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Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars (Better Copycat) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 118 reviews

These Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars are a delicious copycat treat featuring a soft, spiced cranberry base loaded with white chocolate chips and topped with a creamy orange-vanilla white chocolate frosting. Perfectly balanced with tart dried cranberries and sweet white chocolate, these bars are an indulgent dessert or festive snack ideal for the holidays and any time you crave a bright, flavorful baked good.

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 & 3/4 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
  • 3 oz white chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
  • ¼ tsp salt

For 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 (177°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides to easily lift out the bars after baking.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth, about 1 minute. Then add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until 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 evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
  4. Form the Batter: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a rubber spatula until just combined—do not overmix. Then fold in the chopped dried cranberries and white chocolate chips until evenly dispersed.
  5. Spread Batter: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan using the back of a spatula; the batter will be thick but should be smooth and level.
  6. Bake Bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 22-26 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set but still moist. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. Check at 22 minutes and pull the bars when the center reaches 200-202°F.
  7. Cool Bars: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before frosting.
  8. Prepare Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter together with an electric mixer for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and continue beating until smooth. Mix in vanilla extract, orange zest, salt, and melted white chocolate until the frosting is well combined and creamy.
  9. Frost the Bars: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars using a spatula or knife.
  10. Add Toppings and Drizzle: Sprinkle chopped dried cranberries over the frosting. Drizzle melted white chocolate in a crosshatch or zigzag pattern across the top. Optionally add extra orange zest for a bright finish.
  11. Set and Serve: Refrigerate the frosted bars for at least 30 minutes to set the frosting. Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars from the pan and cut into 16 squares or triangles in the style of Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars.

Notes

  • Use room temperature eggs for better mixing and texture.
  • Melt the butter and white chocolate carefully to avoid burning; allow to cool slightly before mixing with eggs or cream cheese.
  • The center of the bars is meant to be slightly underbaked for a soft, chewy texture.
  • Refrigerate bars with frosting to keep cream cheese frosting firm and fresh.
  • These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Keywords: Cranberry Bliss Bars, Starbucks copycat, white chocolate cranberry bars, holiday dessert, spiced cranberry bars

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