Cranberry Bliss Bars (Starbucks Copycat)
Perfect for holiday gatherings, these Cranberry Bliss Bars capture the joy of the season with every bite. A delightful homemade take on the beloved Starbucks dessert with cranberries, rich white chocolate and cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients:
Blondies:
1 cup (2 sticks / 227 g) unsalted butter
⅔ cup (113 g) white chocolate chips
1¾ cups (350 g) light brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 large egg yolk, room temperature
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon orange zest
2½ cups (312.5 g) all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
⅛ teaspoon ground ginger
1 cup (160 g) dried cranberries
Frosting:
1 cup (160 g) white chocolate chips, melted and divided
8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
¾ cup (94 g) confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon orange zest
½ cup (65 g) dried cranberries, chopped
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Take a 9×13-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper, making sure it extends up the sides. Set this aside for later.
step 1.
In a large microwavable bowl, combine the butter and white chocolate chips. Heat in 20-second bursts, stirring each time, until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, which should take about 1 to 2 minutes. Let it cool slightly.
step 2.
Into the melted white chocolate mixture, mix in the brown sugar until well combined. Add the eggs and the additional egg yolk one at a time, ensuring you stir thoroughly after adding each. Mix in the vanilla extract and orange zest, then set the mixture aside.
step 3.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and ginger.
step 4.
Combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, stirring until everything is fully mixed together. Gently fold in the dried cranberries.
step 3.
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges start to turn a light golden brown.
step 4.
Allow the blondies to cool completely before you add the frosting.
While batter bakes, make the frosting.
step 1.
Place the white chocolate chips in a small bowl and microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring until they are melted and smooth. Reserve this for later use.
step 2.
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer on medium speed to beat the cream cheese and confectioners’ sugar until smooth.
step 3.
Slowly add HALF of the melted white chocolate into the cream cheese mixture, keeping the other half for drizzling. Mix until well incorporated. Add in the orange zest and stir to combine.
step 4.
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled blondies. Sprinkle the dried cranberries on top of the frosting. Drizzle the remaining melted white chocolate over the bars for a finishing touch. Enjoy at your Christmas dinner party!
