Description

These Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars are a delightful treat combining a soft, buttery blondie base loaded with dried cranberries and white chocolate chunks, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting infused with orange and ginger. Finished with extra cranberries, white chocolate drizzle, and sparkling sugar, these bars capture the festive flavors of the popular holiday Starbucks treat, perfect for sharing or gifting.

Ingredients

Scale

Bar Base

1 1/2 cups brown sugar
2 sticks room temperature butter
1 whole egg
2 egg yolks (discard whites)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp orange zest
1 tsp fresh grated ginger
2 tbsp fresh squeezed orange juice
2 1/4 cups Organic White Flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
1 cup dried sweetened cranberries (chopped)
3 oz white chocolate bar (chopped)

Frosting

8 oz brick cream cheese (cold from fridge)
1 stick (1/2 cup) room temp butter
2 tbsp fresh squeezed orange juice
1 tsp orange zest
1/4 tsp grated ginger
2 tsp vanilla extract
4 cups powdered sugar

Toppings

2 oz white chocolate bar (chopped)
3/4 cup dried cranberries (chopped)
2 tbsp decorative sparkling sugar
1/2 cup white chocolate chips (for drizzle)

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bars.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the room temperature butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps incorporate air for a tender texture.
Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the whole egg, egg yolks, and vanilla extract until fully combined. Then mix in the fresh squeezed orange juice, orange zest, and freshly grated ginger, enhancing the bar’s bright and warm flavors.
Mix Dry Ingredients and Fold In: Sift together the flour, salt, and baking powder in a separate bowl. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently. Finally, fold in the chopped dried cranberries and white chocolate chunks evenly throughout the batter.
Bake the Bars: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Cool Completely: Remove the bars from the oven and set on a wire rack to cool completely, which is essential before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
Prepare the Frosting: Using an electric mixer, whip the cold cream cheese until fluffy. Add the room temperature butter and mix until smooth and creamy. Blend in the orange juice, orange zest, grated ginger, and vanilla extract. Gradually add powdered sugar and continue mixing until the frosting is lump-free and thick enough to spread.
Frost the Bars: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars using a spatula for a smooth finish.
Add Toppings: Sprinkle the chopped dried cranberries and chopped white chocolate over the frosting, followed by decorative sparkling sugar. Melt the white chocolate chips (preferably over a double boiler) and drizzle them in thin ribbons on top for a festive finish.
Store Properly: Store the finished bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. For clean slicing, refrigerate bars for at least 30 minutes before cutting.

Notes

Storage: Keep bars refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container to maintain freshness.
Cutting Tips: Refrigerate bars for at least 30 minutes before slicing to achieve cleaner, neater cuts into squares or triangles.
Ingredient Substitutions: If fresh orange zest or ginger is unavailable, dried orange zest or ground ginger can be used, although fresh ingredients deliver the best flavor and aroma.
White Chocolate Melting Tip: Melt white chocolate over a double boiler gently to avoid overheating and burning, ensuring smooth and glossy drizzle.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 280
Sugar: 24g
Sodium: 120mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 55mg