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Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 78 reviews

These Tasty Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars are a delicious blend of buttery blondies loaded with dried cranberries and white chocolate, topped with creamy orange-scented frosting, extra cranberries, and drizzled white chocolate. Perfect as a festive treat or anytime dessert with a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Blondie Layer:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (7.5 oz)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp table salt
  • 12 tbsp unsalted butter (6 oz)
  • 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar (10.5 oz)
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp grated orange zest
  • 3/4 cup dried cranberries (3.5 oz, loosely packed)
  • 1 1/3 cups white chocolate, chopped or chips (8 oz)

For the Frosting:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted (6 oz)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp orange juice
  • 1 tsp orange zest, finely grated
  • 2/3 cup white chocolate, melted (4 oz)

For the Topping:

  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped (2.3 oz, loosely packed)
  • 1 2/3 cups white chocolate, melted (10 oz)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Baking Pan and Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the oven rack in the middle. Spray a 9 by 13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray, then line the bottom with parchment paper, letting it overhang on both sides for easy removal. Spray the parchment paper again to prevent sticking.
  2. Brown the Butter: In a light-colored saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir frequently and cook until the butter foams and the milk solids at the bottom turn a golden brown. Remove from heat immediately and pour into a bowl, scraping in all browned bits. Let cool completely to deepen the blondie flavor.
  3. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. In a separate large bowl, blend the cooled browned butter with brown sugar until combined. Stir in the lightly beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and grated orange zest until smooth.
  4. Combine Batter and Bake: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture with a rubber spatula until just combined. Fold in the white chocolate and dried cranberries. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until edges are golden and the top is set. Cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
  5. Prepare and Spread the Frosting: Beat together softened cream cheese, sifted confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, orange juice, and orange zest until fluffy and smooth. Spread the frosting over the cooled blondies evenly. Optionally, chill for 10 minutes for easier decorating.
  6. Add Toppings and Finish: Sprinkle chopped dried cranberries evenly over the frosting. Drizzle melted white chocolate decoratively over the top using a small bag with a snipped corner. Refrigerate until frosting and drizzle are set for clean slicing.
  7. Slice and Serve: Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into triangles or desired shapes. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Notes

  • Browned butter enhances the depth of flavor in the blondies.
  • Do not overmix the batter to keep the blondies tender.
  • Chilling the frosted bars before decorating makes topping application easier.
  • Use parchment paper with overhang to easily lift bars from the pan.
  • If frosting is runny, add more confectioners’ sugar or white chocolate to thicken.
  • Store bars refrigerated to maintain freshness and texture.

Keywords: Cranberry Bliss Bars, Starbucks Copycat, Blondies, Cranberry Dessert, White Chocolate Bars, Holiday Treats

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