Print

The Ultimate Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars (Perfectly Moist and Zesty)

A close-up of a single square of cranberry bliss bars topped with white chocolate drizzle and festive sprinkles.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Recreate the famous holiday treat at home with this recipe for Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars. You get a soft, moist blondie base packed with cranberries and white chocolate, topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting, orange zest, and a festive white chocolate drizzle.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips
  • 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted (for frosting)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
  • 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 1 tablespoon milk or heavy cream (for frosting)
  • 1/2 cup white chocolate, melted (for drizzle)
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped (for topping)
  • Festive red and green sprinkles (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the paper.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step builds the base texture.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and orange zest.
  4. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix the batter.
  6. Fold in the 1 cup of dried cranberries and 1 cup of white chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  7. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared 9×13 inch pan.
  8. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. You want these blondie bars to remain soft.
  9. Let the base cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Cooling is essential before frosting.
  10. Prepare the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy.
  11. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled blondie base.
  12. Melt the 1/2 cup of white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the frosting in a back-and-forth pattern.
  13. Immediately sprinkle the chopped dried cranberries and festive sprinkles over the wet white chocolate drizzle.
  14. Chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the frosting and drizzle to set firmly.
  15. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire slab out of the pan. Cut into 24 squares.

Notes

  • For the best copycat flavor, ensure you use fresh orange zest in the blondie base; this provides the signature bright note.
  • If you prefer a thicker frosting layer, you can increase the powdered sugar slightly, adding milk one teaspoon at a time until you reach your desired spreading consistency.
  • These bars store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days, maintaining their moist texture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.unfoldrecipes.com/cranberry-bliss-bars-recipe/