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.
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
Blondies
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and ginger.
- Combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, stirring until everything is fully mixed together. Gently fold in the dried cranberries.
- 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.
- Allow the blondies to cool completely before you add the frosting.
Frosting
- 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.
- In a large bowl, use a hand mixer on medium speed to beat the cream cheese and confectioners’ sugar until smooth.
- 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.
- 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!
