Description
These Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars are a delightful copycat version of the popular holiday treat. Featuring a tender, spiced blondie base loaded with dried cranberries and white chocolate chips, these bars are topped with a rich cream cheese and white chocolate frosting, finished off with a drizzle of white chocolate and extra cranberries for a festive touch. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a special treat any time of year.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp orange zest
- ¼ tsp salt
- 3 oz white chocolate (melted and slightly cooled)
Topping
- ¼ cup dried cranberries (roughly chopped)
- 1 oz white chocolate (melted for drizzle)
- Extra orange zest (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: 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 later.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and light brown sugar until smooth and well combined, about 1 minute. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, and ground cinnamon to evenly distribute all the spices and leavening agents.
- Fold Dry into Wet: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a rubber spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender. Then fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Fill Pan and Bake: Spread the thick batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, using the back of a spatula to smooth the top. Bake for 22-26 minutes, starting to check at 22 minutes. The edges should be set and lightly golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs. The center may look slightly underdone but will set while cooling. For accuracy, check the internal temperature; remove the pan when it reaches 200-202°F.
- Cool Bars: Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before frosting.
- Make Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together using an electric mixer for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until smooth. Mix in vanilla extract, orange zest, and melted white chocolate until the frosting is well combined and smooth.
- Frost Bars: Once the bars have fully cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle chopped dried cranberries over the frosting. Using melted white chocolate, drizzle a crosshatch or zigzag pattern on top. Optionally, add a sprinkle of fresh orange zest for extra flavor and color.
- Set Frosting: Refrigerate the frosted bars for at least 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set properly.
- Cut and Serve: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into 16 even squares or triangles for a festive presentation similar to Starbucks.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs and cream cheese for the best mixing results.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the bars tender and moist.
- Adjust baking time slightly depending on your oven for ideal doneness.
- Ensure the bars are fully cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Feel free to substitute white chocolate chips with chunks for more texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars, cranberry white chocolate bars, holiday dessert bars, copycat Starbucks recipe, cream cheese frosting bars
