Your Homemade Cranberry Bliss Bars {Starbucks Copycat Recipe}!
Alright, go ahead and try these Cranberry Bliss Bars! And hey, if you love ’em as much as I do, give the recipe a rating and leave a comment. I’d love to hear what you think!
Print
Cranberry Bliss Bars: Conquer Holiday Cravings in 25 Mins
- Prep Time: 10 Minutes
- Cook Time: 25 Minutes
- Total Time: 35 Minutes
- Yield: 12 blondies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Make these Cranberry Bliss Bars, a Starbucks copycat recipe, in your own kitchen. They are packed with white chocolate, cranberries, and orange zest.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks / 227 g) unsalted butter
- 2/3 cup (113 g) white chocolate chips
- 1 3/4 cups (350 g) light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 2 1/2 cups (312.5 g) all purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 cup (160 g) dried cranberries
- 1 cup (160 g) white chocolate chips, melted and divided
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 3/4 cup (94 g) confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/2 cup (65 g) dried cranberries, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper, including up the sides. Set aside.
- In a large microwave safe bowl, add the butter and the white chocolate chips. Melt in 20 second intervals, stirring in between each time, until the mixture is creamy with no lumps (about 1-2 minutes total). Allow to slightly cool.
- To the melted white chocolate mixture, add brown sugar. Stir to combine.
- Add the eggs and the egg yolk, one at a time, stirring well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and the orange zest. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and ginger.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until completely combined. Fold in the dried cranberries.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden brown.
- Allow to cool completely before topping with frosting.
- Add the white chocolate chips to a small microwave safe bowl. Heat in 20 second intervals, stirring between each, until melted and smooth. Set aside.
- In a large bowl using a hand mixer on medium speed, beat the cream cheese and confectioners’ sugar together until smooth.
- Gradually pour HALF of the melted white chocolate into the cream cheese mixture, reserving the other half for drizzling on top of the bars. Continue to mix until fully incorporated.
- Add the orange zest and stir to combine.
- Spread the frosting over the cooled blondies.
- Sprinkle the dried cranberries over the frosting. Drizzle the remaining melted white chocolate over the bars. Enjoy!
Notes
- Cool blondies completely before frosting.
- Use room temperature ingredients for best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: Unknown
- Sugar: Unknown
- Sodium: Unknown
- Fat: Unknown
- Saturated Fat: Unknown
- Unsaturated Fat: Unknown
- Trans Fat: Unknown
- Carbohydrates: Unknown
- Fiber: Unknown
- Protein: Unknown
- Cholesterol: Unknown
