Tasty Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars

Short, Catchy Intro

So you are craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen, huh? Same. These Cranberry Bliss Bars hit that sweet spot between fancy coffee shop treat and zero-judgment home baking. They look like you spent way more effort than you did, and they taste like Christmas decided to throw a party in your mouth.

Quick heads up: we are doing a soft, buttery blondie base loaded with white chocolate and tart cranberries, then slathering it with a dreamy orange cream cheese frosting and a classy white chocolate drizzle. Fancy? A little. Hard? Not even close. Let us make baking feel like the easiest flex of your week.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

• It tastes like the Starbucks version but better because you control the orange zing and the chocolate level.
• It is idiot proof. Yup, even if you forget to multi-task like a cooking show pro, these forgive you.
• You make a whole slab in one pan so guests think you are a magician who bakes in bulk.
• Want a related chewy cookie vibe? Try this best cranberry orange cookies for a different vehicle for your cranberry obsession. Trust me, they play well together.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (7.5 oz). Plain and noble.
• 1 tsp baking powder. The tiny puff fairy.
• 1/2 tsp table salt. Not negotiable.
• 12 tbsp unsalted butter (6 oz), softened. Bring it to room temp unless you enjoy lumpy batter.
• 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar (10.5 oz). Molasses vibes.
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten. Crack gently, no shell confetti.
• 2 tsp vanilla extract. Essential soul food.
• 1 tsp grated orange zest. Use fresh for maximum oomph.
• 3/4 cup dried cranberries (3.5 oz, loosely packed), finely chopped. Tart little stars.
• 1 1/3 cups white chocolate, chopped or chips (8 oz). Sweet and melty.
• 8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened. No guilt free options here please.
• 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted. For velvety frosting.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract. Yes, again. Double down.
• 1 tbsp orange juice. Fresh squeezed if you are feeling frisky.
• 1 tsp orange zest, finely grated. More citrus love.
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips or melting wafers, for drizzling. For dramatic finishing.
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped, for sprinkling. Because presentation matters.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep Your Pan
   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.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
   In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and packed light brown sugar on medium-high speed for about 3 to 5 minutes, until light, fluffy, and pale. Scrape the bowl down once so nothing gets sulky.

3. Add Eggs and Vanilla
   Reduce mixer speed to medium-low. Add the lightly beaten eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in the 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Scrape the bowl sides as needed.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients
   In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and table salt. Keep it simple and tidy.

5. Gradually Add Dry to Wet
   With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix. Overmixing is the personality killer of baked goods.

6. Fold in the Goodies
   Remove the bowl from the 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.

7. Bake the Bars
   Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25 to 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.

8. Beat Cream Cheese and Butter
   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 to 3 minutes.

9. Gradually Add Powdered Sugar
   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.

10. Add Vanilla, Orange Juice, and Zest
    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.

11. Frost the Cooled Bars
    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.

12. Prepare White Chocolate Drizzle
    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.

13. Drizzle and Garnish
    Transfer the melted white chocolate to a small piping bag or a 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.

14. Chill, Cut, and Serve
    Place the entire tray of frosted bars into the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 to 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. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 to 7 days.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Thinking you do not need to preheat the oven. Rookie error. The oven needs to be ready when you are.
• Overmixing the batter. That turns tender bars into dense regret. Stop when just combined.
• Skipping the cooling step. Frosting on warm bars melts into a sad puddle. Chill and be patient.
• Using cold cream cheese. That gives you lumpy frosting. Let it soften or plan ahead.
• Overheating white chocolate. It seizes and then you will cry. Melt slowly and stir often.

Alternatives & Substitutions

• Butter alternative? Use salted butter and reduce added salt by half if that is all you have. IMO unsalted is best but adjust.
• White chocolate swap? Swap to milk chocolate if white is too sweet for you. It will change the vibe but still be delicious.
• Dried fruit options? Toss in chopped dried cherries or golden raisins if cranberries are MIA.
• Orange swaps? Use 1 teaspoon almond extract instead of orange for a different but tasty spin. I would not use both.
• Vegan version? Try vegan butter and vegan cream cheese and use dairy free white chocolate. Texture changes but flavor stays friendly.

FAQ

Q. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A. Well, technically yes, but why hurt your soul like that? Margarine will make the texture and flavor different. If you must, go for a high quality plant stick.

Q. Can I freeze these bars?
A. Want them to hang out in your freezer? Sure. Freeze unfrosted bars for up to 2 months. For frosted, freeze individually wrapped squares and thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Q. Do I have to use full-fat cream cheese?
A. Do you want cloudlike frosting? Then yes. Low fat makes it thinner and less indulgent. Treat yo self.

Q. Can I swap orange for lemon?
A. Absolutely. Lemon will make it sharper and brighter. Use less lemon juice than orange to avoid overpowering the cream cheese.

Q. How do I get neat slices?
A. Heat a thin knife under hot water and wipe it dry between cuts. That gives you clean, Instagram-ready edges.

Q. Can I make these gluten free?
A. Yes, use a 1 to 1 gluten free flour blend. Texture may differ slightly but flavor will still slay.

Q. How long do these last on the counter?
A. Because of cream cheese frosting keep them in the fridge. They will last 5 to 7 days chilled.

Final Thoughts

You did it. You made something that tastes like a coffee shop treat but with more personality and probably fewer names spelled wrong. These bars are perfect for gifting, potlucks, or just a weekend where you emotionally need white chocolate and cranberries. Keep your expectations delicious and your spatula ready.

Now go impress someone or yourself with these Cranberry Bliss Bars. You earned it. Also remember that practice makes perfect and extra frosting never hurt anybody.

Conclusion

If you want to compare versions or need more ideas for presentation, check out this helpful copycat take on Cranberry Bliss Bars from Cranberry Bliss Bars {Starbucks Copycat Recipe} – Belle of the Kitchen.
For another home baker perspective and tweaks, see Cranberry Bliss Bars (Starbucks Copycat) – Cooking With Karli.

Enjoy the baking and the crumbs.

Cranberry Bliss Bars

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 16 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delicious Cranberry Bliss Bars with a soft blondie base, white chocolate, and tangy orange cream cheese frosting.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (7.5 oz)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp table salt
• 12 tbsp unsalted butter (6 oz), softened
• 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar (10.5 oz)
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp grated orange zest
• 3/4 cup dried cranberries (3.5 oz, finely chopped)
• 1 1/3 cups white chocolate, chopped or chips (8 oz)
• 8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp orange juice
• 1 tsp orange zest, finely grated
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips or melting wafers, for drizzling
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped, for sprinkling

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease.
2. Cream together butter and brown sugar on medium-high speed for about 3 to 5 minutes until fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition and stir in vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
6. Fold in white chocolate chips, chopped cranberries, and grated orange zest.
7. Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until lightly golden.
8. Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
9. In a clean bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth.
10. Gradually add sifted confectioners’ sugar until thick and creamy.
11. Beat in vanilla extract, orange juice, and orange zest, until fluffy.
12. Spread cream cheese frosting over cooled bars.
13. Melt white chocolate chips in 20-second intervals until smooth and drizzle over frosting.
14. Sprinkle with chopped dried cranberries and chill for 1 to 2 hours before cutting.

Notes

These bars make a perfect treat for gatherings and can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 to 7 days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 240mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: Cranberry Bliss, Blondies, Dessert, Holiday Treat, Cream Cheese Frosting