If you’ve ever craved the luscious, festive flavor of Starbucks during the holidays, you’re going to absolutely adore this Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe. I stumbled upon this recipe one winter and instantly fell in love with the buttery blondie base paired with tangy cranberries, aromatic fresh ginger, and bright orange zest. Add in that dreamy cream cheese frosting with a white chocolate drizzle, and you’ve got a holiday treat that feels gourmet but is surprisingly easy to make at home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Spot-On Starbucks Flavor: This recipe nails that classic tangy-sweet combo you’ll recognize from the cafe, without the drive-thru line.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Taste: You probably already have most of these in your pantry, making it perfect for last-minute baking urges.
- Perfect Holiday Treat: These bars always get raves at family gatherings and work well as a gift item too!
- Textural Dream: Buttery blondie with tart cranberries, rich cream cheese frosting, and an indulgent white chocolate drizzle all in one bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient contributes to the blissful balance of flavors. I like to use fresh orange zest and freshly grated ginger which makes a noticeable difference in brightness. Also, choosing good-quality cream cheese and white chocolate really pays off in the final taste.
- Brown Sugar: Provides that rich molasses undertone that deepens the blondie’s flavor.
- Butter: Use room temperature butter for easy creaming, plus it adds buttery richness.
- Eggs and Egg Yolks: Help create the moist, tender texture of the bars.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the flavors with warmth and depth.
- Orange Zest & Orange Juice: Fresh is best here for that bright citrus punch that balances the sweetness.
- Fresh Grated Ginger: Adds a subtle spicy warmth, which makes these bars uniquely delicious.
- Organic White Flour: The base structure; make sure to fluff and lightly spoon before measuring for accurate results.
- Salt and Baking Powder: Salt balances the sweetness while the baking powder provides a light rise.
- Dried Sweetened Cranberries: The star ingredient delivering bursts of tangy sweetness.
- White Chocolate Bar: Chopped pieces in the batter add creamy pockets of sweetness.
- Cream Cheese: Cold cream cheese gives the frosting its signature tang and luscious texture.
- Powdered Sugar: For that smooth, sweet frosting texture.
- Decorative Sparkling Sugar & White Chocolate Chips: For finishing touches and that gorgeous cafe-style presentation.
Variations
I love how versatile this Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe is—feel free to tweak it to suit your taste or dietary needs! For example, I sometimes swap dried cranberries for dried cherries for a different tartness, or lighten up the frosting for less sweetness.
- Gluten-Free Version: I once tried it with a gluten-free flour blend, and it worked beautifully—just watch baking time closely.
- Less Sweet Frosting: If you prefer a tangier frosting, try cutting down the powdered sugar by a quarter cup.
- Adding Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch if you want extra texture.
- Spice it Up: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter gives it a cozy holiday vibe.
How to Make Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe
Step 1: Cream, Citrus & Spice Magic
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper—this makes cleanup and removal a breeze. Using an electric mixer, cream together the room temperature butter and brown sugar until it’s fluffy and light in texture. This can take about 3-4 minutes, and it’s key for tender bars. Next, add the whole egg, egg yolks, and vanilla, mixing well. The fresh orange juice, zest, and grated ginger come last in this step—they add that signature zing, so don’t skip them!
Step 2: Dry Ingredients & Mix-ins
Sift together the white flour, salt, and baking powder to avoid any clumps and make sure your bars are light and tender. Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture—gentle is the word here to maintain that soft texture. Once combined, carefully fold in the chopped dried cranberries and white chocolate pieces. These little bits of sweet and tart will surprise you in every bite!
Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection
Spread the dough evenly into your prepared pan—using a spatula or your hands works fine here. Bake for around 18-22 minutes. The top should turn a lovely golden brown but stay a bit soft underneath to keep the bars chewy. Don’t overbake, or they’ll lose that classic fudgy texture. Once baked, transfer to a wire rack and let them cool completely before frosting.
Step 4: Dreamy Cream Cheese Frosting
Whip the cold cream cheese until fluffy, then add the room temperature butter, beating until smooth and creamy. Stir in the orange juice, zest, and vanilla for that fresh, layered flavor, then gradually add powdered sugar until the frosting is luscious and free of lumps. Spread it generously over the cooled bars—you’ll appreciate how well this balances the sweet and tangy flavors.
Step 5: Final Touches
Top the bars with chopped dried cranberries and bits of white chocolate bar for extra texture and pretty pops of color. Melt the white chocolate chips and drizzle it artistically over the top. Lastly, sprinkle some decorative sparkling sugar to recreate that festive sparkle you see at Starbucks. Let the frosting set a bit in the fridge before slicing into 24 squares to serve.
Pro Tips for Making Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe
- Use Room Temp Butter: It creams better with sugar, giving you that perfect fluffy base—cold butter won’t mix as smoothly.
- Measure Flour Carefully: Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly to avoid dense bars.
- Don’t Overbake: Take the bars out when golden but still soft in the center for that chewy texture everyone loves.
- Chill Frosting Ingredients: Cold cream cheese whips up nicely, making the frosting smooth—warm cream cheese can be runny.
How to Serve Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe
Garnishes
I love adding extra chopped dried cranberries and white chocolate shards on top—they not only make the bars look pretty but add delightful texture and flavor bursts. The sparkling sugar is optional but really brings that festive charm!
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a hot cup of coffee, chai latte, or a cozy spiced tea. They also go surprisingly well with a simple vanilla ice cream scoop if you want to serve them as a dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday parties, I’ve cut the bars into mini squares and arranged them on a tiered serving tray with fresh rosemary sprigs and cranberries around for a beautifully festive touch. Wrapping individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine makes a charming edible gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh and moist for up to 5 days, and honestly, they almost taste better after a day or two as the flavors deepen.
Freezing
If I make a big batch, I freeze half before frosting. Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and then frost or serve as is.
Reheating
To warm them up, I pop a slice in the microwave for about 15 seconds—just enough to soften the chocolate drizzle and awaken those flavors, but without melting the frosting entirely.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried for the Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe?
Fresh cranberries are much more tart and watery compared to dried sweetened ones. If you want to use fresh, I recommend cooking them down a bit with sugar to reduce moisture and sweetness to keep the bars from getting soggy. Otherwise, dried sweetened cranberries provide the perfect balance and texture.
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How do I prevent the frosting from being runny?
Use cold cream cheese straight from the fridge, and room temperature butter. Beat the cream cheese first until smooth then add the butter and powdered sugar gradually. Avoid adding too much orange juice, as that can thin the frosting.
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Can I make these bars vegan?
With some ingredient swaps, yes! Use vegan butter, flax eggs in place of whole eggs, and dairy-free cream cheese alternatives. The texture will be slightly different, but still delicious!
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How do I store leftover bars to keep them fresh?
Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To keep the frosting pristine, separate layers with parchment paper if stacking.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe brings those cozy holiday vibes right to my kitchen without needing to step out or pay café prices. Whether for a festive party, a thoughtful homemade gift, or just treating yourself on a chilly afternoon, these bars never disappoint. I can’t wait for you to try them, and trust me, once you do, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe every holiday season.
Print
Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Total Time: 40 min
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars capture the perfect balance of a buttery blondie base loaded with tart dried cranberries, fresh ginger, and zesty orange flavor. Topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting and drizzled with white chocolate, these bars are festive, rich, and ideal for holiday gatherings or gifting.
Ingredients
Blondie Base
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
- 2 sticks room temperature butter
- 1 whole egg
- 2 egg yolks (discard whites)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1 tsp fresh grated ginger
- 2 tbsp fresh squeezed orange juice
- 2 1/4 cups Organic White Flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup dried sweetened cranberries (chopped)
- 3 oz white chocolate bar (chopped)
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz brick cream cheese (cold from fridge)
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) room temperature butter
- 2 tbsp fresh squeezed orange juice
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1/4 tsp grated ginger
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Garnishes
- 2 oz white chocolate bar (chopped)
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries (chopped)
- 2 tbsp decorative sparkling sugar
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (for drizzle)
Instructions
- Prepare Pan and Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy removal of bars.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the room temperature butter and brown sugar until the mixture is fluffy and light, about 2-3 minutes. This creates a tender base for the bars.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the whole egg, two egg yolks, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Then mix in the fresh orange juice, orange zest, and grated ginger to infuse the dough with bright citrus and warming spice notes.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Sift together the white flour, salt, and baking powder in a separate bowl to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep bars tender.
- Fold in Cranberries and White Chocolate: Gently fold chopped dried cranberries and chopped white chocolate bar pieces into the batter, ensuring they are evenly dispersed without breaking up the mix.
- Bake the Bars: Spread the batter evenly into the lined 9×13-inch pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool the Bars: Remove the pan from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling is essential before applying frosting to prevent melting.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: In a mixing bowl, whip the cold cream cheese until fluffy. Add the room temperature butter and continue to cream until the mixture is smooth and combined without lumps.
- Add Flavorings to Frosting: Mix in orange juice, orange zest, grated ginger, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Gradually add powdered sugar in small batches, whipping after each addition until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Frost the Bars: Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using a spatula.
- Decorate: Sprinkle the chopped cranberries, chopped white chocolate pieces, and decorative sparkling sugar evenly over the frosting surface.
- Drizzle White Chocolate: Melt the white chocolate chips gently (using a microwave or stovetop double boiler). Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the frosted bars with a spoon or piping bag to create an elegant finish.
- Store Properly: Place the finished bars in an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. These bars are best enjoyed chilled and will keep fresh for several days.
Notes
- This recipe is a festive holiday treat that perfectly balances tart cranberries, fresh citrus, and warming ginger with a decadent cream cheese frosting and white chocolate drizzle.
- Make sure the cream cheese is very cold to achieve a smooth and fluffy frosting texture.
- Use parchment paper in the pan for easier removal and cleaner edges when cutting the bars.
- For best results, allow bars to fully cool before adding frosting to prevent it from melting.
- These bars store well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and can also be frozen for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approx. 55 g)
- Calories: 391 kcal
- Sugar: 39 g
- Sodium: 234 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
