Introduction

These Tasty Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars offer the perfect combination of rich blondie layers, creamy frosting, and tart cranberries. They’re a delightful treat that’s sure to impress both family and friends. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, these bars are perfect for any occasion.

This image shows several triangular cake slices arranged in a circle, each slice having two layers. The bottom layer is a light brown cake studded with visible red cranberries inside, while the top layer is thick white frosting with a smooth texture. The frosting is decorated with several whole dried cranberries and thin white icing drizzled in a zigzag pattern. The slices are placed on a wooden surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

For the blondie layer:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (7.5 oz)
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp table salt
12 tbsp unsalted butter (6 oz)
1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar (10.5 oz)
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp grated orange zest
3/4 cup dried cranberries (3.5 oz, loosely packed)
1 1/3 cups white chocolate, chopped or chips (8 oz)

For the frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted (6 oz)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp orange juice
1 tsp orange zest, finely grated
2/3 cup white chocolate, melted (4 oz)

For the topping:

1/2 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped (2.3 oz, loosely packed)
1 2/3 cups white chocolate, melted (10 oz)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the oven rack in the middle position. Spray a 9 by 13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray. Line the bottom with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal. Spray the parchment paper with nonstick spray again.
Step 2: In a light-colored saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Continue cooking and stirring frequently until the butter foams and the solids turn golden brown. Remove from heat immediately and pour the browned butter into a bowl, scraping in the browned bits. Let it cool completely.
Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together. In a large bowl, mix the cooled browned butter and light brown sugar until well blended. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest, stirring until smooth.
Step 4: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture with a rubber spatula until just combined. Fold in the white chocolate and dried cranberries. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until edges are golden and the top is set. Cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 5: Beat the cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, orange juice, and orange zest in a medium bowl until smooth and fluffy. Once the bars are cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Chill for about 10 minutes if desired for easier decorating.
Step 6: Sprinkle the chopped cranberries over the frosting. Drizzle the melted white chocolate in a decorative pattern by using a small zip-top bag with a snipped corner. Refrigerate until the frosting and drizzle are firm.
Step 7: Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Cut into triangles or preferred shapes. Serve and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Brown the butter carefully for richer flavor but avoid burning it to keep a smooth taste.
Use good quality white chocolate for both the batter and drizzle to enhance sweetness and texture.
Chill the frosted bars before decorating to help the frosting set and hold the toppings better.
For a festive twist, try adding chopped pistachios alongside the cranberries on top.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Before serving, let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to soften slightly. These bars can also be frozen for up to 1 month—thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a multi-slice dessert arranged on a white marbled surface, each slice showing two main layers: a thick, light brown cake base with visible red berry bits inside, topped with a smooth white frosting layer. The frosting is decorated with small red berry pieces scattered evenly on top, along with thin white drizzle lines running diagonally across each slice. The slices are neatly cut in triangular shapes and placed close together in a circular pattern. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of dried?

It’s best to use dried cranberries to avoid extra moisture, which could affect texture and baking time. If substituting frozen, pat them dry thoroughly and expect a slight change in texture.

Is there a way to make the frosting firmer?

Yes, chilling the frosting after spreading and adding a little extra sifted confectioners’ sugar can help firm it up. Also, ensuring the cream cheese is well chilled before mixing can improve texture.