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Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe

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4.3 from 85 reviews

These Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars are a delightful blend of white chocolate blondies topped with creamy orange zest frosting and tart cranberries. Perfectly sweet and tangy, these bars mimic the famous coffeehouse treat, offering a festive and flavorful dessert ideal for holidays or any special occasion.

Ingredients

For the White Chocolate Cranberry Blondies

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries

For the Frosting

  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest (freshly grated)
  • 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream (to reach desired consistency)
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pan: Begin by lining a 9 x 13 inch metal baking pan with parchment paper. This will make it easier to remove the blondies after baking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, mix the melted butter and brown sugar until combined. Add the egg and vanilla extract, stirring until smooth.
  4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture gently using a spatula. Be careful not to over-mix to avoid dense or dry blondies.
  5. Add Mix-ins: Fold in white chocolate chips and dried cranberries evenly throughout the batter.
  6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 18-22 minutes. Check at the 18-minute mark by inserting a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the blondies are done.
  7. Cool Completely: Remove the blondies from the oven and allow them to cool fully in the pan before frosting.
  8. Make the Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Add heavy cream a little at a time until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
  9. Frost the Blondies: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled blondies.
  10. Decorate: Sprinkle the remaining dried cranberries evenly over the frosting.
  11. Chill and Slice: Chill the frosted blondies in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Use a large, sharp chef’s knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts for clean slices.

Notes

  • Chilling the blondies before cutting results in cleaner, neater slices.
  • Don’t skip the orange zest in the frosting; it adds a bright, refreshing flavor reminiscent of the original Starbucks version.
  • To avoid dense blondies, avoid over-mixing the flour into the wet ingredients—fold gently until just combined.
  • Freeze leftovers by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap, then placing in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
  • Use parchment paper on the pan to easily lift the blondies out without breaking.