Copycat Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Copycat Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars bring the festive flavors of the popular coffeehouse treat right to your kitchen. With a buttery base studded with white chocolate and dried cranberries, topped with a creamy orange-infused frosting, they are perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you want a sweet, tangy treat.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 ½ cups packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon orange oil or 1 teaspoon orange extract
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• ½ cup dried cranberries

Frosting Ingredients:

• 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ⅛ teaspoon orange oil or ½ teaspoon orange extract
• 1 cup white chocolate chips, melted and divided
• ½ cup dried cranberries

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, spray with nonstick baking spray, and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
3. Step 3: Add the vanilla extract, orange oil, and eggs to the butter mixture and whisk until fully combined.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, stir together the salt, flour, and baking powder. Add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until combined.
5. Step 5: Fold in the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries gently.
6. Step 6: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 25-27 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Step 7: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
8. Step 8: To make the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and orange oil together until fluffy and smooth.
9. Step 9: Melt the white chocolate chips by heating in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stirring until smooth. Add half of the melted white chocolate to the cream cheese mixture and beat until combined.
10. Step 10: Lift the cooled bars out of the pan using the parchment paper. Spread the frosting evenly over the bars and sprinkle dried cranberries on top.
11. Step 11: Cut the bars into triangles and drizzle with the remaining melted white chocolate.

Tips & Variations

• For a stronger citrus flavor, use fresh orange zest along with or instead of orange oil or extract.
• Substitute dried cherries for cranberries to add a different tartness.
• Chill the bars briefly after frosting for cleaner slices when cutting.
• Use high-quality white chocolate for the best flavor and smooth melt.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture. You can also freeze the unfrosted bars for up to 2 months; thaw fully before frosting.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, but be sure it includes xanthan gum for structure. Baking time may vary slightly.

What if I don’t have orange oil or extract?

If you don’t have orange oil or extract, you can omit it or use some fresh orange zest to add a natural citrus flavor instead.

Copycat Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe

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Enjoy a delightful, bakery-style treat with these Copycat Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars. These bars combine a buttery, brown sugar-infused base dotted with white chocolate chips and tart dried cranberries, topped with a creamy orange-infused white chocolate cream cheese frosting. Perfect for a festive dessert or a sweet snack any time of year.

• Author: mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 27 minutes
• Total Time: 42 minutes
• Yield: 12–16 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bar Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 ½ cups packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon orange oil or 1 teaspoon orange extract
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• ½ cup dried cranberries

Frosting Ingredients

• 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ⅛ teaspoon orange oil or ½ teaspoon orange extract
• 1 cup white chocolate chips, melted and divided
• ½ cup dried cranberries

Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring the paper overhangs the sides for easy lifting later. Lightly spray with nonstick baking spray and set aside.
2. Mix wet ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and packed light brown sugar. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
3. Add flavorings and eggs: Stir in the vanilla extract, orange oil (or orange extract), and room temperature eggs. Whisk until all ingredients are fully incorporated and smooth.
4. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, stir together the salt, all-purpose flour, and baking powder. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet butter and sugar mixture, stirring until just combined.
5. Fold in mix-ins: Gently fold the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries into the batter, evenly distributing them throughout.
6. Bake the bars: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 25-27 minutes until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool completely: Remove the baked bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan to ensure the frosting applies smoothly.
8. Prepare frosting: In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and orange oil or extract until the mixture is light, fluffy, and smooth.
9. Melt white chocolate and combine: Melt the white chocolate chips in the microwave by heating in 30-second increments, stirring until smooth. Add half of this melted white chocolate to the cream cheese frosting and beat until fully combined.
10. Frost the bars: Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the cooled bars from the baking pan and place on a flat surface. Spread the cream cheese and white chocolate frosting evenly over the bars.
11. Decorate and drizzle: Sprinkle the remaining dried cranberries on top of the frosting. Drizzle the remaining melted white chocolate over the bars in a decorative pattern.
12. Slice and serve: Cut the frosted bars into triangles or desired shapes and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Notes

• Ensure eggs are at room temperature to help the batter blend smoothly.
• Orange oil is very concentrated; use sparingly to avoid overpowering the flavor.
• Allow bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
• For easier cleanup, use parchment paper with an overhang to lift bars from the pan.
• Adjust dried cranberry quantity to taste or substitute with other dried berries if preferred.

Keywords: cranberry bliss bars, copycat Starbucks recipe, white chocolate cranberry bars, cream cheese frosting, holiday dessert, baked bars