Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars are deliciously sweet and tangy treats that combine a soft, spiced cake base with creamy frosting and a sprinkle of dried cranberries. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy afternoon treat, these bars capture the festive flavors of the season!

Ingredients

For the Cake Base:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon orange juice (freshly squeezed)
• Zest of 1 orange (optional, for extra flavor)

For the Topping:

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

Timing

Making Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars takes about 20 minutes for preparation and 25-30 minutes for baking, plus cooling time.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Base

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and ginger. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chopped cranberries and white chocolate chips.
6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely in the pan.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Beat Ingredients: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Add Sugar and Flavorings: Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract, orange juice, and orange zest (if using) until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Assemble the Bars

1. Frost the Cake: Once the cake base is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
2. Add Toppings: Sprinkle the additional chopped cranberries over the frosting. Drizzle with melted white chocolate.

Step 4: Cut and Serve

1. Slice into Bars: Cut the cooled and frosted cake into squares or rectangles.
2. Enjoy: Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars (per bar, based on 16 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	210
Protein	2g
Fat	10g
Carbohydrates	30g
Sugar	18g

Tips for Customization

• Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
• Different Dried Fruits: Substitute cranberries with dried cherries or blueberries for a different flavor.
• Spice Variations: Experiment with other spices like nutmeg or allspice for added warmth.

Storage Instructions

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just make sure to wrap them well.

Conclusion

Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars are a delightful treat that brings the flavors of the season to your kitchen. With their soft cake base, creamy frosting, and festive toppings, these bars are sure to be a hit at any gathering!