Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe

If you’ve ever found yourself craving the delightful treat from your favorite coffee spot, then you are in for a real treat with this Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe. These bars perfectly capture the magic of tart dried cranberries, sweet white chocolate, and creamy frosting all nestled inside a buttery, tender base. It’s the kind of dessert that makes every bite feel like a cozy celebration, whether you’re sharing with friends or keeping them all to yourself. Trust me, once you try this homemade version, you’ll be making it again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating these bars is more straightforward than you might think. Each ingredient plays a vital role—from the richness of melted butter to the tart pop of dried cranberries, and the lusciousness of cream cheese frosting that ties everything together flawlessly.

• Salted butter (1 cup, melted): Adds rich moisture and depth of flavor to the base.
• Brown sugar (1½ cups): Brings warmth and chewy sweetness.
• Large eggs (2, room temperature): Provide structure and help bind the bars.
• Pure vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances the overall aroma and rounds out sweetness.
• All-purpose flour (2 cups): The foundation for a tender, yet sturdy bar.
• Baking powder (1 tsp): Offers a gentle lift for lightness.
• Ground cinnamon (¼ tsp): Adds a subtle warmth that complements the cranberries.
• Kosher salt (¼ tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
• Dried cranberries (¾ cup): Infuse each bite with a delightful tartness.
• White chocolate chips (¾ cup): Melt through the batter adding creamy sweetness.
• Cream cheese (8 oz, room temperature): Creates a silky, tangy frosting.
• Powdered sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the cream cheese frosting perfectly.
• Pure vanilla extract (½ tsp): Lifts the cream cheese frosting flavors.
• Dried cranberries (½ cup, chopped): For that eye-catching, chewy topping.
• White chocolate chips (½ cup, melted): Gorgeous drizzle finishing touch.

How to Make Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This ensures the bars won’t stick and makes clean-up a breeze—nothing should get in the way of these beauties coming out perfect.

Step 2: Whisk Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until well incorporated. This step is key to creating a rich base with that classic chewiness you love in these bars.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract. They make the batter smooth and help bind all those flavors and textures together seamlessly.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt. Keeping the dry ingredients separate before combining helps distribute leavening agents evenly.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the dry ingredient mixture into the wet bowl and mix gently until everything is just combined. Then, fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips, giving the batter a gentle toss so those chunks are perfectly spread out.

Step 6: Bake the Bars

Press the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing it into an even layer. Bake for about 17 to 19 minutes until golden brown and firm to the touch. Let the bars cool completely before moving on to frosting—patience here means perfection.

Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the bars cool, whisk together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with a hand mixer until silky smooth. This frosting is the dreamy finishing touch that separates these bars from your average dessert.

Step 8: Frost and Top

Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Sprinkle the chopped dried cranberries on top, then drizzle with melted white chocolate for that iconic Cranberry Bliss look and extra indulgence.

Step 9: Chill Before Serving

Refrigerate the bars for at least 20 minutes after frosting to allow everything to set. This step ensures each piece cuts cleanly and the flavors meld deliciously.

How to Serve Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra festive touch, consider a few extra dried cranberries or a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving. This amplifies the visual appeal and adds a hint of fresh sweetness.

Side Dishes

These bars pair wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a warm chai latte. The creamy, fruity flavors in the bars complement hot beverages perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your bars into bite-sized squares for a party platter, or layer them in a pretty glass dish with whipped cream and fresh cranberries for a dessert trifle twist. Either way, they steal the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cranberry bliss bars will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Keep them chilled so the cream cheese frosting stays creamy and firm, not sticky or soft.

Freezing

You can freeze the bars by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving to maintain texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheating is not typically recommended since the frosting can soften, but if desired, allow the bar to come to room temperature or warm gently in a microwave for 10-15 seconds. Enjoy promptly after warming.

FAQs

Can I substitute dried cranberries with other fruits?

Absolutely! Dried cherries or raisins make excellent alternatives and bring their own unique flavors. Just keep the quantity the same to maintain texture balance.

Is it necessary to melt the butter?

Melting the butter helps with mixing and gives the bars that chewy, dense texture everyone loves. Using softened butter isn’t ideal but can work in a pinch with more mixing.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour and check that your baking powder is gluten-free. Results will be slightly different but still delicious.

What’s the best way to chop dried cranberries for the topping?

Use a sharp knife and cut on a cutting board into small, uniform pieces. This prevents the topping from feeling too chunky and helps the cranberries stick better to the frosting.

Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?

Definitely! Just use a larger pan or two pans for baking. Keep an eye on the baking time—larger pans may need a couple more minutes to bake thoroughly.

Final Thoughts

This Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe is an absolute game-changer for anyone who adores that perfect balance of tart, sweet, and creamy in a handheld treat. It’s straightforward, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for every season. Once you try it at home, I guarantee it will quickly become a staple in your baking rotation. So roll up your sleeves, get those ingredients out, and prepare to wow yourself and everyone you share these bars with!

Print