Ultimate Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe
There’s something magical about the holiday season—especially when it comes to the sweet treats that come out of our kitchens! I still remember my first bite of the cranberry bliss bar from Starbucks. It was like a little bite of paradise! Soft, sweet, and studded with bursts of tart cranberries and creamy white chocolate, it instantly became one of my seasonal favorites. Every winter, I’d treat myself to one, all while admiring the festive decorations.
But this year, I decided it was time to bring that holiday joy right into my own kitchen with these Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars. And trust me, making them is just as delightful as eating them! You can savor all those flavors of the season while enjoying the warmth of home-baked goodness. So grab your apron and let’s create something magical together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy and fun to make, perfect for cozy gatherings.
- Perfect for gift-giving or potlucks—everyone will love them!
- The soft, chewy texture combined with tangy cranberries and smooth white chocolate is irresistible.
- Simple ingredients that you may already have in your pantry.
- Recipe is customizable; you can play with flavors and decorations!
Ingredients
Before we dive into the fun, let’s gather our ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups dried cranberries, roughly chopped
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- Zest from 1 orange (adds a burst of freshness!)
- For the cream cheese frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Make sure to use fresh orange zest—it adds a delightful brightness to these bars!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that we have everything, let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps:
- Preheat your oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This sets the stage for baking perfection.
- Prepare your pan: Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides. This makes it a breeze to lift the bars out after baking!
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes—don’t rush it!
- Add the eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. You don’t want to overmix—keep those bars nice and tender!
- Fold in the goodies: Gently fold in the dried cranberries, white chocolate chips, and orange zest. Just imagine that vibrant color and the scent—it’s holiday magic!
- Spread the batter: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool down: Let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then lift them out using the parchment paper and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the frosting: While the bars cool, whip up your cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until it’s all fluffy and delicious!
- Frost the bars: Once the cranberry bars are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top. You can sprinkle a few extra cranberries or even a touch of orange zest on top for decoration if you’re feeling fancy!
- Slice and serve: Cut into squares, serve, and watch your friends and family melt with delight!
Just a friendly note—make sure your bars have cooled completely before frosting. Otherwise, the frosting might melt into a gooey mess (which, while delicious, is not quite as pretty!).
Pro Tips & Variations
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few fun twists you can try:
- Nutty Crunch: Add a cup of toasted pecans or walnuts for some added crunch.
- Spice it up: Incorporate a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter for a warm, cozy flavor.
- Frosting twist: Swap out the cream cheese frosting for a simple lemon glaze by mixing powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice—so refreshing!
- Gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture!
Whatever twist you choose, have fun with it—this recipe is all about personal touches and making it your own!
Serving Suggestions
These Cranberry Bliss Bars are a treat on their own or paired with a cozy beverage. I love serving them with a hot cup of spiced chai or a creamy latte. They make for a lovely addition to a dessert table or a perfect mid-afternoon snack while curled up with a good book. Imagine the smell of freshly baked bars wafting through your home—absolute bliss!
Storage Tips
These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for about 3-4 days. If you want to enjoy them longer (or maybe just hide a few for yourself!), they freeze wonderfully! Just wrap them in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready for a treat, simply let them thaw in the fridge or at room temperature—no need to lose any flavor here!
FAQs
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried cranberries?
While fresh cranberries would be delicious, they’re much more tart and won’t provide the same chewy texture. If you really want to use fresh, consider cooking them down with some sugar to sweeten them up first!
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars keep well, so you can make them a day or two in advance. Just store them properly, and they’ll be just as delightful when it’s time to serve!
Can I substitute the cream cheese frosting?
You can definitely play around with the frosting! A simple buttercream, lemon glaze, or even a chocolate ganache could be fun alternatives depending on your mood!
What if I want to add more chocolate?
Go for it! You can mix in some dark chocolate chips or even drizzle melted chocolate on top for an extra indulgent touch. The more chocolate, the merrier!
Conclusion
I hope you’ll give these Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars a try—trust me, they will bring a cozy, festive feeling right into your home! Feel free to share your results or any twists you try in the comments! Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with the sweet aroma of love and joy this holiday season!
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Ultimate Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
Description
Make your own Starbucks copycat cranberry bliss bars at home with this easy recipe Perfect treat for any occasion bursting with flavor
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
Bring the festive flavors of the holiday season into your kitchen with these Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars, perfect for cozy gatherings and gift-giving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16 servings
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
Keywords: Cranberry Bliss Bars, Holiday Recipe, Starbucks Copycat, Dessert Recipe