If you adore those luscious, festive treats from Starbucks, then you’re going to be head-over-heels for this Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe. I’ve spent time tweaking this one in my kitchen to get that perfect balance of tangy cranberries, zingy ginger, and creamy sweetness that will remind you exactly of those beloved bars. Whether you want a show-stopping holiday dessert or just a comforting snack that feels like a warm hug, these bars will totally deliver. So grab your mixing bowl, and let’s whip up some magic together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Flavor: It nails the bright orange zest and fresh ginger notes just like the Starbucks original.
- Perfect Texture: The blondie base is soft and buttery with a slight chew, perfectly balanced by creamy frosting.
- Easy to Make: Despite tasting fancy, the steps are straightforward and beginner-friendly.
- Festive and Fun: Great for holiday parties or gifting—always a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe brings together ingredients that combine warmth, sweetness, and a hint of tartness to create that signature Cranberry Bliss flavor you love. Choosing high-quality dried cranberries and fresh oranges will really shine through in the final bar.
- Brown sugar: Adds rich molasses flavor and moisture that keeps the bars soft and chewy.
- Butter: Using room temperature butter helps you cream it well for a light, fluffy batter.
- Eggs (whole and yolks): Give the bars structure while keeping them tender.
- Vanilla extract: Deepens flavor—don’t skip it!
- Orange zest & juice: Freshness and zing are key, so I always zest my oranges right before baking.
- Fresh grated ginger: Adds that subtle spicy kick that’s so unique to these bars.
- Organic white flour: For the perfect crumb—be sure to measure properly by spooning and leveling.
- Salt and baking powder: Balance sweetness and help the bars rise just right.
- Dried sweetened cranberries (chopped): Bite-sized bursts of tart sweetness throughout the bar.
- White chocolate bar (chopped): Melts beautifully into the batter and adds creamy sweetness.
- Cream cheese (cold): Essential for the creamy frosting that contrasts perfectly with the chewy blondie.
- Powdered sugar: For smooth, lump-free frosting that stays soft.
- White chocolate chips: For that gorgeous drizzle on top.
- Decorative sparkling sugar: Adds a festive sparkle that’s just so fun for holiday treats.
Variations
I’ve played around with this Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe a bit, and honestly, you can easily customize it to suit your taste or dietary needs—plus, it’s fun to mix things up when you want a twist on a classic.
- Gluten-Free: I swapped the flour with a gluten-free baking mix once and it turned out surprisingly good—just watch the baking time since it can vary slightly.
- Vegan Version: I haven’t perfected a vegan copy yet, but using vegan butter and a cream cheese alternative works well if you combine it with flax eggs.
- Nutty Twist: Adding chopped pecans or walnuts makes these bars feel a little richer and adds a satisfying crunch.
- Less Sweet: If you prefer less sugary frosting, try cutting the powdered sugar by a quarter cup—you’ll still get creaminess but less sweetness.
How to Make Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe
Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar Till Fluffy
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper—this makes cleanup a breeze. In a large bowl, grab your room temperature butter and dark brown sugar and beat them together with an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial because properly creamed butter and sugar make your bars tender and raise just right.
Step 2: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Citrus Flavors
Beat in the whole egg and egg yolks (discard those whites you don’t need), then add your vanilla extract. Next, stir in the fresh orange juice, orange zest, and freshly grated ginger. I love how this fresh citrus and ginger combo brightens up the dense, buttery base—it’s the flavor that makes this recipe stand out!
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Fold in Mix-ins
In a separate bowl, sift together the organic white flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, folding it in gently to keep the batter light. Then fold in the chopped dried cranberries and chopped white chocolate bar pieces—they melt slightly when baked, creating those creamy pockets we’re aiming for.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the edges turn a warm golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs. Don’t overbake—these bars should stay soft and chewy. Once done, let them cool fully on a wire rack before frosting.
Step 5: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting
Using your electric mixer, whip the cold cream cheese until fluffy. I always keep mine straight from the fridge for this step—it whips up better that way. Add room temperature butter and cream until smooth. Then mix in the orange juice, zest, vanilla, and grated ginger before gradually beating in powdered sugar until your frosting is lump-free and spreadable. If it feels too thick, a splash of milk can help.
Step 6: Frost, Decorate, and Drizzle
Spread the frosting evenly over your cooled bars. Sprinkle with more chopped dried cranberries and white chocolate pieces for that festive look, then melt the white chocolate chips and drizzle them artfully on top. For the final touch, scatter decorative sparkling sugar—it gives these bars that extra holiday sparkle that always impresses guests.
Pro Tips for Making Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe
- Room Temp Butter: I learned that using butter right at room temp—not too soft or melted—helps achieve that perfect creamy texture when creaming.
- Don’t Overmix Dry Ingredients: Folding in the flour gently keeps the bars tender — overmixing can make them tough.
- Use Fresh Zest and Juice: Fresh orange zest and juice make a huge difference in flavor, so I don’t recommend bottled juice here.
- Cool Before Frosting: Never frost warm bars—letting them cool fully prevents melty, runny frosting.
How to Serve Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe
Garnishes
I like to keep it simple with extra chopped dried cranberries and a dusting of sparkling sugar on top for that pretty finish. Sometimes I add a few whole cranberries for an extra festive pop, especially around the holidays.
Side Dishes
These bars pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or your favorite herbal tea. They’re perfect alongside a cheese board if you want to balance the sweetness, especially with something sharp like aged cheddar or gouda.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving at a party, try stacking these bars on a pretty platter lined with festive napkins or wrapping individual bars in parchment tied with twine for beautiful edible gifts. For a brunch, I’ve layered them with whipped cream and fresh berries in glasses to create a “deconstructed” cranberry bliss parfait.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover bars tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and then in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to 5 days—just bring them to room temp before serving so that creamy frosting softens up nicely.
Freezing
Freezing works great if you want to prep ahead. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge to keep the frosting intact.
Reheating
I usually enjoy these bars at room temperature, but if you want them warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds—just enough to soften the cream cheese frosting without melting it completely.
FAQs
-
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried cranberries in this recipe?
Fresh cranberries have a higher moisture content and are more tart than dried cranberries, so I don’t recommend swapping them directly. Using fresh berries could make the bars too moist or alter the texture. If you want to use fresh cranberries, consider drying them out slightly or mixing with some dried ones to maintain balance.
-
Is it okay to substitute the cream cheese frosting with a simple glaze?
While you can substitute a simple powdered sugar glaze for a lighter finish, the creamy tang of the cream cheese frosting is a signature part of the Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe. The frosting balances the sweetness and tartness, so for that authentic experience, I recommend sticking with the cream cheese topping.
-
How do I prevent the white chocolate drizzle from hardening too quickly?
When melting white chocolate chips for the drizzle, heat gently in short bursts in the microwave or use a double boiler. Stir frequently and drizzle immediately while still warm but not hot. This helps create smooth lines instead of clumps as it cools.
-
Can I make these bars ahead for a party?
Absolutely! These bars are fantastic made one or two days ahead. Just store them covered in the fridge and bring them to room temp before serving to let the frosting soften a bit. They also freeze well, so you can prepare even earlier.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, I absolutely love how this Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe turns out every single time. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a cozy treat and an elegant dessert all in one. When I first made it, the combo of cranberry, orange, and ginger blew me away—it’s bright and festive, but still comforting. If you want to impress your friends or just treat yourself, these bars are the way to go. I can’t wait for you to give them a try and make them your own holiday favorite!
Print
Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 22 min
- Total Time: 37 min
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars feature a rich and buttery blondie base studded with tart sweetened cranberries, aromatic fresh ginger, and bright orange zest. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting infused with citrus and ginger, and finished with white chocolate chunks, a drizzle, and a sprinkle of cranberries and sparkling sugar, these bars deliver a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors. They make a festive treat ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy snacking.
Ingredients
Blondie 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)
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz brick cream cheese (cold from fridge)
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) room temperature butter
- 2 tbsp fresh squeezed orange juice
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1/4 tsp grated ginger
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Decorations
- 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)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- 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, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the whole egg, egg yolks, vanilla extract, fresh orange juice, orange zest, and freshly grated ginger until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the organic white flour, salt, and baking powder to ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
- Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding gently to avoid overmixing. Then fold in the chopped dried cranberries and chopped white chocolate bar pieces.
- Bake the Blondie Base: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool Completely: Remove the pan from the oven and let cool on a wire rack completely before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting: Using an electric mixer, whip the cold cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Add the room temperature butter and continue beating until creamy.
- Add Flavorings and Sugar: Mix in the orange juice, orange zest, grated ginger, and vanilla extract. Gradually blend in the powdered sugar, about a half cup at a time, until the frosting is smooth, thick, and free of lumps.
- Frost the Bars: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled blondie base.
- Decorate: Sprinkle the chopped dried cranberries, chopped white chocolate chunks, and decorative sparkling sugar evenly over the frosting.
- Melt White Chocolate and Drizzle: Gently melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler, stirring until smooth. Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the decorated bars using a spoon or piping bag for a beautiful finish.
- Chill and Store: Refrigerate the bars until the frosting sets, about 1 hour. Store them in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is cold when beginning the frosting to achieve a fluffy texture.
- Fresh orange juice and zest balance the sweetness with citrus brightness; use fresh for best flavor.
- Dried sweetened cranberries add tartness and a chewy texture; chop them for even distribution.
- The white chocolate drizzle adds extra sweetness and a professional finishing touch but can be omitted if preferred.
- Allow bars to cool fully before frosting to avoid melting the cream cheese layer.
- Store bars refrigerated and consume within 5 days for best quality.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 391 kcal
- Sugar: 39 g
- Sodium: 234 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
