Copycat Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Copycat Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe

These bars taste like the famous Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars. They are sweet, tangy, and soft with a rich white chocolate frosting. You get chewy blondie bars, dried cranberries, and bright orange flavor all in one bite. The cream cheese frosting makes them feel special and moist. If you like sweet treats with fruit and white chocolate, you will enjoy this recipe.

This recipe is easy to follow and uses simple ingredients you can find in most stores. You can make it for holidays, a quick party dessert, or a treat with coffee. For another fruit and dessert idea, try this apple cranberry crumble pie recipe that goes well with these bars.

introduction

This copycat recipe recreates the Starbucks favorite at home. You bake a buttery blondie base with dried cranberries and white chocolate chips. Then you spread a smooth white chocolate cream cheese frosting and add more cranberries on top. The bars are bright from orange peel and have a gentle spice from cinnamon and ginger.

You can make them in one pan and cut them into squares. They keep well and travel easily. These bars are a good pick if you want to bake something that looks fancy but is simple to make. Read on to see why these bars work, what you need, and how to make them step by step.

Why Make This Recipe

Make this recipe when you want a special dessert without a lot of fuss. It is faster than many layered cakes and uses one pan for the blondies. The cream cheese frosting spreads on thick and creamy, so the bars look and taste rich.

You also control the sweetness and add-ins. Use less sugar if you want or swap dried fruit. Making these at home saves money over buying a pack at a café and you can make them fresh the same day. The bars are great for gift boxes, potlucks, or afternoon snacks.

What You Need for Copycat Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe

You need basic baking tools and a few simple ingredients. Tools: an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking pan, mixing bowls, whisk, spatula, measuring cups, and an electric mixer or a strong spoon for frosting. Also have parchment paper or nonstick spray to line the pan.

The ingredient list below gives exact amounts. Check your pantry for white chocolate chips and dried cranberries. If you like strong orange flavor, use fresh orange peel to get a bright taste. Softened cream cheese is key for a smooth frosting.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar (packed)
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract ((scant 1 teaspoon))
• 1 teaspoon orange extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon ground ginger ((scant 1 teaspoon))
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 6 ounces white chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 8 ounces cream cheese (block, not spread) (softened (or Neufchatel cheese))
• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar)
• 1 tablespoon grated orange peel
• 6 ounces white chocolate chips (or chopped white chocolate bars, melted)
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries (halved)

How to Make Copycat Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe

Follow these steps in order. Work gently with the batter and make sure the cream cheese is soft. Chill the bars a bit if the frosting gets too soft while you add melted white chocolate on top.

Directions

Blondie Bar Layer

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch pan with parchment or spray it well.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the melted butter and light brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs, vanilla extract, and orange extract, and mix until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, sift or whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.
4. Stir the dry mix into the wet mix until just combined. Do not overmix. Fold in 6 ounces white chocolate chips and 1/2 cup dried cranberries.
5. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
6. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Do not overbake; the bars should stay soft.
7. Let the blondie layer cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.

White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting Layer

1. In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the confectioners’ sugar a little at a time and beat until creamy. Mix in 1 tablespoon grated orange peel.
2. In a small microwave-safe bowl or double boiler, melt 6 ounces white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate bars until smooth. Let the chocolate cool slightly but not harden.
3. Fold the melted white chocolate into the cream cheese mixture until it makes a thick, spreadable frosting. If the frosting is too soft, chill it briefly to firm it up.
4. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled blondie layer. Sprinkle the top with 1/2 cup dried cranberries that are halved for even coverage. Press lightly so they stick.
5. Chill the pan in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to set the frosting. Cut into squares with a sharp knife. Store chilled or at cool room temperature for a short time.

Best Ways to Serve Copycat Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe

Serve these bars slightly chilled or at room temperature. They pair very well with coffee, tea, or milk. For a party, place them on a pretty tray and add a few fresh cranberries and orange slices for color. You can warm a square briefly and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a warm-cold treat.

If you pack them for a picnic, keep them in a sealed container and place an ice pack under the tray to keep the frosting firm. For gift boxes, wrap squares in parchment and tie with a ribbon. These bars travel well and stay moist for a few days when stored right.

For a warm bread-like pairing on a cold morning, try serving with flavors that match the bars, such as an apple cinnamon loaf like this apple cinnamon bread recipe which shares warm spice notes.

How to Store Copycat Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe

Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge. They last up to 5 days when refrigerated. If you want to freeze them, wrap each bar in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag or box. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Keep the bars chilled if your kitchen is warm. The frosting contains cream cheese and melted white chocolate, which soften in heat. If you leave them at room temperature for serving, do not keep them out for more than a few hours.

Easy Tips to Make Copycat Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe

• Soften the cream cheese to room temperature for smooth frosting. Cold cream cheese makes lumps.
• Use fresh orange peel for better flavor than bottled orange extract if possible. You can still keep the extract for extra boost.
• Chop dried cranberries smaller if you want more even distribution in each bite. Halve them for topping so they lay flat.
• Do not overbake the blondie layer. The bars stay moist and soft when removed while slightly underdone.
• Melt white chocolate slowly to avoid seizing. Use short 15–20 second bursts in the microwave and stir often.
• Chill the bars after frosting so the frosting sets cleanly when you cut them.

Try These Variations of Copycat Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe

• Nutty twist: Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the blondie mix for crunch.
• Citrus change: Swap orange extract for 1 teaspoon lemon extract and add lemon zest for a tart version.
• Dark chocolate: Replace some or all white chocolate chips with dark chocolate for contrast.
• Reduced sugar: Use less confectioners’ sugar or switch to a light powdered sugar blend to lower sweetness.
• Vegan option: Use dairy-free butter, vegan white chocolate, and a cream cheese alternative to make vegan bars.
• Holiday mix: Add a teaspoon of ground nutmeg or a pinch of cardamom with the cinnamon for warmer spice notes.

Common Questions About Copycat Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe

Q: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
A: Fresh cranberries are too moist and will change the texture. If you use fresh, toss them with a little flour and reduce the amount slightly, but dried cranberries work best for the traditional texture.

Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A: Yes. You can bake the blondie layer a day ahead and keep it covered. Add the frosting and cranberries the next day. The full bars keep well in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Q: How do I stop the frosting from melting?
A: Chill the pan before slicing and keep the finished bars refrigerated until serving. Avoid heat and store in a cool place.

Q: Can I use store-bought frosting instead?
A: You can, but homemade white chocolate cream cheese frosting gives the closest flavor to the original. If you use store-bought, pick a cream cheese style frosting and add orange zest for balance.

Q: What pan size is best?
A: An 8×8 inch pan makes thicker bars; a 9×9 inch pan yields slightly thinner bars. Both work. Adjust baking time if you use a different size.

Final Thoughts

This copycat Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars recipe is a great way to enjoy a cafe-style treat at home. The blondie base, bright orange notes, and creamy white chocolate frosting make a balanced and tasty bar. The recipe is simple enough for bakers of all levels and offers room for small changes to suit your taste.

Ready to Give It a Try?

Make a batch this weekend and share with friends or family. Follow the steps, chill the bars before slicing, and enjoy the mix of sweet and tangy flavors. These bars are a good gift and a nice change from cookies or brownies.

Conclusion

For a tested home version that closely matches the coffee-shop favorite, see this helpful guide on Cranberry Bliss Bars {Starbucks Copycat Recipe} – Belle of the Kitchen. It offers more tips and photos that can guide you through each step.

Copycat Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars

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• Author: nobakedessertsrecipes_admin
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 16 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delicious, sweet, and tangy bars reminiscent of Starbucks’ famous Cranberry Bliss Bars with a rich white chocolate cream cheese frosting.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar (packed)
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon orange extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 6 ounces white chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1 tablespoon grated orange peel
• 6 ounces melted white chocolate (for topping)
• 1/2 cup chopped dried cranberries (for topping)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch pan with parchment or spray it well.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the melted butter and light brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs, vanilla extract, and orange extract, and mix until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, sift or whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.
4. Stir the dry mix into the wet mix until just combined; fold in 6 ounces white chocolate chips and 1/2 cup dried cranberries.
5. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes until edges are set and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
6. Let the blondie layer cool completely in the pan.
7. For the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth, then gradually mix in confectioners’ sugar and grated orange peel.
8. Melt the 6 ounces white chocolate and fold it into the cream cheese mixture.
9. Spread the frosting over the cooled blondie layer and sprinkle with 1/2 cup halved dried cranberries.
10. Chill the pan in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to set the frosting before cutting into squares.

Notes

Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 square
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 35mg