Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe - Starbucks Copycat Dessert

Today, we’re diving headfirst into the delightful world of the Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe, a beloved seasonal treat that perfectly captures the holiday spirit. If you’ve ever found yourself longing for that familiar burst of cranberry, white chocolate, and sweet cream cheese frosting from Starbucks, then you’ve come to the right place. This post will guide you through creating your very own batch of these irresistible Cranberry Bliss Bars, right in your kitchen, saving you a trip to the coffee shop and letting you enjoy this festive dessert whenever the craving strikes!

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Key Ingredients for Cranberry Bliss Bars

To embark on your Cranberry Bliss adventure, gather these essential ingredients. Quality ingredients make all the difference in achieving that authentic Starbucks flavor!

For the Bar Base:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and a tender texture.
1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the bars.
1 large egg: Acts as a binder and adds moisture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
2 cups all-purpose flour: The structural base of your bars.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bars rise slightly.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
1 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped: The signature tart element.
1/2 cup white chocolate chips, finely chopped (or white chocolate baking bar): Adds sweet creaminess to the bar.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened: The essential tangy and creamy base for the frosting. Use full-fat for best results.
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and structure to the frosting.
4 cups powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to a smooth consistency.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Complements the cream cheese and butter.

For the Topping:

1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped: For sprinkling on top, providing texture and tartness.
1/4 cup white chocolate chips (optional), melted: For drizzling, adding an extra layer of white chocolate goodness.

How to Make Cranberry Bliss Bars

Get ready to effortlessly whip up these delicious Cranberry Bliss Bars! This recipe is incredibly easy, delicious, and deeply satisfying, offering a soft, chewy bar base topped with a tangy, sweet cream cheese frosting and a scattering of tart cranberries. It’s a simple joy to prepare, taking only about 20 minutes of active preparation time, with an additional 25-30 minutes for baking, making it perfect for a quick festive treat or last-minute dessert.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars out later. Lightly grease the parchment paper for good measure.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well combined.
Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Continue mixing until the batter is smooth and creamy.
Combine Dry Ingredients (Part 1): In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent.
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough bars. A few streaks of flour are okay.
Fold in Add-ins: Gently fold in the finely chopped dried cranberries and finely chopped white chocolate chips into the dough using a spatula. Distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
Spread in Pan: Press the dough evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch baking pan. You might find it easiest to lightly dampen your hands or use the back of a spoon to press the sticky dough into place.
Bake the Bars: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached (not wet batter). Do not overbake, as you want the bars to remain soft and chewy.
Cool Completely: Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is crucial before frosting, as frosting warm bars will cause the frosting to melt.
Prepare the Frosting: While the bars are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a clean large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and softened butter until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until combined, then increase speed to medium and beat until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract. If the frosting seems too thick, add a tiny splash of milk or cream (1 teaspoon at a time) until it reaches your desired consistency.
Frost the Cooled Bars: Once the bars are completely cool, evenly spread the cream cheese frosting over the top.
Decorate and Serve:
- Chop Cranberries: Finely chop the remaining 1/2 cup of dried cranberries.
- Melt White Chocolate (Optional): If using, melt the 1/4 cup white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Transfer to a piping bag with a very small snip in the corner or a drizzle bottle.
- Sprinkle and Drizzle: Sprinkle the chopped dried cranberries evenly over the frosting. Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the top in a zig-zag pattern, if using.
Chill and Cut: Transfer the frosted bars to the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set. Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and cut them into small squares or rectangular “bliss” bar shapes. Serve and enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe

You are going to absolutely adore this Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe for so many reasons! The main highlight is undoubtedly that perfect balance of textures and flavors: a wonderfully chewy, slightly dense bar base studded with sweet white chocolate and tart cranberries, all crowned with a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting. It’s pure bliss! Not only do these taste incredibly authentic, but making them at home offers significant cost-saving benefits compared to frequent Starbucks runs.

What to Serve Cranberry Bliss Bars With:

These Cranberry Bliss Bars are a dessert unto themselves, but they pair wonderfully with a few simple accompaniments:

Coffee or Tea: Naturally, they are excellent with a hot cup of coffee (especially a blonde roast, like Starbucks!) or your favorite herbal tea.
Hot Cocoa: For a truly festive experience, a rich mug of hot cocoa with whipped cream makes a delightful partner.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream could add a lovely contrast in temperature and a touch more decadence.
A Glass of Milk: Sometimes, the simplest pairings are the best, especially for a sweet treat.

Top Tips for Perfecting Cranberry Bliss Bars:

Soften Ingredients Properly: Ensure your butter and cream cheese are truly at room temperature. This makes for a smoother, lump-free batter and frosting. Butter too cold? Microwave for 10-15 seconds. Cream cheese too cold? Let it sit out longer or submerge the foil-wrapped block in warm water for 10 minutes.
Finely Chop Cranberries and White Chocolate: For the bar base, chopping these finely ensures they are evenly distributed and contribute flavor without creating large, chunky bites. This also helps them blend seamlessly into the bar’s texture.
Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on the bars as they bake. Overbaking will result in dry, crumbly bars instead of the desired chewy texture. The edges should be lightly golden, and the center should be just set.
Cool Completely Before Frosting: This is non-negotiable! Applying frosting to warm bars will cause it to melt and slide off, creating a messy situation. Patience is key here.
Chill the Frosted Bars: After frosting, chill the bars for at least 30 minutes. This allows the frosting to set firm, making them much easier to cut into neat, clean squares.
Use Parchment Paper with an Overhang: This simple trick makes removing the entire slab of bars from the pan incredibly easy after cooling, preventing any sticking or breakage.
Adjust Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too thick, add milk or cream (1 teaspoon at a time) until it’s spreadable. If it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.
Quality White Chocolate: Use good quality white chocolate chips or a baking bar (chopped) for the best flavor in both the bars and the optional drizzle. Avoid “white candy melts” for the bar itself, as they don’t always melt and bake consistently.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

Proper storage is crucial to keep your Cranberry Bliss Bars tasting fresh and delicious!

Storage:

Airtight Container: Always store your Cranberry Bliss Bars in an airtight container. This prevents them from drying out and absorbing other refrigerator odors.
Refrigeration: Due to the cream cheese frosting, these bars must be stored in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 5-7 days when properly stored.
Layering (Optional): If stacking layers of bars in a container, place a piece of parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent the frosting from sticking together.

Serving & Reheating:

Serve Chilled or Room Temperature: While they need to be stored in the fridge, many people prefer to let the bars sit out at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the frosting and bar base to soften slightly, enhancing the flavors and textures.
No Reheating: Cranberry Bliss Bars are a cold dessert and do not require reheating. Reheating would melt the frosting and alter the texture of the bar.

Freezing:

Unfrosted Bars: If you want to prepare ahead, you can bake the bars and freeze them (unfrosted) in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw completely at room temperature, then prepare and apply the frosting as usual before serving.
Frosted Bars: You can also freeze frosted bars, though the frosting’s texture might change ever so slightly upon thawing. Freeze the bars in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm (flash freeze for about 1-2 hours). Once solid, transfer them to an airtight, freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

Final Thoughts:

There’s something truly magical about bringing a beloved treat like the Cranberry Bliss Bar home. This Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe isn’t just about recreating a Starbucks classic; it’s about infusing your kitchen with the joyous scents of the season, enjoying the satisfaction of baking from scratch, and sharing a moment of pure bliss with loved ones. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering, a cozy night in, or simply to satisfy a craving, these bars are a testament to the simple pleasures of homemade desserts. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and prepare to delight in every sweet, tart, and creamy bite.

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Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe FAQs:

Q1: Can I make these gluten-free?
A1: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure your blend contains xanthan gum.

Q2: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
A2: While fresh cranberries can add a burst of tartness, they contain more moisture and can alter the bar’s texture. For best results and the authentic “Bliss Bar” experience, stick with dried cranberries, which have a more concentrated flavor and ideal texture for baking into the bar.

Q3: How long do Cranberry Bliss Bars last?
A3: When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these bars will stay fresh for 5-7 days.

Q4: Can I reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe?
A4: You can try slightly reducing the granulated sugar in the bar base (by about 1/4 cup), but be cautious as it can affect the texture. For the frosting, the powdered sugar is crucial for consistency, so reducing it significantly isn’t recommended unless you’re comfortable with a thinner frosting.

Q5: What’s the best way to cut the bars neatly?
A5: After the frosting has set (after chilling), use a sharp, non-serrated knife. For the cleanest cuts, wipe the knife clean with a damp cloth after each cut to prevent stickiness.

Q6: My frosting is too runny/too thick. What should I do?
A6: If too runny, gradually beat in more powdered sugar (1-2 tablespoons at a time) until it thickens. If too thick, add tiny amounts of milk or cream (1 teaspoon at a time) and beat until it reaches a spreadable consistency.

Q7: Can I use different chocolate chips?
A7: While white chocolate is traditional for Cranberry Bliss Bars, you can certainly experiment! Milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips would create a different flavor profile, but still be delicious.

Q8: Why did my bars come out dry?
A8: The most common reason for dry bars is overbaking. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time. The edges should be lightly golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter, but not completely clean either.

Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe – Starbucks Copycat Dessert