Description
Indulge in the festive flavors of these homemade Cranberry Bliss Bars, a delightful copycat of the beloved Starbucks treat. With a chewy blondie base, tangy cream cheese frosting, and a sweet white chocolate drizzle, these bars are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup whole dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup finely chopped dried cranberries (for topping)
- 8 ounces (1 block) full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh orange zest (for frosting)
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (for drizzle)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
- In a microwave-safe bowl or a small saucepan, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter and set it aside to cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the slightly cooled melted butter with 1 cup of packed light brown sugar and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Whisk until smooth, then beat in 2 large eggs one at a time. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of fresh orange zest.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Gently fold in 1 cup of white chocolate chips and 1 cup of whole dried cranberries.
- Pour the blondie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Let the blondie cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 1-2 hours until completely cool.
- In a medium mixing bowl, beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter until smooth. Beat in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/2 tablespoon of fresh orange zest. Gradually add 3 cups of powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
- Once the blondie is completely cool, lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle 1/2 cup of finely chopped dried cranberries over the frosted blondie. Melt 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips and drizzle over the cranberries.
- Place the frosted blondie in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours to set, then cut into squares or rectangles.
Notes
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- These bars can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg