Homemade Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars

why make this recipe

Cranberry Bliss Bars are a delightful treat that many people look forward to from Starbucks during the holiday season. Making a homemade version allows you to enjoy these sweet and tangy bars anytime you like. Plus, they are simple to prepare and perfect for sharing with family and friends.

how to make Homemade Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars

Ingredients

• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup cream cheese
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon orange zest

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.
2. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until smooth.
4. Beat in the egg and vanilla. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until combined.
5. Stir in cranberries and white chocolate chips.
6. Spread the mixture evenly in the greased dish and bake for 20-25 minutes. Let it cool completely.
7. In a separate bowl, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and orange zest until smooth.
8. Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled bars.
9. Cut into squares and serve.

how to serve Homemade Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars

These bars are perfect for any occasion. Serve them at holiday gatherings, as a sweet treat after dinner, or enjoy them with your afternoon coffee. They look great on a plate and taste even better when shared with loved ones.

how to store Homemade Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars

To keep your Cranberry Bliss Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Just make sure to separate layers with wax paper to prevent sticking.

tips to make Homemade Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars

1. Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
2. Use fresh cranberries if you can find them for a bright and zesty flavor.
3. Adjust the amount of orange zest based on your taste preference; more zest adds extra zing!
4. Let the bars cool completely before frosting for the best results.

variation

You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter for added crunch. You can also replace white chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips for a different flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh cranberries, but keep in mind they are more tart. You may want to add additional sugar to offset the tartness.

2. How can I make these bars gluten-free?
You can substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that your baking powder is also gluten-free.

3. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make them a few days in advance and keep them in an airtight container. They actually taste better after a day or two as the flavors meld together.

Cranberry Bliss Bars

Enjoy these delightful sweet and tangy bars reminiscent of the popular Starbucks treat, perfect for sharing during the holiday season or any time of the year.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 16 bars

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the base

• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened Make sure butter is softened to room temperature
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup dried cranberries Fresh cranberries can be used but may require more sugar
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips Can substitute with dark chocolate chips

For the frosting

• 1/2 cup cream cheese
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon orange zest Adjust based on taste preference

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.
• In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
• In another bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until smooth.
• Beat in the egg and vanilla. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until combined.
• Stir in cranberries and white chocolate chips.
• Spread the mixture evenly in the greased dish and bake for 20-25 minutes. Let it cool completely.

Frosting

• In a separate bowl, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and orange zest until smooth.
• Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled bars.
• Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They can be refrigerated for up to a week, or frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to three months, using wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Keyword Baking, Cranberry Bliss Bars, Holiday Desserts, Starbucks Copycat, Sweet Treats