Tasty Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars

If you’ve ever savored a Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bar and wished you could make one at home, you’re in luck. These Tasty Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars are loaded with white chocolate, tangy cranberries, and a creamy orange-infused frosting that perfectly balances sweetness and tartness. With this recipe, you can bring that coffeehouse magic straight to your kitchen—without the line or the price tag.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a weekend treat, or simply a cozy afternoon with coffee, these bars are a crowd-pleaser. The combination of soft, chewy blondie base, luscious cream cheese frosting, tart cranberries, and white chocolate drizzle makes every bite an indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Coffeehouse classic at home: Recreate Starbucks’ famous Cranberry Bliss Bars effortlessly.
• Perfect balance: Sweet white chocolate pairs beautifully with tart cranberries.
• Soft, chewy texture: The browned butter blondie base keeps every bite moist and tender.
• Visually stunning: Frosting, cranberries, and chocolate drizzle create a bakery-worthy presentation.
• Make-ahead friendly: Ideal for prepping in advance for holidays or events.
• Customizable: Adjust the white chocolate or cranberry amount to taste.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe yields 24 bars.

Blondie Layer:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (7.5 oz)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp table salt
• 12 tbsp unsalted butter (6 oz)
• 1 ½ cups packed light brown sugar (10.5 oz)
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp grated orange zest
• ¾ cup dried cranberries (3.5 oz, loosely packed)
• 1 ⅓ cups white chocolate, chopped or chips (8 oz)

Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted (6 oz)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp orange juice
• 1 tsp orange zest, finely grated
• ⅔ cup white chocolate, melted (4 oz)

Topping:

• ½ cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped (2.3 oz, loosely packed)
• 1 ⅔ cups white chocolate, melted (10 oz)

Tools & Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Nonstick cooking spray
• Saucepan for browning butter
• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Rubber spatula
• Hand or stand mixer for frosting
• Whisk
• Cooling rack
• Small zip-top bag for drizzling chocolate
• Sharp knife or pizza cutter for slicing

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the oven rack in the middle position. Spray a 9×13-inch pan with nonstick spray and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Spray the parchment lightly again to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Butter

In a light-colored saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir frequently until the butter foams and the milk solids at the bottom turn golden brown. Immediately remove from heat and pour into a bowl, scraping in the flavorful bits. Let it cool completely before using—browning adds a nutty depth to the blondies.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix the cooled browned butter with light brown sugar until blended. Stir in lightly beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest until smooth.

Step 5: Fold in Dry Ingredients and Mix-ins

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula—avoid overmixing. Then fold in chopped white chocolate and dried cranberries. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.

Step 6: Bake the Blondie Base

Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the top is set. Cool the pan on a wire rack to room temperature before frosting.

Step 7: Prepare the Frosting

Beat together cream cheese, sifted confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, orange juice, and finely grated orange zest until fluffy and smooth. Once the blondies are cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Chill for about 10 minutes if needed to make decorating easier.

Step 8: Add Toppings

Sprinkle roughly chopped dried cranberries evenly over the frosted surface. Drizzle melted white chocolate in a decorative pattern using a small zip-top bag with the tip snipped off. Refrigerate until frosting and chocolate drizzle are firm.

Step 9: Slice and Serve

Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Slice into triangles or squares as desired. Serve and enjoy! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Tips & Variations

• Browning butter: Essential for deep flavor and moist texture in the blondie base.
• Alternative chocolate: Use milk chocolate or dark chocolate for a twist.
• Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts enhance texture.
• Make it vegan: Substitute butter with plant-based butter and cream cheese with vegan cream cheese.
• Flavor variations: Swap orange zest and juice for lemon for a bright citrus twist.
• Freezing: Freeze unfrosted bars for up to 2 months; frost after thawing.

Flavor Profile

• Taste: Sweet, buttery blondie base with tangy cranberries and creamy orange frosting.
• Texture: Chewy, moist blondie with smooth frosting and crunchy cranberry topping.
• Visual appeal: Bright red cranberries and glossy white chocolate drizzle make the bars eye-catching.

Nutritional Overview (Per Serving – Approx.)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	582 kcal
Fat	32 g
Saturated Fat	18 g
Carbohydrates	70 g
Sugar	50 g
Fiber	2 g
Protein	6 g
Sodium	180 mg
Cholesterol	60 mg

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Prepare in advance: Bars can be baked and frosted ahead of time; store refrigerated.
• Freezing: Unfrosted bars freeze best; frost and drizzle chocolate after thawing.
• Serving: Allow chilled bars to come to room temperature for slightly softer texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh cranberries?
Yes, but they may release more moisture. Chop finely and reduce any added liquid in frosting if needed.

2. Can I make smaller batches?
Absolutely, halve the ingredients and use an 8×8 pan. Adjust baking time slightly.

3. Can I make the frosting less sweet?
Reduce the confectioners’ sugar to 1 cup for a slightly tangier finish.

4. How do I prevent overbaking?
Check the blondie base at 18 minutes; edges should be golden and the center just set.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Time
Prep ingredients & pan	10–15 minutes
Brown butter & mix batter	10 minutes
Bake blondie layer	18–22 minutes
Cool & frost	15–20 minutes
Decorate & chill	10–15 minutes
Total	~45 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Serve chilled or at room temperature with coffee or tea.
• Perfect for holiday trays, bake sales, or gifting in decorative boxes.
• Cut into smaller bite-sized pieces for parties or snacks.

Ingredient Spotlight

Cranberries

• Tart and vibrant, they balance the sweet blondie and frosting.
• Choose dried cranberries for texture or fresh cranberries for tangy flavor.

Orange Zest & Juice

• Adds brightness and enhances the flavor of the creamy frosting.
• Freshly grated zest is more aromatic than pre-packaged.

Pro Baking Tips

• Use a light-colored pan for browning butter to better monitor color change.
• Do not overmix the batter to keep blondies tender.
• Chill frosting slightly before drizzling chocolate for a clean look.
• Decorative drizzle: Use a small zip-top bag for precision.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Room temperature: Not recommended due to cream cheese frosting.
• Refrigerator: Up to 5 days in an airtight container.
• Freezing: Freeze unfrosted bars up to 2 months. Frost after thawing.

Expanded Conclusion

These Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars are a delightful balance of sweet, tart, and creamy flavors. From the nutty richness of browned butter blondies to the tangy cranberries and luscious white chocolate drizzle, every bite is a treat. Perfect for holidays, brunches, or a special dessert, these bars are sure to impress friends and family. Make a batch, savor them with coffee, and enjoy a little homemade coffeehouse magic in every bite.

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