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Copycat Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe

Copycat Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 21 reviews

These Copycat Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars combine a rich, buttery blondie base studded with tart dried cranberries and white chocolate chunks, topped with a creamy orange-zested cream cheese frosting, more cranberries, and a white chocolate drizzle for festive flavor perfect for holidays or anytime you crave a sweet, tangy treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Blondie Layer

  • 3/4 cup butter, melted
  • 2 cups packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 2 ounces white baking chocolate, chopped

Frosting

  • 1 block (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons whole milk
  • 5 cups confectioners’ sugar
  • 2 tablespoons grated orange zest
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 2 ounces white baking chocolate, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare Blondie Layer: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 13×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later. Set aside.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the melted butter and brown sugar together at medium speed until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Finally, beat in the vanilla extract.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground ginger until evenly mixed.
  4. Make Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the dried cranberries and half of the chopped white baking chocolate.
  5. Bake Blondies: Transfer the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly using a spatula. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan.
  6. Remove Blondie Layer: Once cooled, carefully lift the blondie layer out of the pan using the parchment overhang and place it on a cutting board.
  7. Prepare Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth and creamy. Alternately add the confectioners’ sugar and whole milk, beating well after each addition until the frosting is fluffy, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the grated orange zest for a bright citrus flavor.
  8. Frost Blondies: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled blondie layer. Sprinkle dried cranberries evenly over the frosting.
  9. Make White Chocolate Drizzle: Place the remaining 2 ounces of chopped white baking chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until completely melted and smooth.
  10. Finish Bars: Drizzle the melted white chocolate evenly over the frosted blondie bars. Refrigerate the bars for at least 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set and the drizzle to harden.
  11. Serve: Once set, slice the bars into rectangles or squares and serve chilled or at room temperature for a delicious treat.

Notes

  • You can substitute dried cherries for cranberries for a slightly different flavor.
  • For a dairy-free version, use vegan cream cheese, vegan butter, and a non-dairy milk alternative.
  • Ensure cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for a smooth frosting.
  • Use high-quality white baking chocolate for the best texture and flavor when melting.
  • Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Allow bars to come to room temperature before serving for softer texture or serve chilled for a firmer bite.
  • You can toast the dried cranberries slightly before adding for an extra depth of flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry bliss bars, copycat Starbucks dessert, blondie bars, cranberry bars, holiday dessert, cream cheese frosting

Find it online: https://cheframiflavor.com/copycat-starbucks-cranberry-bliss-bars-recipe/