As autumn arrives, the air fills with the scent of Starbucks’ Cranberry Bliss Bars. These treats are a hit, loved by coffee fans and bakers. Now, you can make these tasty blondies at home, anytime.
Today, I’m sharing a homemade recipe for Cranberry Bliss Bars. It’s perfect for holiday parties, unique gifts, or just when you want a special treat. This recipe brings the festive flavors of white chocolate, dried cranberries, and orange zest right to your kitchen.
Table of Contents
Understanding Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars
Starbucks’ Cranberry Bliss Bars are a hit during the holiday season. They mix white chocolate, cranberry, and citrus in a blondie. This treat is topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. Making these at home lets you enjoy holiday flavors all year.
History of the Seasonal Favorite
The Cranberry Bliss Bars first appeared on Starbucks’ holiday menu in 2001. They quickly won over fans. The recipe combines white chocolate blondies with cranberries and orange zest for a seasonal twist.
What Makes These Bars Special
The Cranberry Bliss Bars are special because of their unique taste. They blend white chocolate sweetness with cranberry tartness and orange zest. The mix of textures, from the blondie to the frosting, makes them unforgettable.
Why Make Them at Home
Making Cranberry Bliss Bars at home has many benefits. You can enjoy them all year and customize the recipe. It’s also cheaper and lets you use fresher ingredients for a homemade taste.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Unsalted creamy almond butter | 1/2 cup |
| Maple syrup | 1/4 cup |
| Pasture-raised egg | 1 (can sub a flax egg) |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Almond flour | 1 cup |
| Fine grain sea salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Baking soda | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Orange zest | Zest of one orange |
| Dried cranberries | 2/3 cup |
| White chocolate chips | 2/3 cup |
| Cream cheese | 8 oz (dairy free is great) |
| Powdered sugar | 2/3 cup |
The recipe makes 20 servings and has a 4.7 rating from 26 votes. Each serving has 207 calories, with 45 from fat. It bakes at 350°F for 20 minutes. The frosting takes 4-5 minutes to make, and white chocolate melts in 40-50 seconds.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Blondie Base
Creating the ultimate dried cranberry cookies starts with a rich blondie base. You’ll need melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and a hint of orange extract or zest. Also, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and ground ginger are key for texture and flavor.
To make the blondies even better, add high-quality white chocolate chips and plump dried cranberries. The orange extract or zest is essential for that Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bar taste. If you don’t have it, fresh orange juice works too. Always choose the best ingredients for the best taste.
- 1 cup melted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon orange extract (or 1 teaspoon orange zest)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 3/4 cup white chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make the beloved dried cranberry cookies at home.
The Secret to the Perfect Cream Cheese Frosting
Make your Copycat Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars even better with a rich cream cheese frosting. It’s packed with fresh orange zest. The secret to a smooth frosting is using the right cream cheese and following some simple steps. These tips will help you make a frosting that’s silky, smooth, and full of flavor.
Cream Cheese Selection Tips
For the best frosting, use high-quality ingredients. Pick a full-fat, brick-style cream cheese. Stay away from whipped or low-fat types, as they can make the frosting too runny. Make sure the cream cheese is soft before you start, for a frosting that’s smooth and lump-free.
Achieving the Right Consistency
For a creamy frosting, mix softened butter with the cream cheese. This mix will give you a light, airy frosting perfect for the bars. If it’s too thick, add a bit of heavy cream to thin it out.
Adding the Orange Zest
Adding fresh orange zest gives the frosting a bright citrus flavor. Grate the zest of one orange into the frosting and mix well. This adds a vibrant orange taste that complements the cream cheese beautifully.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cream Cheese, softened | 1 container (8 ounces) |
| Powdered Sugar | 3/4 cup |
| Orange Zest | 1 tablespoon |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Unsalted Butter, softened | 1/2 cup |
With these tips and the right ingredients, you’ll make a cream cheese frosting that’s perfect for your homemade Copycat Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars. It will make them the star of any festive gathering.
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions
Baking homemade Cranberry Bliss Bars is a fun way to enjoy holiday flavors. You can make these treats in your kitchen with a few easy steps. Here’s how to make Cranberry Bliss Bars that taste like they came from a bakery.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: 1/2 cup of melted butter, 1 cup of light brown sugar, 1 large egg, and 3/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients: 1 1/3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring only until they are just combined.
- Gently fold in 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips and 1/2 cup of dried cranberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Spread the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake the Cranberry Bliss Bars for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
After the bars cool, it’s time for the cream cheese frosting and toppings. Follow the next section to add the perfect finishing touches to your homemade Cranberry Bliss Bars.
Tips for White Chocolate and Cranberry Selection
Choosing the right white chocolate and dried cranberries is key to making perfect Copycat Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars. These ingredients are what make the treat special. They add amazing flavors and textures to the holiday favorite.
Best White Chocolate Brands
For the best taste, use top-quality white chocolate chips or bars. Brands like Ghirardelli, Guittard, and Valrhona are highly recommended. They offer rich, creamy, and smooth chocolate that pairs well with the tangy cranberries.
Choosing Quality Dried Cranberries
- Choose dried cranberries that are plump, moist, and full of tart flavor.
- Stay away from dried cranberries that look shriveled, hard, or too chewy. They can ruin the texture of the bars.
- Go for premium or gourmet dried cranberries. They have a brighter color and a stronger taste.
The quality of your white chocolate and dried cranberries will really make a difference. Take your time to pick the best white chocolate and dried cranberries. This will ensure your homemade Copycat Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars are both indulgent and delicious.
Professional Decorating Techniques
Turning your homemade Copycat Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars into a pro-level treat is easy. Just a few decorating tricks can make these tasty bars stand out. They’ll be the star of your holiday dessert table.
Start by spreading the cream cheese frosting evenly over the blondie base. This makes a smooth base for your toppings. Then, sprinkle chopped dried cranberries over the frosting for a burst of color and texture.
The white chocolate drizzle is the key to making these bars pop. Melt high-quality white chocolate chips in the microwave carefully. Put the melted chocolate in a small zip-top bag, cut a corner, and drizzle it over the bars. This adds a touch of elegance to your dessert.
To get clean edges, chill the frosted bars in the fridge for 30 minutes. This sets the frosting and gives you sharp, clean cuts. Present these beautifully decorated Copycat Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars at your holiday party. They’ll be a hit!
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Enjoying Copycat Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars isn’t just for the holidays. You can enjoy them all year with the right storage and make-ahead tips. Let’s look at how to keep these treats fresh and ready to eat.
Refrigeration Guidelines
Keep your Cranberry Bliss Bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay moist and flavorful for up to 5 days when chilled. Make sure they cool completely before refrigerating to avoid moisture buildup.
Freezing Instructions
Freezing is a great way to prepare ahead for holidays. Bake and cool the bars, then slice them. Place the slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill for 4 hours to firm up. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw them overnight in the fridge.
These tips make the Cranberry Bliss Bars ideal for dessert storage and holiday treat preparation. They’re perfect for festive gatherings or when you just want a seasonal treat. Having them ready saves time and ensures your desserts impress.
| Refrigeration | Freezing |
|---|---|
| Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days | Freeze for up to 3 months |
| Wait for bars to cool completely before refrigerating | Slice bars, refrigerate for 4 hours, then wrap individually and freeze |
| Maintain freshness and texture | Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving |
With these tips, you can enjoy the Copycat Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars anytime. They’re the perfect holiday treat preparation choice for any seasonal event.
Dietary Modifications and Substitutions
If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, you can easily adapt this Cranberry Bliss Bars recipe. To make the bars gluten-free, use a high-quality gluten-free flour blend. Brands like Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur Flour work well. These blends mimic traditional wheat flour, so you can enjoy a similar treat.
For dairy-free or vegan options, swap out the cream cheese and white chocolate chips for plant-based alternatives. These changes might affect the taste and texture a bit. But they’ll still offer a delicious and indulgent treat for those with dietary restrictions.
These Cranberry Bliss Bars can be customized for everyone’s needs. With a few simple swaps, you can make gluten-free desserts or holiday treat alternatives. This way, you can cater to a variety of dietary restrictions.