Tasty Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars are an absolute holiday season staple for so many of us, myself included! Every year, as soon as the weather turns crisp and the holiday spirit starts to bloom, I find myself craving that iconic combination of sweet, tart, and utterly blissful flavors. There’s just something magical about those festive bars that signals the start of cozy gatherings and celebratory moments, making them a much-anticipated treat as soon as they appear on the coffee shop menu. While Starbucks masterfully introduced these delightful treats and made them synonymous with holiday cheer, many home bakers have embraced the joyful challenge of recreating that same magic in their own kitchens.
I know firsthand the sheer joy of biting into a perfectly chewy blondie base, generously studded with vibrant dried cranberries and sweet white chocolate chips, all crowned with a tangy cream cheese frosting and that signature artistic drizzle of white chocolate. It’s this exquisite balance of textures and tastes—the chewy, the creamy, the sweet, and the tart—that makes them so incredibly irresistible. Imagine bringing that beloved bakery experience right to your home, without the coffee shop line! That’s exactly what we’re going to achieve today with this incredible recipe for Tasty Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a homemade treat that truly captures the heartwarming spirit of the season.
Ingredients:
Creating these Tasty Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars from scratch is such a rewarding experience! Gathering your ingredients is the first exciting step on our journey to blissful indulgence. Make sure everything is at room temperature where specified, as this truly helps with the texture and consistency of our batter and frosting.
- For the Cranberry Bliss Bars:
- 1 cup (2 sticks or 226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (170g) white chocolate chips or chunks, good quality for better flavor
- ½ cup (75g) dried cranberries, finely chopped
- ½ cup (75g) fresh cranberries, finely chopped (optional, for an extra tart burst)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 medium orange), for a delightful citrus note
- For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces (226g) full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- ½ cup (1 stick or 113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar), sifted to prevent lumps
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt (optional, to balance sweetness)
- For the Garnish:
- ½ cup (85g) white chocolate chips or melting wafers, for drizzling
- ¼ cup (35g) dried cranberries, finely chopped, for sprinkling
Preparing the Bliss Bar Batter
- Preheat and Prep Your Pan: First things first, let’s get our oven ready. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan. I like to line mine with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This creates convenient “handles” that make it incredibly easy to lift the baked bars out of the pan later. Lightly grease the parchment paper as well. This ensures your Tasty Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars won’t stick and come out perfectly.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer (either a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or a handheld mixer), cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed. Beat them until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the batter, which contributes to the bars’ wonderfully soft texture. Don’t rush this; it’s the foundation of a great bar!
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Reduce the mixer speed to medium-low. Add the large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is evenly mixed. Once the eggs are in, stir in the pure vanilla extract. The mixture might look a little curdled at this point, but don’t worry, it’s completely normal and will come together once the dry ingredients are added.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisking them ensures that the leavening agent (baking powder) and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, preventing pockets of unmixed ingredients in your final product.
- Gradually Add Dry to Wet: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. It’s very important not to overmix the batter at this stage. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to tough, dense bars instead of the delightfully tender ones we’re aiming for. Stop mixing as soon as you see no more streaks of dry flour.
- Fold in the Goodies: Remove the bowl from the mixer. Now it’s time to fold in the stars of our show! Gently fold in the white chocolate chips, finely chopped dried cranberries, the optional fresh cranberries, and the vibrant orange zest using a rubber spatula. The orange zest adds a beautiful, subtle brightness that really complements the cranberries and white chocolate, elevating the flavor profile of these Tasty Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars. Ensure these delicious add-ins are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake the Bars: Pour the batter into your prepared 9×13 inch baking pan and spread it evenly with your spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, but not wet batter. Be careful not to overbake, as this can dry out the bars. When done, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before attempting to frost them. Cooling completely is non-negotiable for the best results; otherwise, your frosting will melt.
Crafting the Cream Cheese Frosting
The frosting is arguably one of the best parts of these Tasty Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars. Its tangy sweetness perfectly balances the rich bar base.
- Beat Cream Cheese and Butter: In a clean large mixing bowl, combine the softened full-fat cream cheese and softened unsalted butter. Beat them together on medium speed with your electric mixer until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, with no lumps of cream cheese visible. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Make sure both ingredients are genuinely at room temperature; this prevents lumps and ensures a silky-smooth frosting.
- Gradually Add Powdered Sugar: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, about one cup at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. Sifting the powdered sugar beforehand is a small but mighty step that prevents a lumpy frosting and makes it much easier to achieve that desirable smooth consistency. Continue to beat until all the powdered sugar is incorporated and the frosting is thick and creamy.
- Add Vanilla and Salt: Finally, beat in the pure vanilla extract and the pinch of salt (if using). The salt helps to cut through the sweetness of the frosting, creating a more balanced flavor. Beat for another minute or two on medium-high speed until the frosting is light, fluffy, and holds soft peaks. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is thoroughly mixed. You want this frosting to be perfectly smooth and spreadable.
Assembling and Finishing Your Tasty Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars
This is where everything comes together, and our Tasty Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars truly start to look like the delicious treat we know and love!
- Frost the Cooled Bars: Once the cranberry bliss bars are completely cool (and I mean completely – patience is key!), lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and place them on a cutting board or a clean, flat surface. Evenly spread the cream cheese frosting over the top of the cooled bars using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. Aim for a nice, even layer right to the edges.
- Prepare White Chocolate Drizzle: In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the ½ cup of white chocolate chips or melting wafers. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring well after each, until smooth and pourable. Be very careful not to overheat white chocolate, as it can seize and become unusable. Alternatively, you can melt it in a double boiler over simmering water.
- Drizzle the White Chocolate: Once the white chocolate is melted and smooth, transfer it to a small piping bag (or a Ziploc bag with a tiny corner snipped off) for more control. Drizzle the melted white chocolate decoratively over the frosted bars in thin lines. You can go for a classic diagonal pattern or get creative!
- Garnish with Cranberries: While the white chocolate drizzle is still wet, sprinkle the finely chopped dried cranberries evenly over the top of the bars. This gives them that signature “bliss bar” look and adds another layer of texture and flavor.
- Chill and Slice: This is a critical step for clean cuts! Place the entire tray of frosted and garnished bars into the refrigerator to chill for at least 1-2 hours, or until the frosting is firm. Chilling allows the frosting to set completely, making it much easier to cut neat squares or rectangular bars without smudging the frosting.
- Cut and Serve: Once chilled, remove the bars from the refrigerator. For the cleanest cuts, run a sharp, thin knife under hot water, wipe it dry, and then make your cuts. Repeat this process for each cut. Cut the large slab into individual bars. Traditionally, Starbucks cuts them into small triangles, but squares or rectangles work just as well for these Tasty Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars at home.
- Storage: Store any leftover Cranberry Bliss Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. They are best enjoyed slightly chilled. Enjoy your homemade bliss!
Conclusion:
And there you have it, my friends! We’ve reached the sweet finale of our culinary journey, and I genuinely hope you’re feeling as inspired as I am to whip up a batch of these incredible treats. If there’s one recipe I could implore you to try, it would undoubtedly be this one. These aren’t just any dessert bars; they are a truly delightful symphony of flavors and textures that dance on your palate. From the moment you take that first bite, you’ll understand why these are an absolute game-changer. The tender, subtly spiced blondie base, studded generously with bright, tangy cranberries and creamy white chocolate chips, creates a perfect foundation. Then, that luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting swoops in, adding a cloud-like richness that is utterly irresistible. Finally, the delicate drizzle of white chocolate and a sprinkle of extra dried cranberries on top provide the perfect finishing flourish, both visually and texturally. It’s this exquisite balance of sweet, tart, and creamy that makes these bars so profoundly addictive and utterly satisfying.
I can confidently say that mastering this recipe for Tasty Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars will not only bring immense joy to your kitchen but will also impress anyone lucky enough to receive a bite. There’s something profoundly gratifying about recreating a beloved bakery classic right in your own home, knowing exactly what ingredients went into it, and perhaps even making it just a little bit better! Plus, think of the savings! These bars are typically a seasonal treat that can be quite pricey to purchase individually, but with this recipe, you can enjoy them year-round, fresh from your oven, for a fraction of the cost. The aroma alone as they bake will fill your home with holiday cheer, no matter the season. It’s a truly versatile bake, perfect for a quiet afternoon coffee break, a bustling holiday gathering, or even just as a little pick-me-up on a Tuesday.
Serving Suggestions & Delightful Variations:
While these bars are absolutely divine just as they are, fresh from the fridge (the chill really sets the frosting beautifully!), I love to get creative with how I serve and adapt them. For an ideal serving experience, pair a square of bliss with a steaming mug of your favorite coffee, a fragrant cup of herbal tea, or even a glass of cold milk – the tang of the milk perfectly complements the sweetness of the bars. They make an exceptional dessert for holiday meals, a beautiful addition to a festive cookie platter, or a thoughtful, homemade gift for friends and neighbors. Package a few pieces in a decorative box with a ribbon, and you’ve got a present that speaks volumes of your care and culinary skill!
Feeling adventurous? Let’s talk variations! Instead of dried cranberries, consider using dried tart cherries for a slightly different, deeper fruit note, or even dried blueberries for a summery twist. For an extra layer of complexity in the frosting, a tiny hint of orange zest or a few drops of almond extract can elevate it beautifully. If you’re a nut lover, consider folding a quarter cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the bar batter for an added textural crunch. You could also experiment with different chocolates – perhaps a dark chocolate drizzle instead of white for a bolder contrast, or even a blend of white and milk chocolate chips in the bars themselves. For a truly decadent twist, finely chop some candied ginger and sprinkle it over the top with the cranberries; the subtle spice would be heavenly. And remember, these bars freeze beautifully! You can bake them, frost them, cut them, and then flash freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll be ready to thaw and enjoy whenever a bliss bar craving strikes!
Your Turn to Create Bliss!
So, what are you waiting for? I wholeheartedly encourage you to roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and embark on this wonderful baking adventure. Trust me, the sheer joy of creating these bars, from the stirring of the batter to the final artistic drizzle, is a reward in itself. And the taste? Absolutely unforgettable. Once you’ve made them, I would absolutely love to hear from you! What variations did you try? Who did you share them with? Did they transport you to a state of pure bliss? Don’t hesitate to share your experiences, your photos, and any brilliant adaptations you come up with. Baking is about sharing not just food, but also inspiration and connection. Go forth and create some bliss!
Tasty Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars
Recreate the magic of Starbucks’ iconic Cranberry Bliss Bars at home! These delightful treats feature a chewy blondie base studded with cranberries and white chocolate, topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting and a signature white chocolate drizzle. Perfect for the holiday season!
Ingredients
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1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (7.5 oz)
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1 tsp baking powder
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1/2 tsp table salt
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12 tbsp unsalted butter (6 oz), softened
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1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar (10.5 oz)
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2 large eggs, lightly beaten
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2 tsp vanilla extract
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1 tsp grated orange zest
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3/4 cup dried cranberries (3.5 oz, loosely packed), finely chopped
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1 1/3 cups white chocolate, chopped or chips (8 oz)
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8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
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1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 tbsp orange juice
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1 tsp orange zest, finely grated
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1/2 cup white chocolate chips or melting wafers, for drizzling
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1/4 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped, for sprinkling
Instructions
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Step 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. Lightly grease the parchment paper. -
Step 2
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and packed light brown sugar on medium-high speed for about 3-5 minutes, until light, fluffy, and pale. -
Step 3
Reduce mixer speed to medium-low. Add the lightly beaten large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in the 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Scrape down bowl sides as needed. -
Step 4
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and table salt. -
Step 5
With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix. -
Step 6
Remove bowl from mixer. Gently fold in 1 1/3 cups of white chocolate chips, 3/4 cup of finely chopped dried cranberries, and 1 teaspoon of grated orange zest using a rubber spatula, ensuring even distribution. -
Step 7
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden and a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Do not overbake. Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. -
Step 8
In a clean large mixing bowl, combine the softened full-fat cream cheese and softened unsalted butter. Beat on medium speed until completely smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. -
Step 9
With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the sifted confectioners’ sugar, about one cup at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated and the frosting is thick and creamy. -
Step 10
Beat in the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon of orange juice, and 1 teaspoon of finely grated orange zest. Beat for another minute or two on medium-high speed until the frosting is light, fluffy, and holds soft peaks. -
Step 11
Once the bars are completely cool, lift them out of the pan and place on a cutting board. Evenly spread the cream cheese frosting over the top with an offset spatula. -
Step 12
In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips or melting wafers in 20-second intervals, stirring well after each, until smooth and pourable. Be careful not to overheat. -
Step 13
Transfer the melted white chocolate to a small piping bag (or Ziploc bag with a snipped corner) and drizzle decoratively over the frosted bars. While the drizzle is still wet, sprinkle the 1/4 cup of finely chopped dried cranberries evenly over the top. -
Step 14
Place the entire tray of frosted bars into the refrigerator to chill for at least 1-2 hours, or until the frosting is firm. For clean cuts, run a sharp, thin knife under hot water, wipe it dry, and then cut the slab into individual bars (squares, rectangles, or triangles). Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
Important Information
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
Allergy Information
Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.