Description
These Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars are a festive treat combining a soft, buttery blondie base loaded with dried cranberries and white chocolate chips, topped with a creamy tangy cream cheese frosting, extra cranberries, and a white chocolate drizzle. Perfect for holiday gatherings or whenever you desire a delightful sweet bar reminiscent of the beloved Starbucks favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Batter
- 1 cup salted butter (226g), melted (2 sticks)
- 1½ cups brown sugar (320g)
- 2 large eggs (100g), room temperature
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (4g)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (240g)
- 1 tsp baking powder (4g)
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- ¾ cup dried cranberries (128g)
- ¾ cup white chocolate chips (128g)
Frosting & Topping
- 8 oz. cream cheese (227g), room temperature (1 brick)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (113g)
- ½ tsp pure vanilla extract (2g)
- ½ cup dried cranberries (85g), chopped
- ½ cup white chocolate chips (85g), melted
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to cover all sides for easy removal later. Set aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and brown sugar together until well combined. Then add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Form Batter: Add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Stir in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips evenly. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides to fully incorporate all ingredients.
- Press Batter into Pan: Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and press it down evenly using your spatula or hands, ensuring a uniform layer for even baking.
- Bake the Bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 17 to 19 minutes or until the bars are golden brown on top. Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare Frosting: While the bars are cooling, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together using a hand mixer until smooth and creamy with no lumps.
- Frost the Bars: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars with a spatula to cover the entire surface.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the chopped dried cranberries evenly over the frosting, then drizzle the melted white chocolate chips in a decorative pattern on top.
- Chill to Set: Refrigerate the frosted bars for at least 20 minutes to allow the frosting to firm up before slicing into 24 bars.
Notes
- Room temperature eggs and cream cheese help achieve a smooth batter and frosting.
- Ensure bars are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting and sliding.
- You can substitute the dried cranberries with other dried fruit like cherries or blueberries as preferred.
- Store the bars refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- For easier slicing, chill the bars longer to firm the frosting completely.
