Here is a simple, copycat recipe article for the Cranberry Bliss Bars.
introduction
These Cranberry Bliss Bars taste like the Starbucks treat. They are soft, bright with orange, and have white chocolate and Craisins. If you like easy dessert bars, try this one. For more easy ideas, see this list of best recipes with protein powder for more simple sweets and snacks.
why make this recipe
Make these bars for holidays, potlucks, or a weeknight dessert. They are quick to mix and bake. The orange and cranberry flavor feels fresh. The cream cheese frosting makes them rich and creamy. Kids and adults both like them.
how to make The Best Cranberry Bliss Bars | Starbucks Copycat Recipe
Follow the steps below. Read all directions first. Gather your ingredients and a 13×9 inch pan. Preheat your oven and line the pan with parchment paper before you mix.
Ingredients :
Bars:
- 1 cup butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1-2 teaspoons orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup Craisins
Frosting and Topping:
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup Craisins
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
Directions :
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 13×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Mix melted butter and brown sugar over medium speed with an electric mixer.
- Add in eggs, orange zest, and vanilla extract and beat until mixed well.
- Add in ground ginger, baking powder, salt, and flour, mixing until just blended.
- Mix in white chocolate chips and Craisins.
- Spread evenly into the bottom of prepared pan.
- Bake in preheated oven for 18-22 minutes until set and golden brown at the edges. Avoid over-baking – it will make the bars hard!
- Remove from oven and place pan on a wire rack to cool. Allow bars to cool entirely before topping with frosting.
- To make the frosting, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add orange zest and vanilla extract and mix well.
- Top cooled bars with frosting. Sprinkle with Craisins and drizzle white chocolate over the top with a fork.
- For best results, place bars in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour to help them set before cutting. Slice into triangles and enjoy!
Note: Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
how to serve The Best Cranberry Bliss Bars | Starbucks Copycat Recipe
Cut into triangles as in the cafe or into squares. Serve cold or at cool room temperature. They go well with coffee or tea. Serve them on a dessert plate or a holiday tray.
how to store The Best Cranberry Bliss Bars | Starbucks Copycat Recipe
Keep bars in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay good for 4-5 days. You can freeze them for up to 1 month; thaw in the fridge before serving.
tips to make The Best Cranberry Bliss Bars | Starbucks Copycat Recipe
- Do not overbake. Check at 18 minutes and remove when edges are light golden.
- Cool fully before frosting so the cream cheese stays smooth.
- Zest the orange fresh for the best bright flavor.
- Chop the Craisins a bit if you want smaller fruit pieces.
- Use high quality white chocolate chips for a better taste.
For a savory pairing idea, try serving these with a simple meatball dish like Cheesy French Onion Meatballs at a party.
variation (if any)
- Add 1/2 teaspoon orange extract for more orange flavor.
- Use dried cherries instead of Craisins for a tart twist.
- Stir in 1/2 cup chopped pecans for crunch.
FAQs
Q: Can I use light cream cheese?
A: Yes. Light cream cheese works, but the frosting may be a bit less rich.
Q: Can I make the bars ahead?
A: Yes. Make the bars and frosting a day ahead, keep them refrigerated, and slice before serving.
Q: Can I skip the white chocolate chips?
A: You can, but white chocolate adds the classic sweet flavor. You can replace with milk chocolate if you prefer.
Q: How do I cut neat triangles?
A: Chill the frosted bars well, then use a sharp knife warmed in hot water and wiped dry for clean cuts.
Q: Can I use fresh cranberries?
A: Fresh cranberries are too tart and wet for this recipe. Use dried Craisins or chopped dried cranberries.
Conclusion
These Cranberry Bliss Bars copy the Starbucks favorite with simple steps and common ingredients. If you want another trusted copycat version, check the tested recipe from Belle of the Kitchen’s Cranberry Bliss Bars. For a different take and more tips, see the version at Just a Taste Cranberry Bliss Bars recipe.
Cranberry Bliss Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and line a 13x9 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Mix melted butter and brown sugar over medium speed with an electric mixer.
- Add in eggs, orange zest, and vanilla extract and beat until mixed well.
- Add in ground ginger, baking powder, salt, and flour, mixing until just blended.
- Mix in white chocolate chips and Craisins.
- Spread evenly into the bottom of prepared pan.
- Bake in preheated oven for 18-22 minutes until set and golden brown at the edges.
- Remove from oven and place pan on a wire rack to cool. Allow bars to cool entirely before topping with frosting.
- To make the frosting, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add orange zest and vanilla extract and mix well.
- Top cooled bars with frosting, sprinkle with Craisins, and drizzle white chocolate over the top with a fork.
- For best results, place bars in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour to help them set before cutting.