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How to Make Cranberry Bliss Bars (Starbucks Copycat) | Easy Recipe

Recreate Starbucks’ iconic Cranberry Bliss Bars at home with this detailed, step-by-step guide. Featuring buttery blondies, tangy cranberries, and rich cream cheese frosting, this copycat recipe delivers café-quality results perfect for holidays or any time of year.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 12 –16 bars
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Blondies:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1½ cups packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp grated orange zest or 1 tsp orange extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp ground ginger
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips
  • ¾ –1 cup dried cranberries
  •  
For the Frosting:
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1½ cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp orange extract or zest
  •  
For the Topping:
  • ¾ cup white chocolate chips or 4 oz white baking bar
  • ½ cup dried cranberries chopped
  • 6 –7 drops vegetable oil
  • Additional orange zest for garnish

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 15×10-inch or 13×9-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
  2. Cream butter and brown sugar together with an electric mixer for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well, then add vanilla extract and orange zest. Mix until smooth.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, ginger, and salt.
  5. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
  6. Fold in white chocolate chips and dried cranberries by hand.
  7. Spread batter evenly in prepared pan and bake for 18–22 minutes or until edges are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
  8. Cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
  9. To make frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and orange zest, mixing until spreadable.
  10. Spread frosting over cooled bars and chill for 1 hour.
  11. Melt white chocolate chips in 30-second microwave intervals, stirring between each. Add vegetable oil for smooth drizzling.
  12. Drizzle white chocolate over frosting, then sprinkle chopped cranberries and orange zest.
  13. Allow chocolate to set for 15 minutes before cutting into bars. Wipe knife between cuts for clean edges.

Notes

For best flavor, use high-quality white chocolate and don’t overbake. Always cool completely before frosting. Cornstarch ensures a soft, tender crumb that mimics Starbucks’ signature texture.