why make this recipe
Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars are a popular seasonal treat that many love for their delightful flavor combination. This copycat version gives you the chance to create these tasty bars right at home. They are perfect for holiday gatherings, snack time, or simply as a sweet indulgence. You can enjoy the mouthwatering blend of cranberries and white chocolate anytime you want!
how to make Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
- 3/4 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 (critical!)
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¾ cup dried cranberries (roughly chopped)
- ¾ cup white chocolate chips (or chopped white chocolate)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3 oz white chocolate (melted and slightly cooled)
- ¼ cup dried cranberries (roughly chopped)
- 1 oz white chocolate (melted for drizzle)
- Extra orange zest (optional)
Directions
Make the Bars:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix the melted butter and brown sugar until well combined.
- Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest to the butter mixture. Stir until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.
- Spread the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
Make the Frosting:
- In a bowl, beat the cream cheese and softened butter until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, orange zest, and salt. Mix until creamy.
- Gently fold in the melted white chocolate and the chopped cranberries.
Finish:
- Once the bars are cool, spread the frosting over the top.
- Drizzle the melted white chocolate on top of the frosting.
- Optionally, sprinkle some extra orange zest for added flavor and decoration.
how to serve Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars
Cut the bars into squares and serve them on a nice platter. These bars are great for parties, holiday gatherings, or just an afternoon treat with a cup of tea or coffee.
how to store Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars
To keep these bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Make sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor!
tips to make Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars
- Ensure that your butter is cooled down slightly before mixing; this helps in creating the right texture.
- Use fresh orange zest for the best citrus flavor.
- Don’t skip the cornstarch; it helps make the bars soft and chewy.
- You can adjust the amount of cranberries or white chocolate based on your preference.
variation
Feel free to experiment by adding nuts, such as chopped pecans or walnuts, for extra crunch. You can also replace cranberries with other dried fruits, like cherries or apricots, to create different flavor profiles.
FAQs
1. Can I freeze these bars? Yes, you can freeze them. Wrap the bars tightly and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
2. Can I use other types of chocolate? Absolutely! You can replace white chocolate with dark chocolate or milk chocolate, depending on what you enjoy.
3. Is it possible to make these bars dairy-free? Yes! Use dairy-free butter and cream cheese substitutes to make a dairy-free version of the bars.