Below is a simple guide to make Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars. Read each section to learn what you need and how to get the best result.
introduction
This easy recipe shows you how to make rich, chewy cranberry bliss bars at home. The bars are sweet, a bit tart from cranberries, and topped with a smooth cream cheese drizzle. If you like soft bars and bright cranberry flavor, you will enjoy this copycat version.
If you want another fruit and oat dessert idea with cranberry, you can try a similar flavor in an apple cranberry crumble pie recipe that pairs well with these bars.
Why You’ll Love This Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars
You will love these bars because they mix sweet white chocolate with tangy cranberries. The texture is soft but firm enough to cut. They are quick to make if you use the linked blondie base. The topping is simple cream cheese icing with a white chocolate drizzle. These bars taste like the coffee shop treat but cost less and come fresh from your oven.
Why Make This Recipe
Make this recipe when you want a treat for guests, a potluck, or a holiday dessert. It is a good choose if you like baking simple bar recipes instead of fancy layer cakes. The base is a blondie, which most people enjoy. You can make the bars ahead and store them, so they are handy for busy days or parties.
What You Need for Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars
You need a few simple tools:
- A 9 x 13 metal baking pan
- Parchment paper (for easy remove)
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or a strong spoon
- Large chef’s knife for cutting
- Cooling rack
These tools keep the process clean and make cutting easier. The metal pan heats evenly and helps the blondies bake well.
How to Make Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars
Ingredients:
1 batch White Chocolate Cranberry Blondies by Taste of Home, Parchment paper, Large chef’s knife
Directions:
Begin by lining your 9 x 13 metal pan with parchment paper. This will allow the blondies to be removed from the pan with ease.
Follow the recipe linked above exactly.
Recipe Tips:
To achieve clean slices of blondies:
- Chill the baked and iced bars in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before cutting.
- Use a large chef’s knife and wipe it clean between cuts.
- Run the knife under hot water, dry it, and cut for smooth edges.
Step-by-step in plain words:
- Prepare the pan by lining it with parchment paper. Leave some extra paper hanging over the sides to lift the bars out.
- Make the white chocolate cranberry blondie batter exactly as the Taste of Home recipe says.
- Fold in dried cranberries and white chocolate chips if the linked recipe calls for them.
- Bake the blondies in the preheated oven until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let cool completely in the pan.
- Make a simple cream cheese icing and spread it over the cooled blondie layer.
- Melt a little white chocolate and drizzle it over the top for the classic look.
- Chill until the icing sets, then lift the whole block out using the parchment paper and cut into bars.
Follow the linked blondie recipe carefully for the best texture. Small changes in baking time or temperature can change the final result. The directions above add the final steps to make the bars match the Starbucks style.
Best Ways to Serve Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars
Serve these bars slightly chilled or at room temperature. They go well with coffee, tea, or milk. Cut them into even squares for a neat look. For a party, place them on a platter and sprinkle a few extra dried cranberries on top for color.
If you like other bar types, you might enjoy exploring more ideas in the bars and bites section for simple treats to serve together.
How to Store Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars
Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can keep them at room temperature for a day if your room is cool. For longer storage, freeze the bars in a single layer on a sheet pan until firm, then wrap them tightly and place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Easy Tips to Make Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars
- Measure ingredients carefully. Baking is exact and small errors change the texture.
- Use room temperature cream cheese for smooth icing.
- Chill the bars before cutting for clean edges.
- If you do not have white chocolate chips, chop a white chocolate bar to melt for the drizzle.
- Use fresh parchment paper and leave overhang to lift bars out easily.
Try These Variations of Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars
- Add orange zest to the batter for a bright citrus note.
- Swap dried cranberries for dried cherries if you prefer a sweeter fruit.
- Stir in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch.
- Use dark chocolate drizzle instead of white chocolate for contrast.
- Make mini bars by baking in a square pan and cutting small pieces for bite-sized treats.
Common Questions About Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars
Q: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
A: Fresh cranberries are more tart and hold water. If you use fresh, chop them and toss in a little flour to keep them from sinking. The bars will be moister and may need a bit more baking time.
Q: How do I stop the icing from sliding off?
A: Let the blondie base cool fully and chill it before spreading the icing. Use a thicker icing and press it gently on top. Chill again after icing to set it.
Q: Can I make the bars ahead?
A: Yes. You can bake the blondies a day ahead and keep them in the fridge. Add the icing the day you serve, or bake and ice them and store in the fridge up to 5 days.
Q: What if my bars are too moist in the center?
A: Bake a little longer, but keep an eye on them. An extra 5 minutes can help. Use a toothpick to check; it should show a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Q: Can I freeze the bars with icing?
A: Yes, freeze them on a tray until firm, then wrap well. Thaw in the fridge to keep the icing firm.
Final Thoughts
These cranberry bliss bars bring a balance of sweet white chocolate and tart cranberries. They are a good choice for holidays and simple gatherings. With a solid blondie base and a smooth cream cheese topping, you can make a dessert that tastes like the coffee shop version without the cost. Follow the simple tips to get neat slices and a tidy presentation.
Conclusion
If you want the base recipe and a detailed guidance similar to this copycat, you can check the full original variation at Cranberry Bliss Bars {Starbucks Copycat Recipe} – Belle of the Kitchen. Ready to give these bars a try? Enjoy baking and sharing them with friends and family.
Ready to Give It a Try?
Now you have the steps, tools, and tips to make Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars at home. Gather your ingredients, follow the linked blondie recipe exactly, and use the simple tips here to get neat, tasty bars. Happy baking!
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Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy rich and chewy cranberry bliss bars similar to Starbucks’ treat, topped with cream cheese icing and a white chocolate drizzle.
Ingredients
- 1 batch White Chocolate Cranberry Blondies
- Parchment paper
- Dried cranberries
- White chocolate chips
- Cream cheese (at room temperature)
- White chocolate for drizzling
Instructions
- Line a 9 x 13 metal baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- Prepare the white chocolate cranberry blondie batter as per the linked recipe.
- Fold in dried cranberries and white chocolate chips as instructed.
- Bake the blondies until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow them to cool completely.
- Spread cream cheese icing over the cooled blondie layer.
- Melt white chocolate and drizzle it over the top.
- Chill until the icing sets, then lift out using the parchment paper and cut into bars.
Notes
For clean cuts, chill the bars before slicing and use a hot knife wiped clean between cuts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg