Cranberry Bliss Bars (Starbucks Copycat)

Cranberry Bliss Bars are a delightful treat that brings the warmth and cheer of the holidays right to your kitchen. Inspired by the beloved Starbucks version, these bars are perfect for family gatherings, festive parties, or even a cozy evening at home. Each bite is a harmonious blend of sweet and tart flavors, featuring rich white chocolate and zesty orange that beautifully complement the cranberries. This recipe is extra special to me because it reminds me of cherished moments shared with loved ones over a slice of something truly delicious.

Why Make This Recipe

Why settle for store-bought when you can craft your own delicious Cranberry Bliss Bars right at home? With their irresistibly chewy texture and flavorful toppings, these bars are the ultimate dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a festive get-together, sending your kids off with a sweet treat, or simply indulging yourself, these bars are sure to be a hit.

One of the greatest things about this recipe is its versatility. It’s just as delightful served warm as it is at room temperature, making it a fantastic addition to any dessert table.

"This cake disappeared in minutes at our family gathering, definitely a keeper," says a happy home baker.

How to Make Cranberry Bliss Bars (Starbucks Copycat)

Making Cranberry Bliss Bars from scratch is a simple yet rewarding process. You start by mixing together the dry ingredients and the melted butter, creating a sturdy yet soft base. Next, you’ll fold in the flavorful add-ins like dried cranberries and white chocolate. This mixture is then pressed into a baking dish and baked until golden brown.

While the blondie layer cools, you whip up a creamy frosting made with softened cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, and a hint of orange for added zest. Once the base has cooled and the frosting is spread on top, a finishing touch of chopped cranberries and drizzled melted white chocolate brings it all together beautifully. The final product is irresistible and just waiting to be sliced and enjoyed.

Ingredients

Gather these items to get started on your Cranberry Bliss Bars:

1½ cups unbleached all-purpose flour ((7.5oz, 213g))
1 teaspoon baking powder ((3g))
½ teaspoon table salt ((3g))
12 tablespoons unsalted butter ((6oz, 170g))
1½ cups packed light brown sugar ((10.5 oz, 298g))
2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest ((3g))
¾ cup dried cranberries (loosely packed (3.5oz, 100g))
1⅓ cups white chocolate (chopped or white chocolate chips (8oz, 227g))
1⅔ cups white chocolate (melted (10oz, 283g))
8 oz cream cheese (softened (227g))
1½ cups confectioners’ sugar (sifted (6oz, 170g))
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon orange juice
1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest ((3g))
½ cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped (loosely packed (2.3oz, 65g))
⅔ cup white chocolate (melted (4oz, 113g))

Directions

For the Blondie:
Preheat your oven and prepare a baking dish with parchment paper. In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, melt the butter and mix it with the brown sugar. Add the eggs, vanilla, and orange zest, stirring until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients, then fold in cranberries and white chocolate. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish and bake until firm and lightly golden.

For the frosting:
In a mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with sifted confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, orange juice, and orange zest until creamy and well combined.

For the topping:
Once the blondie layer is cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting on top. Finish by sprinkling with chopped cranberries and drizzling the melted white chocolate. Allow it to set before cutting into bars.

How to Serve Cranberry Bliss Bars (Starbucks Copycat)

These Cranberry Bliss Bars are best served at room temperature, which allows the flavors to shine. They make a wonderful addition to any dessert platter or a lovely standalone treat with a warm cup of tea or coffee. For a festive twist, consider adding a sprinkle of edible glitter or a dusting of powdered sugar. They’re also perfect for packing in lunchboxes or bringing along to a holiday potluck.

How to Store

To keep your Cranberry Bliss Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for about a week, but I doubt they’ll stick around that long! If you want to extend their shelf life, you can freeze them; simply wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, let them thaw in the fridge overnight.

Tips to Make

One of the keys to achieving the perfect blondie texture is to not overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients. A few lumps are perfectly acceptable! If you prefer a less sweet dessert, feel free to reduce the amount of sugar in the frosting. Also, for a twist, consider using dried cherries or apricots in place of the cranberries for a unique flavor.

Variations

Want to mix things up? Try adding nuts, such as chopped pecans or walnuts, for an added crunch. You can also experiment with flavored extracts; almond extract can lend an exciting flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the chocolate. For a seasonal touch, adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can really bring out the orange notes.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh cranberries, but keep in mind they are more tart. You might want to add a bit more sugar to offset the tanginess.

Can these bars be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

How can I make the frosting dairy-free?
You can use dairy-free cream cheese as a substitute for regular cream cheese, and opt for a dairy-free butter for the frosting.

Is it necessary to add orange zest?
While it does enhance the flavor, you can leave it out if you prefer a more straightforward taste. The bars will still be delicious without it.

For More Recipe Inspiration

If you enjoy these sweet treats, be sure to check out our delicious Banana Cottage Cheese Pancakes or explore our Mini Bento Cake Recipe for more delightful options.

Warm treats and family memories await. Don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for even more baking inspiration!

Emily

Cranberry Bliss Bars

Delightful, chewy bars merging sweet and tart flavors with white chocolate and zesty orange, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 12 pieces

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 300

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Blondie Base

• 1.5 cups unbleached all-purpose flour (7.5oz, 213g)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder (3g)
• 0.5 teaspoon table salt (3g)
• 12 tablespoons unsalted butter (6oz, 170g) melted
• 1.5 cups packed light brown sugar (10.5 oz, 298g)
• 2 large eggs lightly beaten
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest (3g)
• 0.75 cups dried cranberries loosely packed (3.5oz, 100g)
• 1.33 cups white chocolate chopped or white chocolate chips (8oz, 227g)

Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese softened (227g)
• 1.5 cups confectioners' sugar sifted (6oz, 170g)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 tablespoon orange juice
• 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest (3g)

Topping

• 0.5 cups dried cranberries roughly chopped (loosely packed (2.3oz, 65g))
• 0.67 cups white chocolate melted (4oz, 113g)

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven and prepare a baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, melt the butter and mix it with the brown sugar.
4. Add the eggs, vanilla, and orange zest, stirring until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients, then fold in cranberries and white chocolate.
6. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish and bake until firm and lightly golden.

Frosting

1. In a mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with sifted confectioners' sugar, vanilla, orange juice, and orange zest until creamy and well combined.

Topping

1. Once the blondie layer is cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting on top.
2. Finish by sprinkling with chopped cranberries and drizzling the melted white chocolate.
3. Allow it to set before cutting into bars.

Notes

Serve at room temperature. For added flair, sprinkle with edible glitter or powdered sugar. Best stored in an airtight container in the fridge for about a week. For longer storage, freeze wrapped bars for up to three months.