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
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
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
