Description
Enjoy delicious homemade Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars featuring a buttery blondie base studded with dried cranberries and white chocolate, topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting and drizzled with melted white chocolate and extra cranberries for a festive touch. Perfect for dessert or snack time, these bars combine rich flavors with a bright citrus zest.
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
- 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. Line the bottom with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal. Spray the parchment paper again to prevent sticking.
- Brown the Butter: In a light-colored saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir frequently as it foams and the milk solids turn golden brown, then promptly remove from heat. Pour the browned butter into a bowl, scraping in all browned bits, and allow to cool completely to deepen the blondie flavor.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. In a separate large bowl, whisk the cooled browned butter with the light brown sugar until blended. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest, stirring until the mixture is smooth.
- Combine Batter and Bake: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet batter with a rubber spatula, avoiding overmixing. Fold in chopped white chocolate and dried cranberries. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan with a smooth top. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until the edges are golden and the top is set. Cool on a wire rack to room temperature before frosting.
- Prepare and Spread the Frosting: Beat together the softened cream cheese, sifted confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, orange juice, and finely grated orange zest until fluffy and smooth. Once the blondies are fully cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Optionally chill for 10 minutes to firm the frosting for decorating.
- Add Toppings and Finish: Evenly sprinkle roughly chopped dried cranberries over the frosted surface. Drizzle melted white chocolate decoratively on top using a small bag with a snipped corner. Refrigerate until the frosting and chocolate drizzle are fully set for clean slicing.
- Slice and Serve: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into triangles or desired shapes. Serve and enjoy! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Brown the butter carefully; its nutty aroma enhances the blondie depth.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the blondies tender.
- Chilling after frosting helps when drizzling the white chocolate toppings.
- Use parchment paper overhang for effortless removal from the pan.
- Store leftovers refrigerated and consume within 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Starbucks Copycat, Cranberry Bliss Bars, blondies, white chocolate bars, cranberry dessert, cream cheese frosting
