Description
Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars deliver festive holiday magic with white chocolate and cream cheese frosting. Cranberry-studded blondies topped with zesty orange glaze create sweet memories you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup (227 grams) butter (softened)
- 3 eggs
- 1 ¼ cups (156 grams) flour
- 1 ¼ cup (275 grams) packed brown sugar
- 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese (softened)
Flavoring and Extracts:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Grated lemon zest
Drizzle and Finishing Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons (28 grams) butter (softened)
- 3 tablespoons dried cranberries (rough chopped)
- ¼ cup (43 grams) white chocolate
- 10 teaspoons (25 grams) powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F (177°C), positioning the rack in the center. Thoroughly coat a 9 x 13 inch (23 x 33 centimeters) baking pan with butter or non-stick spray, then line with parchment paper, allowing slight overhang for easy extraction.
- Using an electric mixer, cream unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture turns pale and develops a light, airy texture. Incorporate vanilla extract, then introduce eggs individually, ensuring thorough blending after each addition.
- In a separate mixing bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, ground ginger, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a uniform batter forms without overmixing.
- Gently fold dried cranberries, chopped semi-sweet chocolate chips, and additional finely chopped crystallized ginger into the batter, distributing ingredients evenly throughout.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula to create an even layer. Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center emerges with minimal crumbs.
- Allow the baked cake to cool completely in the pan, placed on a wire rack, which typically takes approximately 45-60 minutes.
- Prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth and fluffy. Add fresh lemon zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, then gradually incorporate powdered sugar until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
- Once the cake has cooled, use an offset spatula to evenly spread the cream cheese frosting across the surface, creating a smooth layer.
- Melt white chocolate chips using a double boiler or in short microwave intervals, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Drizzle the melted white chocolate decoratively across the frosted cake using a spoon or piping bag.
- Refrigerate the cake for 15-20 minutes to allow the frosting and drizzle to set. Carefully lift the cake out using parchment paper edges, then slice into triangular bars for an elegant presentation.
Notes
- Elevate your baking game with these decadent copycat Starbucks bars that burst with festive cranberry and white chocolate flavors.
- Perfect for holiday gatherings, these bars combine tangy dried cranberries with rich white chocolate in a soft, gingery base.
- Freeze extra bars wrapped tightly in plastic for up to one month, ensuring a quick dessert option anytime sweet cravings strike.
- Create uniform diagonal cuts by chilling the frosted cake for 30 minutes, which helps achieve clean, professional-looking triangles.
- Use room temperature ingredients like butter and cream cheese to guarantee a smoother, more consistent frosting texture.
- White chocolate drizzle adds elegant finishing touches, transforming these simple bars into bakery-worthy desserts that impress guests.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 1026 kcal
- Sugar: 96g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 54g
- Saturated Fat: 32g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 126g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 220mg