If you’ve ever walked into a Starbucks during the holiday season, the sweet aroma of freshly baked goods captures your attention. Among those delightful treats, the Cranberry Bliss Bar reigns as a fan favorite. This delicious dessert combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of white chocolate, all topped with a creamy frosting that leaves you wanting just one more bite. Now, imagine being able to recreate this cherished seasonal treat right in your own kitchen. That’s exactly what this recipe for Cranberry Bliss Bars (Starbucks Copycat) offers. With a little time and the right ingredients, you can enjoy these festive bars any time of the year!
Why We Love This Cranberry Bliss Bars
There’s something truly special about Cranberry Bliss Bars. They capture the essence of the holidays while being suitable for any occasion. The combination of textures and flavors is a culinary masterpiece. With a soft, chewy blondie base, bursts of cranberry sweetness, and a decadent cream cheese frosting, each bite is a journey of flavor. Not only are they delicious, but they also make for a visually stunning dessert, perfect for parties, family gatherings, or even a cozy night in. Plus, making them yourself means you can tailor the sweetness and flavors to your own preferences, ensuring that every bar meets your taste buds’ desires.
Ingredients about Cranberry Bliss Bars
To whip up a batch of these delectable bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1½ cups unbleached all-purpose flour (7.5 oz, 213g)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (3g)
- ½ teaspoon table salt (3g)
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter (6 oz, 170g)
- 1½ cups packed light brown sugar (10.5 oz, 298g)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest (3g)
- ¾ cup dried cranberries, loosely packed (3.5 oz, 100g)
- 1⅓ cups white chocolate, chopped or white chocolate chips (8 oz, 227g)
- 1⅔ cups white chocolate, melted (10 oz, 283g)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (227g)
- 1½ cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted (6 oz, 170g)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest (3g)
- ½ cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped (2.3 oz, 65g)
- ⅔ cup white chocolate, melted (4 oz, 113g)
How to Make Cranberry Bliss Bars
Creating these Cranberry Bliss Bars is a straightforward process. Let’s break down the steps you’ll follow to make this delightful treat.
For the Blondie:
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside as you prepare your wet ingredients.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened unsalted butter and packed light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Flavors: Beat in the lightly beaten eggs and then stir in the vanilla extract and finely grated orange zest. Mix until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing; you want a soft batter.
- Incorporate Cranberries and Chocolate: Fold in the dried cranberries and chopped white chocolate, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake the Blondies: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the blondies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Frosting:
- Make the Frosting: While the blondies cool, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sifted confectioners’ sugar. Beat together until smooth and creamy.
- Add Flavorings: Mix in the vanilla extract, orange juice, and finely grated orange zest. Stir until the frosting is well-blended.
- Spread the Frosting: Once the blondie base is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
For the Topping:
- Finished Touches: Scatter the roughly chopped dried cranberries across the frosted surface. Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the top for a beautiful finish.
- Chill and Cut: Place the entire pan in the refrigerator for at least one hour to allow the frosting to set. Once set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan and cut them into squares or rectangles.
- Serve and Enjoy: Your delicious, homemade Cranberry Bliss Bars are ready to be devoured! Serve them up with your favorite hot beverage for the perfect pairing.
How to Serve Cranberry Bliss Bars
Serving your Cranberry Bliss Bars can enhance the experience, making it even more enjoyable. Start by presenting them on a beautiful platter. You might want to decorate the platter with fresh cranberries or slices of orange to evoke the flavors used in the bars.
These bars pair wonderfully with coffee or tea, making them an ideal treat for a cozy afternoon. You can also serve them at holiday parties or family gatherings, where their festive appearance will surely impress your guests. Consider cutting them into smaller squares for bite-sized treats that are easy to enjoy while mingling.
Don’t forget to store any leftovers in an airtight container, which not only keeps them fresh but allows for quick access when that sweet tooth strikes again!
Expert Tips: Cranberry Bliss Bars
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Make sure your baking ingredients are fresh, especially the baking powder and cream cheese, to ensure the best texture and flavor.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best mixing results, allow your butter and cream cheese to come to room temperature before starting. This creates a smoother batter and frosting.
- Choose Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality white chocolate for both the chunks and the drizzling. The taste difference is noticeable and adds to the overall flavor.
- Be Mindful of Baking Time: Keep an eye on your bars as they bake. Ovens can vary, and you don’t want them to dry out. Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time.
- Customize Your Add-ins: Feel free to mix things up with different types of dried fruits or nuts. Apricots, cherries, or even pistachios can make delightful variations.
How to Store Cranberry Bliss Bars
To keep your homemade Cranberry Bliss Bars fresh, it’s important to store them properly. Once they are fully cooled and frosted, place them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to extend their shelf life, consider freezing them.
To freeze, cut the bars into your desired portions and place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply take them out and let them thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours. They’ll taste just as delicious as the day you made them!
Variation of Cranberry Bliss Bars
While the traditional Cranberry Bliss Bars are a delightful treat on their own, there are plenty of variations to explore. Here are a few ideas to consider:
- Nutty Bliss Bars: Add a half-cup of roughly chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans into the batter for a delightful crunch that complements the softer textures.
- Coconut Twist: Mix in some sweetened shredded coconut with the cranberry and white chocolate for an exotic flavor profile reminiscent of tropical flavors.
- Spiced Version: Add warming spices like cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter for a cozy flavor that’s perfect for fall and winter gatherings.
- Vegan Alternative: Substitute eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water, and use vegan butter and dairy-free cream cheese to create a plant-based version without sacrificing taste.
- Fruit Fusion Bars: Mix dried fruits like blueberries or cherries for a diverse fruit flavor that balances sweet and tart.
Feel free to experiment and make the recipe your own!
FAQ about Cranberry Bliss Bars
What are Cranberry Bliss Bars?
Cranberry Bliss Bars are rich, chewy dessert bars featuring a blondie base enriched with cranberries and white chocolate, topped with a cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of more cranberries.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
While fresh cranberries can be used, they are quite tart compared to dried cranberries. If using fresh, consider sweetening them slightly before adding them to the batter to balance the flavors.
How long do Cranberry Bliss Bars last?
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, cranberry bliss bars can last up to one week. If frozen, they can be kept for about three months.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars can be made a day or two in advance. Just be sure to store them in the refrigerator to keep the frosting fresh.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the frosting?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of confectioners’ sugar in the frosting to make it less sweet. Just ensure the cream cheese is well-blended for the right consistency.
Cranberry Bliss Bars
Ingredients
For the Blondie
- 1.5 cups unbleached all-purpose flour 7.5 oz, 213g
- 1 teaspoon baking powder 3g
- 0.5 teaspoon table salt 3g
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter 6 oz, 170g
- 1.5 cups packed light brown sugar 10.5 oz, 298g
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest 3g
- 0.75 cup dried cranberries, loosely packed 3.5 oz, 100g
- 1.33 cups white chocolate, chopped or white chocolate chips 8 oz, 227g
For the Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened 227g
- 1.5 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted 6 oz, 170g
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest 3g
For the Topping
- 0.5 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped 2.3 oz, 65g
- 0.67 cup white chocolate, melted 4 oz, 113g
Instructions
For the Blondie
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the dried cranberries and chopped white chocolate.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for about 25-30 minutes.
- Allow the blondies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Frosting
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and confectioners' sugar until smooth.
- Mix in the vanilla extract, orange juice, and orange zest until well blended.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled blondie base.
For the Topping
- Scatter the roughly chopped cranberries across the frosted surface.
- Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the top.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour to set the frosting.
- Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper and cut into squares.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!