Cranberry Bliss Bars Starbucks

These cranberry bliss bars bring a coffee house favorite straight to your kitchen. Packed with tangy cranberries and creamy white chocolate, each square is soft and festive with a cloud of cream cheese frosting. They are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie swaps, or anytime you want something extra special that feels like a bakery treat.

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 look for unsalted and high-quality butter for best results
• Brown sugar: to add moisture and a deep caramel flavor opt for dark brown sugar for an extra boost
• Eggs: at room temperature for structure and tenderness choose fresh eggs for baking
• Vanilla extract: creates warmth and aroma pure vanilla brings the best flavor
• All-purpose flour: for a sturdy yet soft bar measure carefully to avoid dense results
• Baking powder: for just the right lift use a fresh can so your bars rise well
• Salt: to balance the sweetness fine sea salt gives even seasoning
• White chocolate chips: for creamy pockets select a good brand that melts easily
• Dried cranberries: for tang and chew chop roughly so bits scatter through each bite
• Cream cheese: for the frosting choose full-fat and let soften for a fluffy spread
• Powdered sugar: for sweetness sift before mixing to prevent lumps
• Vanilla extract in frosting: ensures a creamy bakery taste
• More dried cranberries: for the topping extra festive color and texture
• White chocolate: for drizzling select real white chocolate for easy melting

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Pan:

Line a nine by thirteen inch baking pan with parchment paper leaving extra to help lift the bars out after baking This makes slicing cleaner later

Mix Wet Ingredients:

In a large bowl beat melted butter and brown sugar together until smooth and creamy Whisk in eggs and vanilla until the mixture is glossy and fully blended

Combine Dry Ingredients:

In another bowl sift flour baking powder and salt Sifting helps prevent lumps and ensures the bars bake up evenly

Fold Together:

Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture gently mixing until just combined Overmixing can make the bars tough so stop when you no longer see streaks of flour

Add Mixins:

Gently fold in white chocolate chips and chopped dried cranberries making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough

Bake:

Spread batter evenly into prepared pan smoothing the top Bake at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit for about twenty to twenty two minutes A toothpick stuck in the center should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs Allow bars to cool fully in the pan

Frost:

Beat softened cream cheese until silky and smooth Add powdered sugar and vanilla whisking until light and spreadable Spread frosting over the completely cooled bars

Finish and Decorate:

Scatter the top with more chopped dried cranberries Drizzle with melted white chocolate for the signature look Let the chocolate set before slicing

Cut and Serve:

Using the parchment overhang lift the whole slab onto a cutting board Cut into twenty four squares dipping your knife in hot water for clean edges

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Storage Tips

Store the bars in an airtight container lined with parchment between layers This keeps them from sticking together Refrigerate for up to five days For longer storage freeze the unfrosted bars tightly wrapped then frost after thawing for freshest taste

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap white chocolate chips for chopped high quality white chocolate bars if you prefer richer flavor If you are out of dried cranberries try dried cherries or even chopped dried apricots The cream cheese frosting can be made dairy free with a vegan cream cheese substitute

Serving Suggestions

Set these bars on a holiday cookie plate or wrap up squares for sweet gifts They work well with a pot of coffee or tea For a party display slice the bars into triangles for a true copycat presentation

A Little History

The cranberry bliss bar became a coffee chain sensation in the early two thousands because people loved the playful combo of sweet tart and creamy Homemade versions allow you to skip preservatives and tailor the sweetness to your taste

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Commonly Asked Questions

→ What type of cranberries work best?

Dried cranberries are recommended for their chewy texture and tart flavor, which complement the sweet white chocolate.

→ Can I use different chocolate?

White chocolate provides a signature sweetness, but milk or dark chocolate chips can be substituted for a different flavor profile.

→ How do I achieve smooth frosting?

Allow cream cheese to reach room temperature and beat it until creamy before adding powdered sugar and vanilla.

→ How do I cut the bars without sticking?

Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wipe clean between each cut for tidy, uniform squares.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Keep bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days, separated by parchment paper.

→ Are the bars better chilled or at room temperature?

The bars taste delicious chilled, but their flavors and texture are best enjoyed at room temperature.