Description
This Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars recipe recreates the beloved coffeehouse treat with a soft vanilla blondie base studded with tart dried cranberries and white chocolate chips, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, additional dried cranberries, and a white chocolate drizzle. Perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime cravings strike, these bars deliver festive flavors and impressive presentation without the coffee shop price.
Ingredients
Scale
Blondie Layer
- 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)
- 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)
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
- 2/3 cup white chocolate, melted (4 oz)
Topping
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped (2.3 oz, loosely packed)
- 1 2/3 cups white chocolate, melted (10 oz)
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Pan and Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the rack in the middle. Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray, then line the bottom with parchment paper leaving overhang on both sides. Spray the parchment again to prevent sticking.
- Brown the Butter: Melt the unsalted butter in a light-colored saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously as the butter foams and the milk solids turn a golden brown. Once browned, remove from heat and pour into a bowl, scraping in the browned bits. Let the butter cool completely to deepen flavor.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until combined.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooled browned butter and light brown sugar, whisking until well blended. Add the beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Stir until the mixture is smooth.
- Combine Batter and Bake: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula, being careful not to overmix. Fold in the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until edges are golden and the top is set but slightly underdone in the center. Cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- Prepare and Spread the Frosting: Beat together the softened cream cheese, sifted confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, orange juice, and finely grated orange zest until fluffy and smooth. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Chill for about 10 minutes to make decorating easier.
- Add Toppings and Finish: Sprinkle chopped dried cranberries evenly over the frosting. Drizzle the remaining melted white chocolate decoratively over the top, using a zip-top bag with the corner snipped for control. Refrigerate until the frosting and drizzle are firm, about 20-30 minutes.
- Slice and Serve: Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Cut into triangles or desired shapes. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Do not overbake the bars to maintain a fudgy texture; the center should look slightly underdone when pulled from the oven.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent frosting from melting and sliding.
- Use low heat or short microwave bursts when melting white chocolate to prevent seizing.
- Ensure cream cheese is fully softened to keep frosting smooth and creamy.
- For clean cuts, chill the frosted bars at least 1 hour before slicing. Wipe the knife clean between cuts.
- Substitute dried cherries, strawberries, or mini chocolate chips for cranberries if desired, using the same amount.
- Salted butter can be used instead of unsalted; reduce added salt to 1/4 teaspoon.
- Bars can be made ahead and taste better the next day after flavors meld.
- Freeze bars up to 3 months, wrapped individually, for holiday prep.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Starbucks Copycat, Cranberry Bliss Bars, white chocolate blondies, holiday dessert, cream cheese frosting, dried cranberries
