Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Homemade Convenience: Enjoy the Starbucks classic anytime without leaving your home.
- Festive Flavors: The combination of cranberries, white chocolate, and orange zest makes these bars perfect for holiday gatherings.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you can whip up these bars for any occasion.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Baking Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray.
- Brown the Butter: In a light-colored saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue heating until it bubbles and foams, stirring continuously. Once the milk solids turn golden brown, remove from heat and transfer to a bowl to cool.
- Mix the Blondie Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, combine the cooled browned butter and brown sugar until well mixed. Add eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest, mixing thoroughly. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined. Stir in the white chocolate chunks and dried cranberries.
- Bake: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 18-21 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Avoid overbaking to maintain a chewy texture. Allow the blondie to cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare the Frosting: Melt the white chocolate and let it cool slightly. In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the melted white chocolate, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, orange juice, and orange zest, mixing until creamy and well combined.
- Frost and Garnish: Once the blondie is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Sprinkle with additional dried cranberries. Drizzle melted white chocolate over the top for a decorative touch.
- Serve: Allow the bars to set until the frosting is firm. Cut into squares, then halve each square diagonally to create triangles, mimicking the classic Starbucks presentation.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: Approximately 24 bars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Nutty Addition: Incorporate chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
- Dark Chocolate Twist: Replace white chocolate with dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary needs.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Place the bars in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: These bars freeze well. Layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
FAQs
What are Cranberry Bliss Bars?
Cranberry Bliss Bars are dessert bars featuring a blondie base with white chocolate and dried cranberries, topped with cream cheese frosting, more cranberries, and a white chocolate drizzle.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.
How should I store leftover bars?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze Cranberry Bliss Bars?
Absolutely, they can be frozen for up to 2 months. Ensure they are well-wrapped or stored in an airtight container.
Do I have to brown the butter?
Browning the butter adds a nutty depth of flavor, but if preferred, you can use melted butter without browning.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Dried cranberries are recommended for their sweetness and texture. Fresh cranberries may be too tart and moist for this recipe.
What can I use instead of white chocolate?
You can substitute with milk or dark chocolate, though it will alter the classic flavor profile.
Is the orange zest necessary?
Orange zest enhances the flavor, complementing the cranberries and white chocolate, but it can be omitted if desired.
How do I prevent the bars from being too dry?
Avoid overbaking and ensure accurate measurement of ingredients to maintain moisture.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Yes, adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can provide additional texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Cranberry Bliss Bars are a delightful combination of flavors and textures, perfect for the holiday season or any time you’re craving a sweet treat. This homemade version allows you to enjoy the Starbucks favorite at your convenience. Happy baking!
Cranberry Bliss Bars
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cranberry Bliss Bars are a moist and chewy blondie base featuring tart dried cranberries, creamy white chocolate chunks, and a hint of zesty orange. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, more cranberries, and a drizzle of white chocolate, these bars are the perfect festive treat for holidays or year-round indulgence.
Ingredients
- Blondie Base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, browned and cooled
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup white chocolate chunks
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries
- Frosting and Garnish:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup white chocolate, melted and cooled
- 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp orange juice
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries (for topping)
- 1/4 cup white chocolate, melted (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Pan:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and grease lightly. - Brown the Butter:
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until it foams and milk solids turn golden brown. Remove from heat and let cool. - Mix Blondie Batter:
- Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- In a separate bowl, mix browned butter and brown sugar. Add eggs, vanilla, and orange zest.
- Gradually fold in dry ingredients, then stir in white chocolate and cranberries.
- Bake:
Spread batter evenly into prepared pan. Bake 18–21 minutes or until edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely. - Prepare Frosting:
Beat cream cheese until smooth. Mix in melted white chocolate, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, orange juice, and zest until creamy. - Frost and Garnish:
- Spread frosting over cooled blondie.
- Sprinkle dried cranberries and drizzle melted white chocolate.
- Serve:
Allow frosting to set. Slice into squares, then halve diagonally for classic triangles.
Notes
- Substitute gluten-free flour for dietary needs.
- Nuts like pecans or walnuts can be added for texture.
- Store bars in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
