If you have a soft spot for that delightful holiday treat from the coffeehouse, you’re going to adore this Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe. These bars are a heavenly combination of tart dried cranberries, luscious white chocolate, and a rich cream cheese frosting infused with fresh orange zest. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of textures and flavors — chewy, creamy, tangy, and sweet all wrapped into one irresistible bar. Whether you’re aiming to recreate a seasonal favorite or surprise your friends with something truly special, this recipe is a must-try that feels as festive as it tastes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for the Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe is straightforward, and each plays an essential role. From the buttery base to the creamy frosting and sweet-tart toppings, these ingredients create a perfect harmony of flavor and texture.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The foundation that gives the bars structure and a tender crumb.
- Baking powder (1 tsp): Helps the bars rise just enough to stay light and soft.
- Table salt (1/2 tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- Unsalted butter (12 tbsp): Adds richness and a buttery depth to the base.
- Light brown sugar (1 1/2 cups): Brings moisture and a caramel-like sweetness that’s perfectly nuanced.
- Eggs (2 large, lightly beaten): Bind the ingredients and contribute to the smooth texture.
- Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Imparts warmth and a subtle aromatic lift.
- Grated orange zest (1 tsp): Adds bright citrus notes that make this recipe stand out.
- Dried cranberries (3/4 cup): The signature tartness that contrasts beautifully with the white chocolate.
- White chocolate (1 1/3 cups, chopped or chips): Melts into the batter, delivering sweet, creamy pockets throughout.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Essential for that luxurious frosting texture and tangy flavor.
- Confectioners’ sugar (1 1/2 cups, sifted): Ensures the frosting is silky smooth and perfectly sweetened.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances the frosting’s flavor with subtle vanilla notes.
- Orange juice (1 tbsp): Brightens the frosting, balancing the sweetness.
- Orange zest (1 tsp, finely grated): Adds a fresh, zesty pop to the creamy frosting.
- White chocolate (2/3 cup, melted): Used for drizzling, adding an artistic flair and extra sweetness.
- Dried cranberries (1/2 cup, roughly chopped): Sprinkled on top for texture and that classic cranberry zing.
- White chocolate (1 2/3 cups, melted): For the final finishing drizzle that makes these bars look as good as they taste.
How to Make Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Start by preheating your oven and lining a baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl—this dry mix will guarantee your bars have the perfect crumb. Cream together the softened butter and light brown sugar until fluffy, which is key for a tender bar. Slowly mix in the eggs and vanilla extract, followed by the orange zest for that bright, citrus essence. Finally, fold in the flour mixture, dried cranberries, and chopped white chocolate gently so they’re evenly distributed without overmixing.
Step 2: Bake the Base
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out smoothly. Pop it into the oven and bake until the edges begin to turn golden and a toothpick inserted comes out almost clean, signaling perfect doneness without dryness. This step ensures the bars remain soft with those irresistible chewy bites, which are absolutely essential for the Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the bars cool, whip up the luscious frosting. Beat softened cream cheese until creamy and smooth, then gradually add the sifted confectioners’ sugar for a velvety sweetness. Stir in vanilla extract, orange juice, and finely grated orange zest to brighten the flavor and balance the richness. The frosting should be thick enough to spread, silky, and bursting with that classic citrus-tartness creamy combo.
Step 4: Frost and Garnish
Once the bars are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the frosting in pretty patterns — this is where you can get creative and make them look special. Scatter roughly chopped dried cranberries across the top, adding bursts of tang that contrast beautifully with the sweet drizzle and creamy frosting. Let the frosting set slightly before slicing into squares for that perfect presentation and texture bite.
How to Serve Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe
Garnishes
The finishing touches make all the difference. Fresh orange zest sprinkled on top can amplify the citrus punch, while a few whole dried cranberries add visual appeal and a bite of tartness. For a festive look, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving. Each garnish adds layers of flavor and charm, elevating the bars to something truly special for guests or family.
Side Dishes
These bars shine brightly on their own, but pairing them with a lightly brewed cup of coffee or spiced tea transforms snack time into a mini celebration. A dollop of whipped cream or a side of fresh fruit like sliced pears or apples can balance the sweetness and add refreshing contrast. These accompaniments make the Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe a perfect treat for a holiday brunch or afternoon indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with presentation! Arrange individual bars on a rustic wooden platter for a cozy vibe, or stack them in decorative boxes for gifting. You can also cut the bars into bite-sized pieces and serve them on cocktail picks for party-friendly snacks. Wrapping each bar in parchment and tying it with twine turns them into delightful take-home favors. Presentation is part of the charm of this recipe and encourages sharing the joy of these blissful bars.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After baking and frosting, store your bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps the frosting fresh and the bars moist for up to 4 days. Proper storage ensures your Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe stays just as delicious as the day they came out of the oven, making for easy snacks or desserts during the week.
Freezing
If you want to extend their life, these bars freeze wonderfully. Place slices in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When well wrapped, the bars maintain their flavor and texture for up to 3 months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight when ready to enjoy, perfect for prepping holiday treats ahead of time.
Reheating
Because the bars are best served cool with creamy frosting, reheating is generally not recommended. However, if you prefer a softer, more melty texture, briefly warm the bars at room temperature or in a low oven for a few minutes. Be cautious not to overheat, which could soften the frosting too much. Enjoy them chilled or lightly warmed depending on your preference.
FAQs
Can I substitute fresh cranberries for dried cranberries in this recipe?
Fresh cranberries are much more tart and watery than dried ones, which could alter the texture and moisture balance of the bars. It’s best to stick with dried cranberries to keep the chewiness and ideal sweetness that define the Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil and use dairy-free cream cheese alternatives for the frosting. Keep in mind that flavors and texture might vary slightly, but it’s a great option for those with dietary restrictions wanting to enjoy this delightful recipe.
How thin or thick should I cut the bars?
Cut them into squares about 2 inches on each side to give everyone a perfect balance of base, frosting, and topping in each bite. Thinner slices might crumble or not capture all the flavors evenly, while thicker bars could be too rich in a single bite.
Can these bars be made ahead for a party?
Absolutely! These bars keep very well for up to 4 days refrigerated and can also be frozen. Making them a day or two ahead lets flavors meld beautifully, making the Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe an excellent choice for entertaining.
What is the best way to ensure the frosting is smooth and creamy?
Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing, and sift the confectioners’ sugar to avoid lumps. Beat until the mixture is smooth and light for that perfect frosting texture that’s key to this recipe’s signature taste.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with the Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe. It’s one of those special treats that feels both festive and comforting, great for sharing with family and friends or savoring as a personal indulgence. Now that you have the recipe and tips, why not dive in and experience the joy of making these bars yourself? I promise the sweet aroma, creamy frosting, and burst of tangy cranberry will have you hooked from the very first bite.
Print
Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Total Time: 43 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This recipe recreates the beloved Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars, featuring a buttery, tender blondie base packed with tart dried cranberries and sweet white chocolate chunks. Topped with a creamy, tangy orange-infused cream cheese frosting, extra white chocolate drizzle, and chopped cranberries, these bars deliver a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and citrusy flavors in every bite. Ideal for festive occasions or a decadent treat any time of year.
Ingredients
Blondie Base
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (7.5 oz)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp table salt
- 12 tbsp unsalted butter (6 oz), softened
- 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar (10.5 oz)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp grated orange zest
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries (3.5 oz, loosely packed)
- 1 1/3 cups white chocolate, chopped or chips (8 oz)
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted (6 oz)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp orange juice
- 1 tsp orange zest, finely grated
Topping
- 2/3 cup white chocolate, melted (4 oz)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped (2.3 oz, loosely packed)
- 1 2/3 cups white chocolate, melted (10 oz) – for additional drizzle
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and table salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with the packed light brown sugar until the mixture is light, creamy, and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Gradually beat in the lightly beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and grated orange zest until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in Cranberries and White Chocolate: Gently fold in the dried cranberries and chopped white chocolate to evenly distribute.
- Bake the Blondie Base: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Avoid overbaking to keep the bars moist.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: While the blondies bake, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, beating until fluffy. Mix in vanilla extract, orange juice, and finely grated orange zest for a fresh citrus flavor.
- Cool and Frost: Allow the blondie base to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
- Decorate the Bars: Drizzle 2/3 cup of melted white chocolate over the frosted bars and sprinkle with roughly chopped dried cranberries for an added texture and tartness.
- Additional Drizzle (Optional): For a more extravagant look, drizzle the additional 1 2/3 cups melted white chocolate over the top before slicing.
- Slice and Serve: Chill the bars for at least 1 hour to set the frosting and chocolate. Cut into 12 squares and serve.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for easier mixing and smoother texture.
- Do not overbake the blondie base to keep it moist and chewy.
- Chill bars before slicing to get clean, neat cuts.
- You can substitute dried cranberries with fresh cranberries if preferred, but adjust sweetness accordingly.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
