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Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars (Better Copycat) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 100 reviews

These Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars are a delightful copycat recipe that captures the perfect balance of tangy dried cranberries, sweet white chocolate, and a hint of warm spices. A rich, buttery blondie base is topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting infused with orange zest and melted white chocolate, finished with a drizzle of white chocolate and extra cranberries for that iconic festive touch.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Bars

  • 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 cup 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)

For the Frosting

  • 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • 2 Tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp orange zest
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 3 oz white chocolate (melted and slightly cooled)

For the Topping

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal of the bars.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth, about 1 minute. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, then mix until fully combined.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, and ground cinnamon until evenly mixed.
  4. Make the Batter: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a rubber spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the bars tender. Fold in the chopped dried cranberries and white chocolate chips evenly through the batter.
  5. Bake the Bars: Spread the thick batter evenly in the prepared pan, using the back of a spatula to smooth the surface. Bake for 22-26 minutes until edges are set and lightly golden. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs. The center might look slightly underdone, but it will firm up as it cools. The internal temperature should reach 200-202°F before removing from the oven.
  6. Cool Bars: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least 1 hour to ensure proper setting.
  7. Prepare the Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until smooth. Incorporate vanilla extract, orange zest, and melted white chocolate until well combined and creamy.
  8. Frost the Bars: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars using a spatula.
  9. Decorate: Sprinkle the chopped dried cranberries over the frosting surface. Drizzle melted white chocolate in a decorative crosshatch or zigzag pattern. Optionally, add extra orange zest on top for a vibrant touch.
  10. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the frosted bars for at least 30 minutes to set the frosting before removing from the pan. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift out the bars and cut into 16 squares or triangles for serving.

Notes

  • Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
  • Don’t overmix the batter to maintain a tender crumb in the bars.
  • Measure the temperature for perfectly baked bars, as residual heat sets the center.
  • Room temperature eggs ensure better mixing and texture.
  • For a dairy-free twist, substitute cream cheese and butter with vegan alternatives, but texture may vary.
  • Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Bars freeze well; wrap tightly and thaw before frosting for best results.

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

Find it online: https://spatulaqueen.com/starbucks-cranberry-bliss-bars-better-copycat-recipe/