Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars capture the perfect balance of sweet and tangy with a soft cake base, creamy frosting, and a delicate white chocolate drizzle. They make a delightful treat for any occasion, bringing a festive flair to your dessert table.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup softened butter
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch salt
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries (chopped)
• 1.5 oz (40g) white chocolate (roughly chopped)
• 1.5 oz (40g) cream cheese at room temperature
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon dried cranberries (chopped)
• 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon milk
• 3/4 teaspoon vegetable shortening

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease or line a standard-size loaf tin.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Add the egg, ground ginger, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until everything is well combined.
4. Step 4: Gently mix in the all-purpose flour and baking powder until just combined.
5. Step 5: Fold in the chopped dried cranberries and chopped white chocolate evenly throughout the batter.
6. Step 6: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared loaf tin and bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown and springy to the touch.
7. Step 7: Allow the cake to cool completely in the loaf tin before adding the frosting.
8. Step 8: For the frosting, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
9. Step 9: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake, then sprinkle with chopped dried cranberries, pressing them gently into the frosting.
10. Step 10: To make the drizzled icing, combine powdered sugar, milk, and vegetable shortening. Beat until smooth.
11. Step 11: Drizzle the icing in thin diagonal stripes over the frosted cake.
12. Step 12: Cover the cake tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to let the flavors meld before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh cranberries chopped finely if you prefer a tart, juicy burst in each bite instead of dried ones.
• Swap white chocolate for white chocolate chips for easier melting and mixing.
• For a zesty twist, add a teaspoon of orange zest to the frosting mixture.
• Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth, lump-free frosting.

Storage

Store the cranberry bliss bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For best texture, allow them to sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving. You can also freeze them wrapped tightly for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of dried?

Frozen cranberries can be used but will add more moisture to the batter, which may affect the texture. If using frozen, chop them finely and consider slightly reducing the liquid in the recipe.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for this recipe?

Yes, you can replace the butter and cream cheese with dairy-free margarine or cream cheese alternatives. Make sure to choose powdered sugar that is labeled vegan to maintain the recipe’s integrity.

Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 99 reviews

• Author: Mariam
• Total Time: 8 hours 35 minutes (including overnight chilling)
• Yield: 8 bars 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars are a delightful treat featuring a moist, spiced cake base loaded with dried cranberries and white chocolate chunks, topped with a creamy tangy cream cheese frosting and finished with a sweet drizzle and extra cranberries for a festive, flavorful bar perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a deliciously indulgent snack.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Bar Layer

• 1/4 cup softened butter
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch salt
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
• 1.5 oz (40g) white chocolate, roughly chopped

Frosting

• 1.5 oz (40g) cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon dried cranberries, chopped

Drizzled Icing

• 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon milk
• 3/4 teaspoon vegetable shortening

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cake bar layer: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease or line a standard-size loaf tin to prevent sticking.
2. Mix butter and sugar: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture.
3. Add wet ingredients: Beat in the egg, ground ginger, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until fully incorporated and smooth.
4. Incorporate dry ingredients: Gently fold in the all-purpose flour and baking powder until just combined, taking care not to overmix.
5. Add cranberries and white chocolate: Stir in the chopped dried cranberries and roughly chopped white chocolate to evenly distribute throughout the batter.
6. Bake the cake layer: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared loaf tin. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and springs back when lightly pressed.
7. Cool the cake: Allow the cake to cool completely in the loaf tin to ensure it holds together well and to prepare for frosting.
8. Prepare the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together the room temperature cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and reaches a creamy frosting consistency.
9. Frost the cake: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Sprinkle the chopped dried cranberries on top and gently press them into the frosting to adhere.
10. Make the drizzled icing: Combine powdered sugar, milk, and vegetable shortening in a small bowl. Beat them together thoroughly until the icing is smooth and slightly thick but pourable.
11. Drizzle the icing: Using a spoon or piping tool, drizzle thin diagonal strips of the icing evenly over the frosted cake to create an elegant finish.
12. Chill before serving: Cover the loaf tin with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate the bars overnight. This sets the frosting and icing, making the bars easier to slice and enhancing the flavors.

Notes

• Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth, lump-free frosting.
• Chop the dried cranberries and white chocolate roughly for a nice texture throughout the bars.
• Allow the bars to chill overnight to let flavors meld and to firm up the frosting and drizzle.
• Use a sharp knife to slice the bars cleanly after chilling.
• These bars are perfect for holiday gifting or festive celebrations.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Starbucks copycat, cranberry bliss bars, white chocolate, cream cheese frosting, holiday dessert, cranberry bars, copycat recipe