Cranberry Bliss Bars
Deliciously chewy and creamy, these Homemade Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars combine tart cranberries, rich white chocolate, and luscious cream cheese frosting, making them the perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Bars
- 1 cup butter, softened Make sure it's at room temperature.
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour Can substitute gluten-free flour.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried cranberries Can substitute with other dried fruits.
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
For the Frosting
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened Ensure it's at room temperature.
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
Optional Toppings
- ¼ cup chopped pecans Optional for added crunch.
- 1 tablespoon orange zest Optional for flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all ingredients and ensure butter and cream cheese are at room temperature. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan by greasing it and lining it with parchment paper.
Making the Bars
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, blending until just combined.
- Fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips gently with a spatula.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Level off the batter.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan (about an hour).
Frosting and Finishing
- In a bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars.
- Optionally, sprinkle chopped pecans and orange zest over the frosted bars. Allow bars to set for a few minutes before cutting into squares.
Notes
Store uneaten bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. These bars freeze well when tightly wrapped for up to three months.