Cranberry Bliss Bars (Starbucks Copycat) are a delicious dessert that combines the sweet flavor of white chocolate with the tartness of cranberries. This recipe provides a reliable way to recreate those beloved bars found at Starbucks, making them perfect for holiday gatherings, parties, or simply as a treat for yourself. People often search for this recipe during the festive season or when looking for a unique dessert that stands out. By following this straightforward recipe, you can impress friends and family with bakery-style bliss bars right in your own kitchen.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is simple and foolproof, ensuring that even novice bakers can create impressive results. The taste is a delightful balance of sweet and tart, with a moist blonde base that pairs perfectly with creamy frosting. Not only does this recipe save you time compared to a trip to the café, but it also allows for customization to suit your preferences. Plus, they are ideal for any occasion, making them a versatile addition to your dessert repertoire.
How to Make Cranberry Bliss Bars
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar together until fluffy. Beat in the eggs, vanilla, and orange zest. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Fold in the dried cranberries and chopped white chocolate. Pour the batter into the prepared dish and smooth the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely before frosting.
For the frosting, beat softened cream cheese with confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Add vanilla, orange juice, and orange zest, mixing until combined. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. For the topping, melt additional white chocolate and drizzle it over the frosted bars. Sprinkle with chopped cranberries. Allow the chocolate to set before slicing into bars.
Ingredients
1½ cups unbleached all-purpose flour (7.5oz, 213g)
1 teaspoon baking powder (3g)
½ teaspoon table salt (3g)
12 tablespoons unsalted butter (6oz, 170g)
1½ cups packed light brown sugar (10.5 oz, 298g)
2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest (3g)
¾ cup dried cranberries (loosely packed) (3.5oz, 100g)
1⅓ cups white chocolate (chopped or white chocolate chips) (8oz, 227g)
1⅔ cups white chocolate (melted) (10oz, 283g)
8 oz cream cheese (softened) (227g)
1½ cups confectioners’ sugar (sifted) (6oz, 170g)
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon orange juice
1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest (3g)
½ cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped (loosely packed) (2.3oz, 65g)
⅔ cup white chocolate (melted) (4oz, 113g)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the eggs, vanilla, and orange zest until well combined. Gradually mix the flour mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Fold in the dried cranberries and chopped white chocolate. Pour the batter into the prepared dish and smooth it into an even layer. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
To prepare the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and confectioners’ sugar until smooth and creamy. Mix in the vanilla, orange juice, and orange zest until well blended. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Melt the additional white chocolate and drizzle it over the frosted bars. Top with roughly chopped cranberries. Allow the chocolate to set before cutting into squares.
How to Serve Cranberry Bliss Bars
Cranberry Bliss Bars are perfect for various occasions. Serve them as a festive treat during the holiday season, or enjoy them at parties and potlucks as a sweet addition to dessert trays. They pair well with coffee or hot cocoa, making them excellent for a cozy afternoon snack.
How to Store Cranberry Bliss Bars
Store the cranberry bliss bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Ensure they are completely cool and frosted before storing them. These bars maintain their freshness well; however, freezing is not recommended due to the texture changes in the frosting when thawed.
Tips to Make Cranberry Bliss Bars
- For a more intense orange flavor, use fresh orange juice and zest.
- Adjust the amount of dried cranberries based on your taste preference.
- Avoid over-mixing the batter for a light and fluffy texture.
- Allow the butter to soften at room temperature for easy creaming with sugar.
- Slice the cooled bars with a hot knife for cleaner edges.
- Remember to let the white chocolate drizzle set completely to prevent smearing.
Variation
No variations available
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen cranberries instead of dried?
Frozen cranberries are not recommended as they may add excess moisture and alter the texture of the bars.
2. How can I make these bars gluten-free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
3. Can I reduce the sugar content?
Yes, you can experiment with reducing the brown sugar, but it may affect the moisture and sweetness balance.
4. How thick should the frosting be?
Aim for a creamy consistency that easily spreads but is thick enough to hold its shape without running off the bars.
5. What can I serve alongside these bars?
Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an added indulgent touch.
Cranberry Bliss Bars
Ingredients
For the Bars
- 1.5 cups unbleached all-purpose flour Sifted if desired.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon table salt
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter Softened at room temperature.
- 1.5 cups packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs Lightly beaten.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
- 0.75 cup dried cranberries Loosely packed.
- 1.33 cups white chocolate (chopped or white chocolate chips)
For the Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese Softened.
- 1.5 cups confectioners' sugar Sifted.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
For the Topping
- 1.67 cups white chocolate (melted)
- 0.5 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped Loosely packed.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs, vanilla, and orange zest until well combined.
- Gradually mix the flour mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in the dried cranberries and chopped white chocolate.
- Pour the batter into the prepared dish and smooth it into an even layer.
Baking
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
Frosting
- In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and confectioners' sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Mix in the vanilla, orange juice, and orange zest until well blended.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars.
Topping
- Melt the additional white chocolate and drizzle it over the frosted bars.
- Top with roughly chopped cranberries.
- Allow the chocolate to set before cutting into squares.