Cranberry Bliss Bars {Starbucks Copycat Recipe} to Savor Today

There’s something incredibly satisfying about recreating your favorite café treats right in your own kitchen. I still remember the first time I tasted those delightful Cranberry Bliss Bars at Starbucks – the sweet-tart cranberries mingling perfectly with creamy white chocolate just blew my mind! The moment I took a bite, I knew I had to try my hand at making them myself. And let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer! This Cranberry Bliss Bars {Starbucks Copycat Recipe} captures that same blissful combination of flavors in a way that feels oh-so-special. With the bright zing of orange and the comforting richness of cream cheese frosting, these bars are like a little hug in dessert form. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up, making them perfect for any occasion – be it a cozy afternoon tea or a holiday gathering. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a staple in your dessert rotation!

Ingredients List

Gathering the right ingredients is crucial for achieving that perfect flavor and texture in your Cranberry Bliss Bars {Starbucks Copycat Recipe}. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, melted – This adds richness and helps bind everything together.
• 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar – The brown sugar brings a lovely depth of flavor and moisture.
• 2 eggs – They’re essential for structure and tenderness.
• 1 teaspoon orange extract – This brightens up the flavor profile beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A classic flavor that complements the other ingredients.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger – It adds a warm spice note that pairs perfectly with the cranberries.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder – This helps the bars rise.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour – The backbone of the bar structure.
• 1 cup white chocolate chips – For that creamy sweetness in every bite!
• 3/4 cup Craisins – These dried cranberries add bursts of flavor.
• 8 oz. cream cheese, softened – This creates a luscious frosting.
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar – For sweetness and to achieve that smooth frosting texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon orange extract (for frosting) – It ties the flavors together.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting) – Adds warmth and richness.
• 1/3 cup Craisins, roughly chopped – For sprinkling on top, adding a final touch of texture and flavor.
• 2 squares white baking chocolate or almond bark, melted – For drizzling on top for that fancy finish.

How to Prepare Instructions

Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Let’s get started! First, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. This is super important because it ensures your bars bake evenly. While that’s warming up, grab a 15×10 or a 13×9 inch jelly roll pan and line it with parchment paper. Trust me, this makes it so much easier to lift the bars out later without any mess. I always make sure to leave a little overhang on the sides – it’s like having a built-in handle!

Mix the Bar Ingredients

Now it’s time to mix! In a large bowl, beat together the melted butter and brown sugar using an electric mixer. You want to get this nice and fluffy – about 1-2 minutes should do the trick. Once that’s creamy, add in the two eggs, along with the orange and vanilla extracts. Mix until everything is well combined; this is where that delicious flavor starts to come together!

Combine Dry Ingredients

Next up, it’s time to introduce the dry ingredients. Gently add in the ground ginger, baking powder, salt, and flour. Here’s a little tip: be careful not to overmix! Just blend it until you see no more flour streaks. Overmixing can lead to tough bars, and we definitely don’t want that! A spatula works wonders here for folding in those ingredients without going overboard.

Bake the Bars

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan and pop it into the oven. Bake for about 18-22 minutes. Keep an eye on them – you’ll know they’re done when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Once they’re ready, take them out and let them cool on a wire rack. This cooling step is crucial for achieving that perfect texture!

Make the Frosting

While the bars are cooling, let’s whip up that luscious frosting! In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until it’s super smooth. This is where you can really make it shine, so add in the orange and vanilla extracts and mix well. The frosting should be creamy and dreamy – perfect for spreading over your bars!

Assemble and Serve

Once your bars are completely cool, it’s time to assemble! Spread that delicious frosting generously over the top. Then, sprinkle the roughly chopped Craisins all over for a pop of color and flavor. Finally, drizzle some melted white baking chocolate over the top for that fancy finish. When it comes time to cut, I like to slice them into triangles for a fun presentation. Enjoy every bite of your homemade bliss bars!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Cranberry Bliss Bars {Starbucks Copycat Recipe} are not just a treat; they’re an experience! Here’s why you’ll adore making them:

• Quick Preparation: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you’ll have these delicious bars in the oven in no time!
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of sweet Craisins, creamy white chocolate, and zesty orange creates a taste explosion that’s hard to resist.
• Joy of Homemade: There’s something magical about creating these beloved café bars in your own kitchen, filling your home with delightful aromas.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive gathering, these bars are sure to impress everyone!

Tips for Success

To truly nail these Cranberry Bliss Bars {Starbucks Copycat Recipe}, here are a few pro tips:

• Measure Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour and sugar, to avoid density issues.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature for smooth mixing and better texture.
• Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a beautiful finish.
• Storage Tips: Keep sliced bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days, or freeze for up to three months—just thaw overnight before serving!

Nutritional Information Section

When diving into these delightful Cranberry Bliss Bars {Starbucks Copycat Recipe}, it’s good to know what you’re indulging in! Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutrition per bar:

• Calories: 320
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 50mg
• Sodium: 180mg
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 28g
• Protein: 3g

Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and measurements used. Enjoy your treats mindfully!

FAQ Section

Got questions about these delicious Cranberry Bliss Bars {Starbucks Copycat Recipe}? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries:

• Can I use fresh cranberries instead of Craisins? While fresh cranberries can be used, they’re quite tart! I recommend sticking with Craisins for that perfect sweet-tart balance.
• How do I store the leftover bars? Keep your sliced bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days, or freeze them for up to three months—just thaw overnight before enjoying!
• Can I make these bars gluten-free? Absolutely! Simply swap out regular all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, and you’ll have scrumptious gluten-free Cranberry Bliss Bars.
• What’s the best way to cut these bars? I find that using a sharp knife and cutting them into triangles gives a nice presentation—plus, it’s a fun way to serve them!

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Feel free to reach out if you have more questions. I love chatting about these blissful treats!

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