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Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars (Better Copycat) Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 102 reviews

These Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars are a delicious copycat of the popular holiday treat. Featuring a tender and flavorful white chocolate and cranberry bar with a subtle hint of orange and warming spices, topped with a creamy white chocolate cream cheese frosting, chopped dried cranberries, and a drizzle of white chocolate. Perfect for festive gatherings or cozy winter snacking.

Ingredients

Scale

Bars

  • ½ cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
  • ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp orange zest
  • 1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp ground ginger
  • ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¾ cup dried cranberries (roughly chopped)
  • ¾ cup white chocolate chips (or chopped white chocolate)

Frosting

  • 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp orange zest
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 3 oz white chocolate (melted and slightly cooled)

Topping

  • ¼ cup dried cranberries (roughly chopped)
  • 1 oz white chocolate (melted for drizzle)
  • Extra orange zest (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing the paper to overhang on two sides for easy removal of the bars later.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and light brown sugar until smooth, about 1 minute. Then add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, and ground cinnamon to ensure even distribution of the spices and leavening agents.
  4. Fold Dry into Wet: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can result in tougher bars. Fold in the chopped dried cranberries and white chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  5. Spread Batter in Pan: Spread the thick batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use the back of a spatula to smooth out the surface since the batter will be quite thick.
  6. Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 22 to 26 minutes. Look for edges that are set and lightly golden. Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. The center might slightly look underdone, but this is expected—it will finish setting as it cools. For precision, the center should reach 200-202°F before removing from the oven.
  7. Cool Bars: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least one hour before frosting.
  8. Make the Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
  9. Add Flavor and Sweetness: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Mix in vanilla extract, orange zest, and the melted white chocolate until the frosting is creamy and well incorporated.
  10. Frost the Bars: Spread the prepared frosting evenly over the fully cooled bars in the pan.
  11. Add Toppings: Sprinkle the chopped dried cranberries evenly over the frosting. Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the top in a crosshatch or zigzag pattern. Optionally, add a light sprinkle of fresh orange zest for an extra citrusy aroma.
  12. Set the Frosting: Refrigerate the frosted bars for at least 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set firmly.
  13. Cut and Serve: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into 16 squares or triangles, replicating Starbucks’ classic shape. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • For best flavor, use fresh orange zest and high-quality white chocolate.
  • Ensure eggs are at room temperature to help achieve a smooth batter and proper rise.
  • Don’t overmix the batter to keep the bars tender and moist.
  • Check the bars starting at 22 minutes to prevent overbaking.
  • Bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Allow bars to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Keywords: Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars, cranberry bars, white chocolate bars, holiday dessert, copycat recipe, cream cheese frosting, cranberry white chocolate bars

Find it online: https://spiceupwithsophie.com/starbucks-cranberry-bliss-bars-better-copycat-recipe/