If you’ve ever fallen in love with the irresistible combination of tart cranberries, creamy white chocolate, and zesty orange, then you’re about to meet your new favorite treat: the Cranberry Bliss Bars {Starbucks Copycat Recipe} Recipe. These bars perfectly capture that same fabulous flavor and texture that made the Starbucks version so popular, all in a simple homemade version that feels like a special indulgence. But trust me, these bars are more than just a copycat—they’re a warm, chewy, creamy delight you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the magic of these bars. From butter’s rich foundation to the zing of orange extract and the burst of Craisins, this list is straightforward yet thoughtfully curated to deliver balanced taste, texture, and color.
- Butter (1 cup, melted): Adds rich moisture and helps create a tender crumb.
- Brown sugar (1 1/2 cups packed): Brings a deep caramel sweetness and chewiness.
- Eggs (2): Provide structure and bind the ingredients together.
- Orange extract (1 tsp + 1/2 tsp): Infuses a fresh, citrusy brightness that lifts the flavors.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp + 1/2 tsp): Offers warmth and enhances sweetness.
- Ground ginger (1/2 tsp): Adds a subtle spicy note for complexity.
- Baking powder (1 tsp): Helps the bars rise just enough for softness.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances sweetness and intensifies flavor.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The base that gives the bars structure.
- White chocolate chips (1 cup): Bring creamy sweetness and melty pockets throughout.
- Craisins (3/4 cup + 1/3 cup chopped): Provide bursts of tart chewiness and beautiful color contrast.
- Cream cheese (8 oz., softened): Makes the frosting luxuriously creamy and tangy.
- Powdered sugar (1 1/2 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting perfectly.
- White baking chocolate or almond bark (2 squares, melted): For a graceful drizzled finish that’s as delicious as it is pretty.
How to Make Cranberry Bliss Bars {Starbucks Copycat Recipe} Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and preheat
Start by setting your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s ready when you are. Line a large jelly roll pan or rimmed cookie sheet with parchment paper—this will make it easy to lift the bars out later while keeping the edges nice and clean. A 15-by-10-inch pan works perfectly for even baking.
Step 2: Mix the batter
Whip together your melted butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy—this is where that sweet, buttery flavor begins coming to life. Then add eggs, orange extract, and vanilla extract, beating well to combine everything into a rich base. Next, carefully add your ground ginger, baking powder, salt, and flour, mixing just until blended. Be careful not to overmix here—you want tender bars, not tough.
Step 3: Fold in the star ingredients
Gently stir in the white chocolate chips and whole Craisins by hand to spread that lovely texture and burst of flavor throughout the batter. Spread this mixture evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing it out with a spatula. Bake for about 18 to 22 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and the middle is set. Keep an eye so they don’t bake too long and harden. When done, bring the pan to a wire rack and let it cool fully before frosting.
Step 4: Make the luscious frosting and garnish
Beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy—the perfect creamy top layer. Then blend in your additional orange and vanilla extracts for that bright finishing touch. Spread this frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Finally, sprinkle tossed chopped Craisins all over and drizzle the melted white baking chocolate or almond bark on top in pretty little streaks using a fork. For a neat presentation, chill the bars for an hour before slicing into triangles, then dig in!
How to Serve Cranberry Bliss Bars {Starbucks Copycat Recipe} Recipe
Garnishes
An extra sprinkle of fresh dried cranberries or even a light dusting of powdered sugar can add elegance and boost both texture and visual appeal. Toasted white chocolate shavings can also enhance the creamy notes beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a hot cup of your favorite coffee or tea to enjoy the classic Starbucks vibe. A scoop of vanilla ice cream also makes a fantastic pairing, turning these bars into a decadent dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the bars in a buffet spread or arranging them on a pretty platter with edible flowers for special occasions. Wrapping individual bars in parchment paper tied with a ribbon makes a delightful homemade gift or party favor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover bars tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain their fresh, soft texture. Refrigeration is also fine but may firm up the frosting.
Freezing
These bars freeze wonderfully. To freeze, cut them into bars and layer them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container or freezer bag. They will keep for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating
If you like your bars a little warm, gently microwave individual portions for 10 to 15 seconds to soften without melting the frosting too much, or leave at room temperature to regain tenderness after freezing.
FAQs
Can I substitute the orange extract?
Yes! If you don’t have orange extract, a teaspoon of freshly grated orange zest will add a lovely natural citrus flavor, though the taste will be a bit fresher and less concentrated.
What if I don’t have Craisins?
Dried cherries or dried cranberries work great as substitutes. Just make sure to use ones that are not packed in sugar syrup to maintain the right texture and sweetness balance.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend, preferably one with xanthan gum included, to keep the texture close to the original.
Is there a vegan version of this recipe?
While this recipe relies heavily on butter, eggs, and cream cheese, you can experiment with plant-based butter alternatives, flax eggs, and vegan cream cheese, though the texture and flavor will be slightly different.
How long do the bars last once frosted?
When refrigerated, the frosted bars will keep well for up to 5 days. Make sure to keep them covered tightly to prevent drying out or absorbing other odors.
Final Thoughts
These Cranberry Bliss Bars {Starbucks Copycat Recipe} Recipe are truly a memorable treat that brings together the perfect harmony of tart, sweet, creamy, and chewy in one bite. Whether for a festive occasion, a cozy coffee break, or just because, this recipe is guaranteed to become a beloved staple. I can’t wait for you to make them and share their joy with those around you!
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Cranberry Bliss Bars {Starbucks Copycat Recipe} Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cranberry Bliss Bars are a delightful Starbucks copycat treat featuring a buttery spiced base studded with white chocolate chips and Craisins, topped with a creamy orange-vanilla cream cheese frosting, more chopped Craisins, and a drizzle of white chocolate. Perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a sweet, tangy, and rich dessert bar.
Ingredients
Bar Base
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon orange extract
- 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
- 1/2 teaspoon orange extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup Craisins (roughly chopped)
- 2 squares white baking chocolate or almond bark (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 15×10 or 13×9 inch jelly roll pan or rimmed cookie sheet with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the melted butter and brown sugar on medium speed using an electric mixer. Add the eggs, 1 teaspoon orange extract, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Continue beating until the mixture is well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: To the wet mixture, add ground ginger, baking powder, salt, and all-purpose flour. Beat on low speed just until blended—be careful not to overmix to ensure tender bars.
- Fold in Add-ins: Stir in the white chocolate chips and 3/4 cup Craisins by hand using a spatula or spoon, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake the Bars: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the bars are set and golden brown around the edges. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft. Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack completely before frosting.
- Make the Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add 1/2 teaspoon orange extract and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing well to combine.
- Frost and Decorate: Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled bars. Sprinkle the top evenly with the chopped 1/3 cup Craisins.
- Drizzle White Chocolate: Drizzle the melted white baking chocolate or almond bark over the frosted bars by dipping a fork into the chocolate and shaking it gently over the top to create thin streaks.
- Set and Serve: For best results, refrigerate the bars for about an hour to allow the frosting to set before cutting. Slice into triangles and enjoy your Cranberry Bliss Bars!
Notes
- Line your pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner edges.
- Do not overbake the bars to maintain a soft and chewy texture.
- Refrigeration helps the frosting set and makes slicing cleaner.
- Triangles are the traditional shape to serve these bars, but feel free to cut into squares if preferred.
- Orange and vanilla extracts enhance the flavor complexity—do not omit.
