The Best Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars: Homemade & Irresistible Recipe
These homemade Cranberry Bliss Bars feature a tender, white chocolate cranberry blondie base, generously topped with a rich, tangy orange cream cheese frosting, and a festive drizzle of white chocolate. Forget the coffee shop queues; this recipe delivers a superior, perfectly balanced flavor that tastes just like the Starbucks holiday favorite, but even better!
For many, the arrival of Starbucks’ holiday menu signals the start of the festive season. Among the seasonal lattes and festive treats, the Cranberry Bliss Bars stand out as a beloved classic. With their signature white chocolate and cranberry blondie base, creamy tang of cream cheese frosting, and a sprinkle of dried cranberries and white chocolate drizzle, they’re an irresistible indulgence. However, as with many baked goods, the homemade version often surpasses its store-bought counterpart in freshness, flavor, and sheer delight. This copycat recipe captures all the magic of the original, allowing you to recreate that holiday cheer right in your own kitchen.
Drawing inspiration from a classic blondie recipe, this rendition elevates the familiar flavors to new heights. We’ve infused the blondie batter with not just luscious white chocolate chips and chewy dried cranberries, but also a hint of ground ginger, a secret ingredient that gives these bars an authentic Starbucks-like spiced warmth without being overpowering. The vibrant orange zest in the cream cheese frosting provides a bright, citrusy counterpoint to the sweet blondies and tart cranberries, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors that is truly addictive. Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, chewy bar, where every bite is a perfect blend of sweet, tart, and creamy – that’s what awaits you with this recipe.
Why wait in line or pay premium prices when you can whip up a big batch of these blissful treats at home? These Cranberry Bliss Bars are not only a fantastic dessert for your own holiday gatherings but also make thoughtful and much-appreciated gifts for friends, family, and neighbors. Picture them beautifully arranged on a platter, or individually wrapped with a festive ribbon – they’re sure to bring smiles and holiday cheer to everyone who tries them. So, gather your ingredients and prepare to bake a batch of holiday happiness!
Decoding the Ingredients: What You’ll Need for Perfect Cranberry Bliss Bars
Crafting these delightful Cranberry Bliss Bars involves three key components: the moist white chocolate cranberry blondie base, the luxurious orange cream cheese frosting, and the festive toppings. While the full recipe card below details exact measurements, let’s highlight some of the essential ingredients and why they are crucial for achieving that authentic taste and perfect texture.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our blondie base. Ensure you measure it correctly using the spoon and level method to avoid a dense or dry bar.
- Baking Powder: Our leavening agent, giving the blondies a slight lift and tender crumb without being cakey.
- Ground Ginger: This is the secret ingredient that truly sets these homemade bars apart and closer to the Starbucks original. It adds a subtle, warm spice that complements the cranberries beautifully without making the bars overtly “spiced.” Don’t skip it!
- Salt: A crucial flavor enhancer that balances the sweetness and brings out the depth in all the other ingredients.
- Unsalted Butter (Melted and Cooled): Provides richness and moisture to the blondies. Melting it ensures a chewier texture. Make sure it’s cooled slightly to prevent cooking the eggs when mixed.
- Light Brown Sugar (Packed): Contributes to the signature chewy texture of blondies and adds a wonderful caramel-like depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with the ginger and cranberries.
- Large Eggs (Room Temperature): Essential for binding the ingredients and adding moisture. Room temperature eggs emulsify better with the butter and sugar, resulting in a smoother batter.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: A fundamental flavor booster for both the blondies and the frosting, adding warmth and sweetness.
- White Chocolate Chips: Incorporated into the blondie batter for bursts of creamy sweetness and melted to create the iconic drizzle on top. High-quality white chocolate will make a noticeable difference. You can also chop a white chocolate bar if chips aren’t available.
- Sweetened Dried Cranberries: The star of the show! These add a delightful tartness and chewy texture that contrasts wonderfully with the sweet blondies and frosting. Using sweetened varieties ensures a balanced flavor profile.
- Brick-Style Cream Cheese (Full-Fat, Softened): Absolutely vital for a rich, stable, and wonderfully tangy frosting. Avoid whipped or spreadable cream cheese in a tub, as it has a higher water content and will result in a runny frosting. Ensure it’s softened to avoid lumps.
- Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar): Creates a smooth, lump-free frosting with the perfect level of sweetness and body.
- Freshly Grated Orange Zest: The magic touch for the frosting! The bright, aromatic citrus zest cuts through the richness of the cream cheese and complements the cranberries beautifully, enhancing the overall festive flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Own Cranberry Bliss Bars
Making these Cranberry Bliss Bars at home is a straightforward and rewarding process. Follow these detailed steps to ensure perfectly tender blondies and luscious frosting every time. Precision in baking pays off, so take your time and enjoy the journey!
First, prepare your blondie base. Begin by whisking together all the dry ingredients – flour, baking powder, ginger, and salt – in a large mixing bowl. This step ensures an even distribution of the leavening and spices throughout the batter. In a separate, equally large bowl, combine your wet ingredients: the slightly cooled melted butter, rich brown sugar, eggs, and fragrant vanilla. Whisk these together until they are well combined and smooth, a crucial step for achieving that signature blondie chewiness. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tough blondies, so stop as soon as no dry streaks remain.
Now for the star additions! Gently fold in your white chocolate chips and dried cranberries. Remember the golden rule of baking: do not overmix, especially once the dry and wet ingredients are combined. Scoop the glorious blondie batter into your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, which should be lined with parchment paper for easy removal. Smooth the batter out into an even layer using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. Bake the blondies in a preheated oven just until the top appears set and lightly golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is a virtue here – rushing the cooling process will result in melted frosting and a less-than-perfect bar.
While the blondies cool, prepare your irresistible orange cream cheese frosting. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, or using a large mixing bowl and a handheld electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s perfectly smooth and free of any lumps. This ensures a silky-smooth frosting texture.
Next, add the powdered sugar, freshly grated orange zest, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Continue mixing on a low speed until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the frosting is light and fluffy. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl periodically to ensure everything is evenly incorporated. The orange zest is key here, infusing a bright, zesty aroma and flavor that beautifully complements the sweet-tart profile of the bars.
Once your blondies are completely cool – this is essential – it’s time for assembly. Scoop the delectable orange cream cheese frosting on top of the blondie base. Use the back of a spoon or an angled spatula to carefully smooth it out into one even, inviting layer. Immediately after frosting, sprinkle some additional sweetened dried cranberries over the top for an extra burst of color and flavor.
To add the signature drizzle, melt about 1/4 cup of white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short 20 to 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. You can get creative with the drizzle: use a spoon for broad strokes, a fork for finer lines, or even a piping bag with a small tip for more controlled designs. Don’t worry about perfection; a rustic drizzle often looks just as appealing! Once decorated, pop the bars into the fridge for about 15-20 minutes. This chilling time allows the frosting to set slightly and the white chocolate drizzle to firm up, making them much easier to slice cleanly.
Finally, slice the chilled bars into elegant triangles. A typical approach is to first cut the entire slab into 12 equal-sized squares. Then, take each square and cut it diagonally in half, yielding two perfect triangles. This method gives you 24 festive Cranberry Bliss Bar triangles, ready to be served and savored!
Storage & Freezing: Keeping Your Cranberry Bliss Bars Fresh
Proper storage is essential to maintain the deliciousness and freshness of your homemade Cranberry Bliss Bars, especially due to the cream cheese frosting. Because the frosting is dairy-based, these bars must be refrigerated. Store them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out or absorbing other odors from your fridge. When properly stored, they will remain fresh and delightful for up to four days.
If you wish to extend their shelf life, these bars freeze beautifully, making them perfect for meal prepping holiday treats or enjoying long after baking day. To freeze, we recommend slicing the bars into individual triangles first. Arrange them in a single layer on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet and freeze until they are firm, which typically takes about 1 to 2 hours. Once firm, wrap each individual bar tightly in a square of plastic wrap, then place the wrapped bars into a large freezer bag or an airtight freezer-safe container. This individual wrapping prevents the frosted bars from sticking together and ensures they thaw without a messy surface. Frozen bars can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture and flavor.
Expert Tips for Perfect Cranberry Bliss Bars Every Time
- Don’t Over-Beat Your Eggs: When adding eggs to the blondie batter, mix them in just until combined. Over-beating incorporates too much air, which can lead to a cakey rather than chewy blondie texture. Aim for minimal mixing once the eggs are in.
- Measuring Flour Accurately: For consistent results, always measure your flour using the “spoon and level” method. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup, then level it off with a straight edge. Scooping flour directly from the bag can compact it, leading you to use too much flour and resulting in dry, dense blondies.
- Blondie Base Flavor Variation: While our recipe testers preferred the blondie base without added orange zest, if you desire a stronger overall orange flavor, feel free to add 1 to 2 teaspoons of freshly grated orange zest to the blondie batter along with the wet ingredients. This offers a subtle citrus note throughout the bar.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and especially cream cheese are at room temperature. This allows for easier mixing, better emulsification, and a smoother, lump-free batter and frosting.
- Cooling is Key: It cannot be stressed enough – allow the blondies to cool *completely* before applying the frosting. If the blondies are even slightly warm, your beautiful cream cheese frosting will melt and slide right off.
- Quality White Chocolate: The flavor of your white chocolate significantly impacts the final taste. Opt for high-quality white chocolate chips or bars for the best flavor in both the blondie and the drizzle.
- Don’t Overbake the Blondies: Blondies should be slightly gooey in the center when they come out of the oven, as they will continue to set as they cool. Overbaking will result in a dry, crumbly texture.
Common Questions About Cranberry Bliss Bars (FAQ)
- Can I make these bars gluten-free? While this recipe uses all-purpose flour, many readers have successfully substituted it with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure your blend contains xanthan gum for best results.
- My frosting is too thin, what can I do? This often happens if the cream cheese wasn’t full-fat or wasn’t properly softened, or if too much liquid (like milk or cream) was added (which isn’t in this recipe, but common in others). To thicken it, try adding a tablespoon or two more of powdered sugar until the desired consistency is reached. Ensure your cream cheese is brick-style and full-fat.
- Why are my blondies cakey instead of chewy? Overmixing the batter, especially after adding the flour, can develop too much gluten and result in a cakey texture. Ensure you mix just until the ingredients are combined. Also, over-beating eggs can incorporate too much air, leading to a lighter, cake-like crumb.
- Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried? Dried cranberries are recommended for their concentrated flavor and chewy texture that holds up well in baking. Fresh cranberries contain more water and will release moisture during baking, which could alter the blondie’s texture and require adjustments to the recipe.
- How do I cut neat triangles? Chilling the frosted bars until the frosting is firm (at least 15-20 minutes, or longer in the fridge) is key. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each cut for the cleanest edges.
More Festive Holiday Recipes to Explore!
- Candied Almonds
- Easy Fudge Recipe
- White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
- Classic Spritz Cookies
- Easy Sugar Cookie Icing
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Cranberry Bliss Bars
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Ingredients
White Chocolate Cranberry Blondies
- 2 cups all-purpose flour spooned & leveled (250 grams)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled (170 grams)
- 1 ½ cups packed light brown sugar (300 grams)
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ¾ cup white chocolate chips (135 grams)
- ¾ cup sweetened dried cranberries (90 grams)
Orange Cream Cheese Icing
- 8 ounces brick-style cream cheese softened
- 1 ¼ cups powdered sugar (150 grams)
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Toppings
- ⅓ cup sweetened dried cranberries (40 grams)
- ¼ cup white chocolate chips (45 grams)
Instructions
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To make the blondies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Spray with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ginger, and salt. Set aside.
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In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until well combined, then whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract.
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Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Then, gently fold in the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries, making sure not to over mix the batter.
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Scoop the batter into the prepared 9×13 pan and spread it out into one even layer.
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Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the top is set and lightly browned. Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
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To make the orange cream cheese icing: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle or whisk attachment, or in a large mixing bowl using a handheld mixer, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
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Add the powdered sugar, orange zest, and vanilla extract and continue mixing until fully combined, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
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To assemble and slice the bars: Spread the icing on top of the cooled blondies and smooth it out into one even layer. Sprinkle the cranberries evenly over the top.
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Place the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 20 to 30 second increments until completely melted and smooth.
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Drizzle or pipe the melted white chocolate over the bars. Place in the refrigerator to chill for 15 to 20 minutes to allow the white chocolate to harden.
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Slice the bars into 12 squares, then slice each square in half diagonally to create triangles.
Notes
Freezing Instructions: Place the bars on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until firm, about 1 to 2 hours. Wrap each bar tightly with plastic wrap and freeze in a large freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
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