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

Scale

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)

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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, 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