Copycat Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars

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If you’re anything like me, you can’t resist a seasonal treat at your local Starbucks this time of year. One of my all-time favourites? Those decadent Cranberry Bliss Bars! With their soft, chewy blondie base, creamy frosting, and bursts of tart cranberries, they truly capture the festive flavours of the holiday season. But rather than splurging on them at the coffee shop, why not make your own at home? This easy recipe will bring that coffee shop magic right to your kitchen!

These homemade bars are surprisingly simple to whip up and taste just like the original (if not better!). The base is soft, with hints of vanilla and ginger, complemented by sweet white chocolate and tangy cranberries. The real star, though, is the rich cream cheese frosting with a touch of citrus—it’s like a holiday party in your mouth. Top it all off with a drizzle of white chocolate and a sprinkle of cranberries, and you’ve got yourself a crowd-pleaser perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie swaps, or simply treating yourself.

The best part? These bars can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge, making them a stress-free dessert option during the busy holiday season. So, put on your favourite cozy sweater, grab a cup of coffee, and enjoy the satisfaction of baking your own festive treats. Trust me, these Cranberry Bliss Bars will disappear fast—maybe even faster than the store-bought ones!

Cranberry Bliss Bars Ingredients

Blondie Layer Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon orange extract (optional, but adds a nice flavor)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped

Frosting Ingredients:

• 4 oz (1/2 package) cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 teaspoons orange zest (optional, for extra flavour)

Topping:

• 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
• 1/4 cup white chocolate chips (for drizzle)

Instructions:

1. Make the Blondie Base:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it well.
2. In a large bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until combined.
3. Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and orange extract (if using) until smooth.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, ginger, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.
5. Fold in the white chocolate chips and chopped dried cranberries.
6. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
7. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are okay).
8. Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting.

2. Make the Frosting:

1. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
2. Add a teaspoon or two of orange juice if you want a citrusy kick.

3. Assemble the Bars:

1. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled blondie base.
2. Sprinkle the chopped dried cranberries on top.
3. Melt the remaining white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 15-second increments until smooth. Drizzle over the frosted bars using a spoon or piping bag.
4. Let the bars set for about 15-20 minutes, then slice into triangles or squares.

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