Description
These Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars Copycat offer a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors with a moist, spiced base loaded with white chocolate chips and craisins. Topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting, orange and vanilla extracts, and drizzled with melted white chocolate, these bars mirror the beloved holiday treat, perfect for festive gatherings or anytime indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Bars
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 1/2 cups dark brown sugar (packed)
- 2 eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon orange extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup craisins
For the Topping
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon orange extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup craisins (roughly chopped)
- 4 ounces baking white chocolate (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the bars.
- Prepare the Pan: Line a 13×9 inch jelly roll pan or a rimmed cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Make the Bar Batter: In a large bowl, use a mixer to beat melted butter and dark brown sugar until well combined. Then add eggs, orange extract, and vanilla extract, beating until the mixture is smooth. Incorporate ground ginger, cinnamon, orange zest, baking powder, salt, and flour, mixing gently until just blended to avoid overmixing. Fold in the white chocolate chips and craisins carefully with a spatula.
- Bake the Bars: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-22 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the bars are set. Take care not to overbake.
- Cool Completely: Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool fully before applying the topping.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Mix in the orange and vanilla extracts until well combined.
- Apply the Topping: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Sprinkle the roughly chopped craisins on top.
- Drizzle White Chocolate: Drizzle the melted baking white chocolate over the topped bars using a fork for a decorative finish.
- Chill to Set: Refrigerate the bars for at least one hour to allow the topping to firm up before serving.
- Serve: Cut the bars into triangles and serve chilled for the best texture and flavor experience.
Notes
- Ensure eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the bars tender and moist.
- Allow bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting the cream cheese topping.
- Refrigerate bars before slicing to achieve clean cuts and neat servings.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For a stronger orange flavor, use fresh orange zest and a high-quality orange extract.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Starbucks Copycat, Cranberry Bliss Bars, Holiday Bars, White Chocolate Bars, Cream Cheese Frosting, Cranberry Dessert
