If you have ever wandered through Starbucks and been mesmerized by the Cranberry Bliss Bars, then get ready to bring that magic right into your kitchen with this Ultimate Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe. This delightful treat perfectly balances tart dried cranberries, luscious white chocolate, and a creamy, zesty frosting that will win your heart with every bite. Whether you are making these for holiday gatherings, a weekend treat, or just because, these bars offer a dreamy combination of flavors and textures that are impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every great recipe starts with carefully chosen ingredients, and these are no exception. The ingredients are simple yet essential, contributing wonderful layers of texture, flavor, and color to the final bars. From the buttery blondie base to the tangy cranberry toppings, each component plays a vital role in making these bars truly special.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted: Provides a rich, buttery foundation that ensures moistness and flavor in the blondie base.
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and moistness for that soft, chewy texture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with structure in the blondie.
- 2 large eggs, room temperature: Binds everything together while adding richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances flavor depth with warm, aromatic undertones.
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest: Brings brightness and a refreshing citrus twist to the mix.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone that creates the tender yet sturdy blondie texture.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Provides gentle lift for a perfect crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a subtle warmth that complements the cranberries beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Accentuates all the sweet and tangy flavors.
- 1 cup white chocolate chips: Lush pockets of sweetness scattered throughout the blondie.
- 1 cup whole dried cranberries: Bursts of tartness in every bite.
- 1/2 cup finely chopped dried cranberries (for topping): Adds texture and a vivid pop of red color on top.
- 8 ounces (1 block) full-fat cream cheese, softened: For that irresistibly creamy frosting layer.
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened: Makes the frosting luxuriously smooth.
- 3 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to just the right consistency.
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh orange zest (for frosting): Continues the bright citrus theme in the frosting.
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (for drizzle): Adds the perfect finishing touch with a delicate white chocolate drizzle.
How to Make Ultimate Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Melt Butter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang. This will help you remove the bars easily once baked. In the meantime, melt the butter using either a microwave-safe bowl or a small saucepan, then set it aside to cool slightly — this ensures it won’t cook the eggs when mixed.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled melted butter with both the light brown sugar and granulated sugar. Whisk everything until smooth and creamy. Next, beat in the eggs one at a time to keep the texture light, then stir in vanilla extract and fresh orange zest for that citrusy pop.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk the flour, baking powder, ground ginger, and salt together in a separate bowl. This step evenly distributes the leavening agents and spice, ensuring every bite has consistent flavor and texture.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined — no overmixing here, as you want to keep those bars tender. Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and whole dried cranberries. These add both bursts of sweetness and tartness throughout.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth it out evenly. Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center yields moist crumbs. This timing gives you that perfect balance of slightly gooey center and crisp edges.
Step 6: Cool Completely
Once the bars are out of the oven, allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least 1 to 2 hours. Cooling is crucial to set the base so that the frosting layers on smoothly without melting.
Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Then add vanilla extract and orange zest for that signature lift. Gradually beat in powdered sugar until the frosting is light, fluffy, and beautifully sweetened.
Step 8: Frost and Add Toppings
Lift the cooled blondies out of the pan using the parchment overhang and spread the frosting evenly over the top. Sprinkle finely chopped dried cranberries to add texture and color. Finally, melt the remaining white chocolate chips and drizzle over the cranberries for that decadent finish.
Step 9: Chill and Slice
Place the frosted bars in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours to let the frosting set properly. Once firm, cut into 16 squares or rectangles and get ready to enjoy a little slice of Starbucks heaven at home.
How to Serve Ultimate Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, consider adding fresh mint leaves or a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving. This adds a fresh aroma and elevates the appearance to café-quality perfection.
Side Dishes
These cranberry bliss bars pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or your favorite chai latte — something warm and comforting that balances their sweet and slightly tangy profile. They also make a lovely companion to fruity teas or even a glass of cold milk.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these bars on a rustic wooden board with a scattering of cranberries and white chocolate shavings. Another fun idea is to cut the bars into smaller bite-sized pieces for parties or dessert tables, letting guests savor little bursts of sweetness with each bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftover cranberry bliss bars covered in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerated for up to a week. The flavors actually deepen in the fridge, and the frosting stays firmer, which makes them a perfect make-ahead treat.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them inside a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They freeze beautifully for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to maintain the perfect texture and flavor.
Reheating
These bars are best enjoyed chilled, but if you prefer a softer texture you can warm them slightly in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat or the frosting will melt completely.
FAQs
Can I substitute the dried cranberries with fresh ones?
Fresh cranberries are much more tart and watery, so they’re not recommended for this recipe. Dried cranberries provide the right chewy texture and concentrated sweetness needed to balance the blondie base.
Is it okay to use low-fat cream cheese in the frosting?
For the best creamy and rich frosting, full-fat cream cheese is ideal. Low-fat versions can make the frosting thinner and less stable.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but be sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for texture. The bars may have a slightly different crumb but will still be delicious.
How do I keep the white chocolate drizzle neat?
Use a fork or a piping bag with a small tip to drizzle the melted white chocolate evenly over the bars. Make sure the chocolate isn’t too hot or too cool for the best flow.
Can these bars be made vegan?
With some careful ingredient swaps, like using vegan butter, egg replacer, and dairy-free cream cheese, you can create a vegan version. However, the texture and taste might vary slightly from the classic.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly satisfying about recreating a beloved Starbucks treat right in your own kitchen, and this Ultimate Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe lets you do just that with ease and confidence. Bursting with flavors of tart cranberries, smooth white chocolate, and creamy citrus frosting, these bars are guaranteed to become a new favorite for friends and family. So pull out your baking pan, gather those ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a sweet, cozy moment every time you dive into these blissful bars.
Print
Ultimate Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Recreate the beloved Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars at home with this ultimate copycat recipe. These festive blondies boast a tender, buttery base loaded with white chocolate chips and dried cranberries, topped generously with a luscious cream cheese frosting, orange zest, chopped cranberries, and a white chocolate drizzle. Perfect for holiday gatherings or whenever you crave a sweet seasonal treat.
Ingredients
Blondie Base
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup whole dried cranberries
Frosting and Topping
- 8 ounces (1 block) full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh orange zest (for frosting)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped dried cranberries (for topping)
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (for drizzle)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the blondies after baking.
- Melt Butter: Melt 1 cup of unsalted butter using a microwave-safe bowl or a small saucepan. Allow it to cool slightly before proceeding.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with 1 cup of packed light brown sugar and 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Whisk until smooth. Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Mix Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter. Gently fold in 1 cup white chocolate chips and 1 cup whole dried cranberries.
- Bake Blondies: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and spread it out. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a skewer inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool Blondies: Cool the blondies in the pan on a wire rack for 1 to 2 hours until completely cool. This step is crucial before frosting.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat 8 ounces softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter until smooth and creamy. Beat in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/2 tablespoon fresh orange zest. Gradually add 3 cups powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Frost Blondies: Use the parchment overhang to lift the cooled blondies out of the pan. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle 1/2 cup finely chopped dried cranberries over the frosting. Melt 1/2 cup white chocolate chips and drizzle the melted chocolate decoratively on top of the cranberries.
- Set and Serve: Refrigerate the frosted blondies for at least 1 to 2 hours to allow the frosting to set. Cut into squares or rectangles and serve.
Notes
- Ensure the blondies are completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for best texture and flavor in the frosting.
- For extra citrus flavor, zest the orange fresh just before adding it to the batter and frosting.
- Store the bars refrigerated in an airtight container to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh.
- Allow refrigerated bars to come to room temperature slightly before serving for the best taste and texture.
