Description
These Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars feature a moist and buttery blondie base packed with tart dried cranberries, fresh orange zest, and ginger. They are topped with a rich, creamy cream cheese frosting infused with orange and vanilla, and finished with a festive drizzle of white chocolate, chopped cranberries, and sparkling sugar. Perfect for holiday celebrations or gifting, these bars combine sweet, tangy, and spiced flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Toppings
- 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
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow for easy removal of the bars after baking.
- 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 light, fluffy, and well combined.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Add the whole egg, two egg yolks, and vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugar. Mix well. Then incorporate the fresh orange juice, orange zest, and grated ginger for bright, spicy notes.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the organic white flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently to combine without overmixing.
- Fold in Mix-Ins: Carefully fold in the chopped dried cranberries and chopped white chocolate bar pieces, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
- Bake the Blondie Base: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs. Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: Using an electric mixer, whip the cold cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Add the room temperature butter and continue mixing until fully incorporated and creamy. Mix in fresh orange juice, orange zest, grated ginger, and vanilla extract.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar to the frosting, mixing continuously until the frosting is smooth, thick, and free of lumps.
- Frost the Bars: Once the blondie base has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
- Decorate with Toppings: Sprinkle chopped cranberries, chopped white chocolate, and decorative sparkling sugar evenly over the frosted bars for a festive look.
- Drizzle White Chocolate: Melt the white chocolate chips and drizzle the melted chocolate over the top for an elegant finishing touch. Allow the drizzle to set before cutting.
- Store and Serve: Store the bars in the refrigerator or an airtight container. Wrap leftovers tightly with plastic wrap to maintain freshness. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- These bars combine the perfect balance of buttery blondie, tart cranberries, and spicy hints of fresh ginger and orange zest.
- Use room temperature butter and eggs for better mixing and texture.
- Make sure to let the bars cool fully before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- For best results, chill the cream cheese before whipping for a smoother frosting.
- The white chocolate drizzle adds a beautiful decorative touch but can be omitted if desired.
- Store bars in the fridge to keep the frosting firm, especially in warm climates.
- Perfect for holiday gifting or festive occasions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- 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
