Homemade Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars
Have you ever craved those delightfully sweet and tangy Cranberry Bliss Bars from Starbucks? If so, you’re in for a treat! Making this copycat version at home allows you to enjoy all the flavors you love, with the added bonus of knowing exactly what goes into the recipe. Perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy afternoons, or any time you need a sweet pick-me-up, these bars are decadently delicious and easy to whip up.
Reasons to Try It
You might be wondering, what makes this recipe so special? For starters, it’s incredibly simple to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Plus, these bars are budget-friendly, making them perfect for those cozy nights in or festive gatherings. Everyone, including the kids, will love the combination of tart cranberries and sweet cream cheese frosting. They’re versatile too—great for snacks, desserts, or even gifts!
"These cranberry bliss bars are the perfect balance of sweet and tart! Made them for a holiday party, and everyone asked for the recipe!"
How This Recipe Comes Together
Making these Homemade Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars is a breeze! You’ll start by prepping your baking pan and mixing your dry ingredients. From there, it’s a simple matter of creaming the butter and sugar, adding your wet ingredients, and folding in the cranberries and white chocolate chips. Once baked, you’ll top the bars with a creamy frosting. Sounds straightforward, right? Let’s break it down further.
What You’ll Need
Gather these ingredients before you begin:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
If you need substitutes, feel free to swap the walnuts with pecans or omit them altogether for a nut-free version.
Directions to Follow
Here’s how to prepare these delightful bars step-by-step:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan.
- In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy and smooth.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
- Fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Spread the batter into the greased baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- For the creamy frosting, mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth and spread evenly over the cooled bars.
- Cut into squares and garnish with chopped walnuts if desired.
- Enjoy your homemade cranberry bliss bars!
Best Ways to Enjoy It
The real magic happens when you serve your Cranberry Bliss Bars. Enjoy them on their own, with a cup of coffee, or as part of a festive dessert platter. For a little extra flair, drizzle some melted white chocolate on top or sprinkle a dash of sea salt for a savory-sweet combination.
How to Store & Freeze
To keep these bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you wish to freeze them, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can last up to three months frozen. Just ensure to let them thaw in the fridge before serving!
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for the best texture when creaming with the sugar.
- Don’t overmix the batter; a bit of lumpiness is okay to ensure the bars stay soft and moist.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent the cream cheese mixture from melting and sliding off.
Creative Twists
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding a twist to the recipe. Substitute dried cranberries with cherries or blueberries for a different taste. For a bit of zing, you might add a teaspoon of orange zest to the batter. Or, if you want them to be a bit healthier, try using whole wheat flour in place of some of the all-purpose flour.
Your Questions Answered
How long does it take to prep these bars?
Prep time is about 15 minutes, with an additional 20-25 minutes for baking. So, you can have these delightful bars ready in just under an hour.
Can I use fresh cranberries?
Yes, fresh cranberries will work, but you may want to increase the sugar slightly to balance the tartness.
What if I have leftovers? How long do they last?
Stored properly in the fridge, they last up to a week. Just keep them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
Enjoy baking and indulging in these delightful, sweet, and tart cranberry bliss bars at home! Happy cooking!
Cranberry Bliss Bars
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened Make sure it's softened to room temperature.
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup dried cranberries Can substitute with fresh cranberries (increase sugar if needed).
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
Frosting
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
Optional Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts Optional; can substitute with pecans or omit for nut-free.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan.
- In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy and smooth.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
- Fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Spread the batter into the greased baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Frosting
- For the creamy frosting, mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth.
- Spread evenly over the cooled bars.
Serving
- Cut into squares and garnish with chopped walnuts if desired.
