Description
Enjoy a delightful copycat version of Starbucks’ Cranberry Bliss Bars, featuring a moist buttery base studded with dried cranberries and white chocolate chips, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, dried cranberries, and a white chocolate drizzle. Perfect for festive occasions or a sweet treat anytime.
Ingredients
Scale
Bar Base
- 1 cup (222g) salted butter
- 1 1/2 cup (369g) brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 2 cups (304g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp corn starch
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp ginger
- 1 cup (200g) white chocolate chips
- 1 cup (130g) dried cranberries (craisins)
Frosting + Toppings
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3 oz salted butter, softened
- 4 cups (428g) powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup (60mL) heavy cream, room temperature
- 2 tsp clear vanilla
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1 cup (130g) dried cranberries (craisins)
- 1/2 cup (100g) white chocolate
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl or using a stand mixer, cream together the salted butter and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step creates a smooth base for your batter.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This helps to emulsify the batter and create structure.
- Mix in Flavorings: Stir in the vanilla extract and orange zest until the mixture is well combined, imparting a lovely aromatic flavor to the bars.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, corn starch, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and ginger. Then, gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Add White Chocolate and Cranberries: Fold in the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries gently, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Spread Batter and Bake: Spread or press the thick batter evenly into your prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Bars: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan placed on a wire rack. Cooling is essential before frosting to prevent melting.
- Prepare Frosting: Using a stand or hand mixer, beat together the softened cream cheese and salted butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar 1 cup at a time, mixing slowly after each addition until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Flavor and Adjust Consistency: Mix in the clear vanilla extract, then add the heavy cream a small amount at a time until the frosting reaches your desired creamy consistency.
- Frost the Bars: Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top with a spatula.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle additional dried cranberries and orange zest over the frosting for a festive look and extra flavor.
- Drizzle White Chocolate: Melt the white chocolate in the microwave in 30-second intervals until smooth. Transfer to a zip-top bag, snip a small corner, and drizzle the white chocolate over the frosted bars.
- Chill and Serve: Place the pan in the refrigerator to allow the frosting to set firmly. Once chilled, cut into squares and then into triangles. Serve and enjoy your homemade Cranberry Bliss Bars!
Notes
- Ensure bars are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- You can substitute salted butter with unsalted butter and add a pinch of extra salt if preferred.
- Use high-quality dried cranberries for the best flavor.
- The orange zest adds a subtle citrus note; feel free to adjust the quantity to taste.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated; consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 323
- Sugar: 39g
- Sodium: 222mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0.4g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 44mg
