why make this recipe
These cranberry bliss bars taste like a holiday treat from a café. They mix tart cranberries with sweet white chocolate and a soft orange cream cheese frosting. Make them when you want an easy, special dessert to share.
introduction
This recipe gives clear steps and simple ingredients. It works for a party, gift, or a cozy snack. If you enjoy easy desserts, try this easy Oreo cake cheesecake recipe for another simple treat idea.
how to make The Best Cranberry Bliss Bars | Starbucks Copycat Recipe
Follow the steps below to make the bars, frost them, and add the topping. Read the whole recipe first, then gather ingredients and tools.
Ingredients :
Bars:
- 1 cup butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1-2 teaspoons orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup Craisins
Frosting and Topping:
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup Craisins
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 13×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Mix melted butter and brown sugar over medium speed with an electric mixer. Add in eggs, orange zest, and vanilla extract and beat until mixed well.
- Add in ground ginger, baking powder, salt, and flour, mixing until just blended.
- Mix in white chocolate chips and Craisins.
- Spread evenly into the bottom of prepared pan. Bake in preheated oven for 18-22 minutes until set and golden brown at the edges. Avoid over-baking – it will make the bars hard! Remove from oven and place pan on a wire rack to cool. Allow bars to cool entirely before topping with frosting.
- To make the frosting, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add orange zest and vanilla extract and mix well.
- Top cooled bars with frosting. Sprinkle with Craisins and drizzle white chocolate over the top with a fork.
- For best results, place bars in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour to help them set before cutting. Slice into triangles and enjoy!
- Note: Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
how to serve The Best Cranberry Bliss Bars | Starbucks Copycat Recipe
Cut bars into triangles or squares. Serve cold or at room temperature. They pair well with coffee or tea. You can also serve them with a savory main, like one from our best chicken casserole recipes, for a full meal and dessert.
how to store The Best Cranberry Bliss Bars | Starbucks Copycat Recipe
Keep bars in an airtight container in the fridge. They last about 5-7 days chilled. For longer storage, freeze them without the frosting for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before frosting and serving.
tips to make The Best Cranberry Bliss Bars | Starbucks Copycat Recipe
- Do not overbake the bars; remove when edges are golden and center is set.
- Let bars cool fully before frosting to avoid melting the cream cheese.
- Soften cream cheese to room temp so frosting is smooth.
- Use fresh orange zest for a bright flavor.
- Chop white chocolate chips slightly if you want smaller pockets of chocolate.
variation (if any)
- Swap Craisins for dried cherries for a different tart note.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon for warm spice.
- Use lemon zest instead of orange for a sharper citrus taste.
FAQs
Q: Can I make the bars gluten-free?
A: Yes. Replace all purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and check texture. You may need to adjust bake time slightly.
Q: Can I skip the orange zest?
A: You can, but orange zest adds a fresh, bright flavor that balances the cranberries and white chocolate.
Q: Can I make the bars ahead of time?
A: Yes. Bake and cool the bars, store plain in the fridge, and frost them the day you plan to serve. You can also freeze un-frosted bars.
Q: How do I cut clean slices?
A: Chill the bars first. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.
Q: Are these bars very sweet?
A: They are sweet but balanced by tart Craisins and orange zest. Reduce powdered sugar slightly if you want less sweetness.
Conclusion
For another trusted version of this treat, see Cranberry Bliss Bars {Starbucks Copycat Recipe} – Belle of the Kitchen. For a second perspective and tips, check Cranberry Bliss Bars (Starbucks Copycat Recipe!).
Cranberry Bliss Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 13x9 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Mix melted butter and brown sugar over medium speed with an electric mixer. Add in eggs, orange zest, and vanilla extract and beat until mixed well.
- Add in ground ginger, baking powder, salt, and flour, mixing until just blended.
- Mix in white chocolate chips and Craisins.
- Spread evenly into the bottom of prepared pan. Bake in preheated oven for 18-22 minutes until set and golden brown at the edges.
- Remove from oven and place pan on a wire rack to cool. Allow bars to cool entirely before topping with frosting.
- To make the frosting, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add orange zest and vanilla extract and mix well.
- Top cooled bars with frosting. Sprinkle with Craisins and drizzle white chocolate over the top with a fork.
- For best results, place bars in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour to help them set before cutting. Slice into triangles and enjoy!