Description

This Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars copycat recipe recreates the beloved holiday treat with a rich buttery base studded with dried cranberries and white chocolate chips. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting infused with orange zest and melted white chocolate, these bars are beautifully finished with a drizzle of white chocolate and extra cranberries for a festive touch. Perfectly soft, slightly tangy, and sweet, they make a wonderful homemade gift or dessert for the holiday season.

Ingredients

Scale

Bar Base

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 & ¾ 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
¼ tsp salt
3 oz white chocolate (melted and slightly cooled)

Decoration

¼ cup dried cranberries (roughly chopped)
1 oz white chocolate (melted for drizzle)
Extra orange zest (optional)

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal of the bars after baking.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth and well combined, about one minute. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest, mixing until fully incorporated.
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.
Fold Ingredients Together: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a rubber spatula, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the batter. Fold in the chopped dried cranberries and white chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter.
Transfer and Bake: Spread the thick batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the surface with the back of a spatula. Bake for 22 to 26 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. The center might look slightly underdone but will set as it cools. For accuracy, the center should reach 200-202°F before removing from oven.
Cool Bars: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, which will take at least one hour before frosting.
Prepare Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. 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.
Frost Bars: Spread the frosting evenly over the completely cooled bars to ensure a smooth top layer.
Decorate and Chill: Sprinkle the chopped dried cranberries over the frosting. Drizzle melted white chocolate in a crosshatch or zigzag pattern across the top. Add extra fresh orange zest if desired for vibrant aroma and appearance. Refrigerate the bars for at least 30 minutes to set the frosting firmly before slicing.
Serve: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan easily. Cut into 16 equal squares or triangles for a Starbucks-style presentation and serve.

Notes

Ensure eggs are at room temperature to achieve a smooth batter.
Do not overmix the batter when combining dry and wet ingredients to keep the bars tender.
Use high-quality white chocolate for best melting and flavor results.
Let bars cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
Adjust orange zest amount according to preference for citrus brightness.
Store leftover bars refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Bring bars to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars, Cranberry Bliss Bars copycat, holiday dessert bars, white chocolate cranberry bars, cream cheese frosting bars