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Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars (Better Copycat) Recipe

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4.8 from 116 reviews

Recreate the iconic Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars at home with this better copycat recipe featuring a moist and chewy cranberry-studded blondie base topped with a luscious white chocolate-orange cream cheese frosting and finished with a drizzle of white chocolate and dried cranberries.

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)

Toppings

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy bar removal later.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted and slightly cooled butter with the light brown sugar until smooth, about one minute. Then, add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, and ground cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
  4. Form Batter: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula until just combined; avoid overmixing. Fold in the roughly chopped dried cranberries and white chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter.
  5. Bake Bars: Spread the thick batter evenly in the prepared pan, smoothing the surface with the back of a spatula. Bake for 22-26 minutes, beginning to check at 22 minutes. The bars are done when edges are set and lightly golden and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs but no wet batter. The center should read 200-202°F internally; remove immediately when reached.
  6. Cool Bars: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan set on a wire rack for at least one hour; this ensures they firm up properly before frosting.
  7. Prepare Frosting: Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter in a medium bowl using an electric mixer for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until smooth, then mix in vanilla extract, orange zest, and melted white chocolate until fully combined and creamy.
  8. Frost Bars: Spread the frosting evenly over the completely cooled bars for a smooth, luscious layer.
  9. Decorate: Sprinkle the chopped dried cranberries on top of the frosting. Use the additional melted white chocolate to drizzle in a crosshatch or zigzag pattern. Optionally sprinkle with extra fresh orange zest to brighten flavors.
  10. Set Frosting: Refrigerate the frosted bars for at least 30 minutes to let the frosting set firmly.
  11. Serve: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan easily and cut into 16 squares or triangles, mimicking Starbucks presentation.

Notes

  • Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
  • Do not overmix the batter to maintain a tender crumb.
  • Check the bars early to avoid overbaking; internal temperature is a great indicator.
  • Allow bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting the cream cheese topping.
  • Use high-quality white chocolate for the best flavor in both the batter and frosting.
  • Variations: swap cranberries for cherries, or add chopped nuts for extra texture.

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

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