Cranberry Bliss Bars (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe
Introduction
Cranberry Bliss Bars are a delightful treat inspired by the popular Starbucks dessert. These bars combine rich white chocolate, tart dried cranberries, and a creamy orange-scented frosting for a perfect balance of flavors. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a special sweet snack.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (222g) salted butter
- 1 1/2 cup (369g) brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 2 cups (304g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp corn starch
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp ginger
- 1 cup (200g) white chocolate chips
- 1 cup (130g) dried cranberries (craisins)
Frosting + Toppings
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3 oz salted butter, softened
- 4 cups (428g) powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup (60mL) heavy cream, room temperature
- 2 tsp clear vanilla
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1 cup (130g) dried cranberries (craisins)
- 1/2 cup (100g) white chocolate
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl or with a stand mixer, cream together the salted butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Step 3: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Step 4: Mix in the vanilla extract and orange zest until well combined.
- Step 5: Add the flour, corn starch, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and ginger to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined.
- Step 6: Fold in the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries.
- Step 7: Spread or press the thick batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Step 8: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 9: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Step 10: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth using an electric mixer.
- Step 11: Gradually add the powdered sugar, about 1 cup at a time, mixing slowly until fully incorporated before adding more. Repeat until all powdered sugar is added.
- Step 12: Mix in the clear vanilla until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
- Step 13: Add the heavy cream a little at a time, up to 1/4 cup, until you reach the desired frosting consistency.
- Step 14: Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
- Step 15: Sprinkle dried cranberries and orange zest on top of the frosting.
- Step 16: Melt the white chocolate in the microwave in 30-second intervals until smooth. Transfer to a zip-top bag, snip a corner, and drizzle over the bars.
- Step 17: Chill the pan in the refrigerator to allow the frosting to set.
- Step 18: Once chilled, cut into squares and then into triangles. Serve and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Substitute dried cranberries with dried cherries for a slightly different tartness.
- Use white chocolate chunks instead of chips for a richer texture.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to the batter for extra warmth.
- For a dairy-free version, replace butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives.
Storage
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture. You can also freeze individual bars wrapped tightly for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before serving.
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 a day in advance. Keep them refrigerated and add the toppings just before serving for maximum freshness.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries contain more moisture and may affect the texture. It’s best to use dried cranberries or craisins to maintain the right consistency and flavor balance.
Print
Cranberry Bliss Bars (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
Description
These Cranberry Bliss Bars are a delightful Starbucks copycat treat featuring a moist, buttery base packed with white chocolate chips and dried cranberries, topped with a creamy orange-scented cream cheese frosting, dried cranberries, and a white chocolate drizzle. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any occasion craving a sweet, tangy, and rich dessert bar.
Ingredients
Scale
Bar Ingredients
- 1 cup (222g) salted butter
- 1 1/2 cup (369g) brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 2 cups (304g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp corn starch
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp ginger
- 1 cup (200g) white chocolate chips
- 1 cup (130g) dried cranberries (craisins)
Frosting + Toppings
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3 oz salted butter, softened
- 4 cups (428g) powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup (60mL) heavy cream, room temperature
- 2 tsp clear vanilla
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1 cup (130g) dried cranberries (craisins)
- 1/2 cup (100g) white chocolate
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal and cleanup. Set the pan aside.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, cream together 1 cup salted butter and 1 1/2 cups brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture in the bars.
- Add eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition to incorporate well and maintain a smooth batter.
- Add vanilla and orange zest: Mix in 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon orange zest until everything is fully combined, infusing the batter with aromatic flavor.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Add the 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons corn starch, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon ginger. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Mix in mix-ins: Fold in the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries (craisins), ensuring even distribution throughout the batter.
- Spread batter and bake: Spread or press the thick batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bars are cooked through.
- Cool bars: Let the baked bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack to room temperature before frosting, which prevents frosting from melting.
- Make frosting base: In a medium bowl, use an electric hand mixer or stand mixer to beat together 8 oz softened cream cheese and 3 oz softened salted butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add powdered sugar: Gradually add 4 cups powdered sugar, about 1 cup at a time, mixing slowly to fully incorporate and maintaining a smooth texture without powder clouds.
- Add clear vanilla: Mix in 2 teaspoons clear vanilla until the frosting is smooth and evenly flavored.
- Adjust frosting consistency: Add 1/4 cup heavy cream slowly, mixing until the frosting reaches your desired creamy and spreadable consistency.
- Frost bars: Once bars are completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top for a luscious finish.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle 1 cup dried cranberries and 1 teaspoon orange zest over the frosting to add texture, color, and bright flavor.
- Drizzle white chocolate: Melt 1/2 cup white chocolate in the microwave using 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Transfer to a zip-top bag, snip a corner, and drizzle the white chocolate over the frosted bars decoratively.
- Chill and cut: Refrigerate the frosted bars until the frosting sets firmly. Once chilled, cut into squares and then into triangles for serving.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve these festive, flavorful bars at room temperature and enjoy the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and creamy textures.
Notes
- Make sure to cool the bars completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Use room temperature cream cheese and butter for a smooth frosting without lumps.
- Adjust the amount of orange zest to taste for more or less citrus flavor.
- You can substitute dried cranberries with other dried fruits like cherries if desired.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- For a firmer frosting, refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cranberry Bliss Bars, Starbucks copycat, white chocolate bars, cream cheese frosting, holiday dessert, cranberry bars, orange zest dessert
