Cranberry Bliss Bars Starbucks

This cranberry bliss bar recipe brings that cozy bakery flavor right to your kitchen. Each bar blends chewy brown sugar blondie base with tangy cranberries and creamy white chocolate topped with a thick layer of rich frosting. Whether for a festive dessert table or a quiet treat with coffee these bars are always a hit and better than any store version.

I first baked these bars for a friendsgiving party when I missed the coffee shop treats. Everyone raved that these tasted even better than the originals and now I make them each December.

Ingredients

• Melted butter: for a rich and fudgy base use unsalted and high quality butter
• Brown sugar: adds moisture and deep flavor choose dark brown sugar if possible
• Eggs: at room temperature for texture and lift use fresh eggs for best results
• Vanilla extract: gives warmth and depth pure vanilla brings the best aroma
• All purpose flour: provides structure measure carefully to avoid dense bars
• Baking powder: gives the bars a gentle lift make sure it is fresh
• Salt: balances the sweetness fine sea salt works well
• White chocolate chips: melt into creamy bites pick a good brand
• Dried cranberries: bring tartness and chew chop slightly for even spread
• Cream cheese: creates the luscious frosting full fat gives the best texture
• Powdered sugar: adds sweetness to the frosting sift to avoid lumps
• Vanilla extract in frosting: brings bakery level flavor
• More dried cranberries: for colorful topping chop for better texture
• White chocolate: for drizzling use real white chocolate for smooth melting

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Pan:

Line a nine by thirteen inch baking pan with parchment paper leaving enough overhang to lift the bars out easily after baking for clean slices

Mix Wet Ingredients:

In a large bowl whisk melted butter and brown sugar until smooth and creamy then beat in eggs and vanilla until fully blended and glossy

Combine Dry Ingredients:

In another bowl sift flour baking powder and salt together to remove lumps and help the bars bake evenly

Fold Together:

Add the dry mix to the wet ingredients stirring gently just until combined to keep the texture soft and chewy

Add Mixins:

Stir in white chocolate chips and chopped cranberries gently spreading them through the dough evenly

Bake:

Spread the batter evenly in the pan and smooth the top Bake at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit for about twenty to twenty two minutes until the center is set and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs

Frost:

Let the bars cool fully in the pan Beat cream cheese until silky then mix in powdered sugar and vanilla until light and spreadable Spread evenly over the cooled bars

Finish and Decorate:

Top with chopped dried cranberries and drizzle with melted white chocolate Let the chocolate firm up before slicing

Cut and Serve:

Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out Cut into twenty four squares dipping your knife in hot water between cuts for clean edges

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The white chocolate drizzle really lets them stand out I always let my kids help with this step and we end up laughing as we scatter cranberries everywhere It is the mess that makes the memory

Storage Tips

Keep the bars in an airtight container and place parchment between layers to prevent sticking Store in the refrigerator for up to five days To freeze wrap unfrosted bars tightly and frost them after thawing for freshest results

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chopped white chocolate bars instead of chips for a creamier taste Swap dried cranberries with cherries or apricots if needed For a dairy free version pick a vegan cream cheese for the frosting

Serving Suggestions

Serve these on a cookie platter or box them up as edible gifts Pair with a warm drink like spiced tea or coffee For parties cut the bars into triangles to mimic the original look

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A Little History

This treat became a hit at coffee shops in the early two thousands thanks to its playful mix of tart and sweet The homemade version skips the preservatives and lets you adjust sweetness to taste

Commonly Asked Questions

What type of cranberries work best?
Dried cranberries offer the perfect balance of tart flavor and chewy bite that pairs well with white chocolate

Can I use different chocolate?
Yes milk or dark chocolate chips work too but white chocolate gives the classic flavor

How do I achieve smooth frosting?
Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature then beat until creamy before adding sugar and vanilla

How do I cut the bars without sticking?
Dip your knife in hot water and wipe clean after each cut for neat squares

How should leftovers be stored?
Refrigerate in a sealed container with parchment between layers for up to five days

Are the bars better chilled or at room temperature?
They are good cold but the flavors shine best at room temperature

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ What type of cranberries work best?

Dried cranberries are ideal for their chewy texture and tangy flavor. They balance the sweetness of the bars and don’t release moisture like fresh ones.

→ Can I use a different chocolate?

Yes, milk or dark chocolate chips can be used for a twist, though white chocolate gives that signature flavor and look.

→ How do I get smooth cream cheese frosting?

Use room temperature cream cheese and beat it thoroughly before adding sifted powdered sugar and vanilla for a silky texture.

→ How should I store these bars?

Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze unfrosted bars and frost after thawing.

→ Are they better chilled or room temperature?

They’re delicious both ways, but room temperature brings out the full flavor and soft texture.

→ How do I cut clean squares?

Dip your knife in hot water and wipe clean between cuts for neat slices without pulling the frosting.