Description

These Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars are a delightful copycat version of the iconic Starbucks treat. Soft and buttery bars studded with dried cranberries and white chocolate chips are topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting infused with orange zest and melted white chocolate, finished off with a drizzle of white chocolate and extra cranberries. Perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a sweet and festive bar dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Bar 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)

Frosting Ingredients

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

Finishing Ingredients

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

Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring you leave an overhang on two sides to easily lift out the baked bars later.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and light brown sugar until smooth and fully combined, about 1 minute. Then add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, and ground cinnamon to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agents.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula, being careful not to overmix. Once just combined, fold in the chopped dried cranberries and white chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter.
Spread Batter and Bake: Transfer the thick batter to the prepared baking pan and use the back of a spatula to smooth it into an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 26 minutes. Begin checking at 22 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. The edges should be lightly golden. The center may appear slightly underdone, which is normal and will set as it cools. For best results, check if the internal temperature reaches 200-202°F before removing.
Cool the Bars: Allow the baked bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, which will take at least one hour to ensure they’re fully set before frosting.
Make the Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue beating until smooth. Then mix in the vanilla extract, orange zest, melted white chocolate, and salt until everything is well incorporated and the frosting is smooth.
Frost the Bars: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the completely cooled bars with a spatula or knife, covering the entire surface.
Decorate: Sprinkle the chopped dried cranberries evenly over the frosted bars. Using the melted white chocolate reserved for drizzle, create a crosshatch or zigzag pattern over the top. Optionally, finish by sprinkling extra fresh orange zest for an added aromatic touch.
Set the Frosting: Refrigerate the frosted bars for at least 30 minutes to allow the frosting to firm up for cleaner slicing.
Cut and Serve: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Cut into 16 equal squares or, for an authentic Starbucks style, cut into triangles. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

If you prefer a less tart bar, you can soak the dried cranberries in warm water or orange juice for 10 minutes and drain before adding them to the batter.
Allowing the bars to cool completely before frosting is critical to prevent melting or sliding of the cream cheese topping.
Use room temperature eggs to help ensure even mixing and a tender crumb.
For the orange zest, use just the colored part of the peel to avoid bitterness from the white pith.
If white chocolate chips are unavailable, finely chop a white chocolate bar as a substitute.
The ginger and cinnamon are key to replicating the signature flavor, so do not omit them.
Store leftover bars refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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