Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe
Enjoy the festive flavors of Starbucks’ famous Cranberry Bliss Bars with this easy-to-make copycat recipe. Featuring a moist and spiced cake base studded with tart dried cranberries and white chocolate chunks, topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting, extra cranberries, and a delicate white chocolate drizzle, these bars are perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a sweet, fruity treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Bar Layer
- 1/4 cup softened butter
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch salt
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1.5 oz (40g) white chocolate, roughly chopped
Frosting
- 1.5 oz (40g) cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon dried cranberries, chopped
Drizzled Icing
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon milk
- 3/4 teaspoon vegetable shortening
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease or line a standard-size loaf tin with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix cake batter: In a medium-sized bowl, beat together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the egg, ground ginger, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, beating until combined thoroughly.
- Add dry ingredients and mix : Gently fold in the all-purpose flour and baking powder until just combined. Stir in the chopped dried cranberries and white chocolate chunks evenly throughout the batter.
- Bake the cake layer: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared loaf tin. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and springs back when lightly touched.
- Cool the cake: Allow the cake to cool completely in the loaf tin before frosting, ensuring the frosting does not melt.
- Prepare the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Spread this frosting evenly over the cooled cake layer. Sprinkle the chopped dried cranberries on top of the frosting and gently press them in.
- Make the drizzled icing: In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar, milk, and vegetable shortening. Beat well until the mixture is smooth and of drizzle consistency.
- Decorate the bars: Drizzle the icing over the frosted cake in thin diagonal strips to finish the cranberry bliss bars. Allow the icing to set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For best flavor, use full-fat cream cheese for a creamy frosting texture.
- Ensure the cake has completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- Chopping the dried cranberries finely helps distribute flavor evenly and avoids big tart bites.
- You can substitute white chocolate with white chocolate chips for convenience.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- Bring bars to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Keywords: Starbucks Copycat, Cranberry Bliss Bars, Holiday Dessert, Cream Cheese Frosting, White Chocolate Cranberry Bars
