Cranberry Bliss Bars (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe

If you have a soft spot for that perfectly balanced blend of tart cranberries and sweet white chocolate with a creamy, dreamy frosting, then you are going to adore this Cranberry Bliss Bars (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe. It’s the ultimate treat that brings all the flavors of that popular Starbucks holiday favorite right into your own kitchen. Each bite feels like a warm hug wrapped up in festive red and white, making it impossible to stop at just one. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or yourself, these bars elevate any occasion with their moist texture, tangy bursts of cranberry, and luscious frosting that melts in your mouth.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Cranberry Bliss Bars (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe lies in its simple-yet-impactful ingredients, each carefully chosen to build moistness, flavor, and color. Every component plays an essential role—from the salted butter giving richness to the bright orange zest that adds a fresh twist. Let’s dive into what you’ll need.

• 1 cup salted butter: Provides a creamy base and rich flavor to the bars.
• 1 ¾ cup brown sugar (packed): Adds warmth and moisture to the batter.
• 2 large eggs (room temperature): Helps bind ingredients and lends structure.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances overall sweetness and depth of flavor.
• 1 teaspoon orange extract: Gives a bright citrus note that perfectly complements the cranberries.
• 2 ¼ cups flour: Provides the sturdy base for the bars.
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch: Keeps bars tender and soft.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Enables the bars to rise lightly without being cakey.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances other flavors.
• ¾ cup dried cranberries (such as Craisins): Adds tart bursts of chewy fruitiness.
• ¾ cup white chocolate chips: Brings creamy sweetness and luscious texture.
• 8 ounces cream cheese (softened): Forms the velvety frosting base with tangy richness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting): Adds aroma and sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon orange zest: Infuses the frosting with fresh citrus brightness.
• ¼ teaspoon salt (for frosting): Sharpens flavor and balances sweetness.
• 1 Tablespoon cornstarch (for frosting): Stabilizes the frosting for perfect spreading.
• 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting beautifully.
• ½ cup dried cranberries (chopped, for topping): Decorative and adds tart texture contrast.
• ¼ cup white chocolate chips (whole, for topping): Adds a pretty visual pop and extra sweetness.
• ⅓ cup white chocolate chips (melted, for drizzle): Glossy drizzle finish to make your bars irresistible.
• ½ teaspoon vegetable oil (for drizzle): Keeps the melted chocolate smooth and shiny.

How to Make Cranberry Bliss Bars (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Space

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a 9” by 13” baking pan with parchment paper. This is a critical step to ensure that the bars bake evenly and come out cleanly, making your cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the salted butter and packed brown sugar until light and fluffy. This creates the perfect creamy base that will hold all your flavors together beautifully.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Extracts

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and orange extract until fully combined. This addition infuses your batter with aromatic notes that brighten every bite.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. This ensures your leavening agents are distributed evenly for a perfectly textured bar.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just enough to blend. Overmixing can toughen your bars, so keep the stirring gentle to maintain a tender crumb.

Step 6: Fold in Cranberries and White Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly distributed for that signature sweet-tart harmony.

Step 7: Bake Your Bars

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan and bake for 20 minutes. Use a toothpick inserted into the center to check doneness: you’re looking for a few moist crumbs clinging to it, which means your bars are perfectly baked.

Step 8: Cool Completely

Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling is essential to set the structure of your bars before adding the scrumptious cream cheese frosting.

Step 9: Prepare and Spread the Frosting

In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, vanilla extract, orange zest, salt, and cornstarch until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and continue beating until creamy. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars for that luscious finishing touch.

Step 10: Add Toppings and Drizzle

Sprinkle the chopped cranberries and whole white chocolate chips over the frosted bars. Melt the remaining white chocolate chips with the vegetable oil, then drizzle the mixture over the bars in a lovely pattern to mimic that iconic Starbucks look.

How to Serve Cranberry Bliss Bars (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe

Garnishes

The chopped cranberries and white chocolate chips on top not only beautify your bars but add an irresistible contrast in texture and bursts of flavor with every bite. Feel free to dust with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for a snowy effect.

Side Dishes

These bars shine as a stand-alone treat but pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The creaminess of the bars balances perfectly with the slight bitterness of a freshly brewed beverage, making your snack time truly special.

Creative Ways to Present

For gifting or special occasions, cut the bars into neat squares, then stack and tie with a festive ribbon or place them in decorative boxes. You can also serve them on a beautiful platter with fresh cranberries and mint leaves for that extra holiday flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Cranberry Bliss Bars (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Chilling helps the flavors develop and keeps the cream cheese frosting perfectly fresh and firm.

Freezing

You can freeze these bars for up to 2 months by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving to preserve their texture and taste.

Reheating

For a warm treat, remove desired bars from the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes or microwave briefly in 10-second intervals. This softens the bars and enhances their creamy, comforting flavors without melting the frosting entirely.

FAQs

Can I substitute fresh cranberries for dried cranberries in the Cranberry Bliss Bars (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe?

Fresh cranberries contain much more moisture and tartness than dried, so substituting them directly may alter the texture and baking time. If using fresh, consider slightly reducing other liquids and tossing the cranberries in flour before folding them into the batter to prevent sinking.

Is there a dairy-free option for the cream cheese frosting?

Absolutely! You can use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative along with a plant-based butter substitute to make a vegan-friendly frosting that still captures the creamy tang that makes these bars so beloved.

What should I do if my bars are too crumbly?

This usually means the batter was overmixed or the flour measurement was off. Make sure to measure your flour correctly by spooning it into your measuring cup and leveling off. Also, stir the batter gently to keep it tender and moist.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! You can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum. Just ensure your other ingredients are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.

How long do Cranberry Bliss Bars (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe last at room temperature?

Since these bars have cream cheese frosting, it’s best to keep them refrigerated. Left at room temperature for over two hours, the frosting may soften too much and risk spoilage.

Final Thoughts

There really is something magical about making the Cranberry Bliss Bars (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe at home. The joyful combination of tart cranberries, sweet white chocolate, and luscious frosting wrapped up in a tender bar is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I hope you enjoy baking (and eating!) these as much as I do. Trust me, once you try them, this delightful recipe will be your go-to for every festive season and beyond!

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