Introduction

These Tasty Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars combine rich browned butter blondies with tangy cranberries and creamy frosting. They are perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a festive, decadent treat that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.

A slice of cake shaped like a triangle sits on a white plate. The cake has two layers: the bottom layer is light brown with visible red pieces inside, while the top layer is creamy white icing decorated with red dried berries and small white drizzle lines. Three red dried berries rest beside the cake slice on the plate. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with more cake slices blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (7.5 oz)
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp table salt
12 tbsp unsalted butter (6 oz)
1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar (10.5 oz)
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp grated orange zest
3/4 cup dried cranberries (3.5 oz, loosely packed)
1 1/3 cups white chocolate, chopped or chips (8 oz)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted (6 oz)
1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
1 tbsp orange juice
1 tsp orange zest, finely grated (for frosting)
2/3 cup white chocolate, melted (4 oz)
1/2 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped (2.3 oz, loosely packed)
1 2/3 cups white chocolate, melted (10 oz) for topping

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the rack in the middle position. Spray a 9 by 13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray, then line the bottom with parchment paper, leaving overhang on both sides. Spray the parchment again to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a light-colored saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir frequently until it foams and the milk solids turn golden brown. Remove from heat immediately and pour the browned butter into a bowl, scraping in all the browned bits. Let it cool completely.
Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together. In a large bowl, whisk the cooled browned butter with light brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest, mixing until well combined.
Step 4: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture with a rubber spatula until just combined. Fold in the white chocolate and dried cranberries. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Step 5: Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until the edges turn golden and the top is set. Cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
Step 6: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sifted confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, orange juice, and finely grated orange zest until smooth and fluffy.
Step 7: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled blondies. Chill for about 10 minutes if you prefer a firmer surface for decorating.
Step 8: Sprinkle the chopped dried cranberries evenly on top. Drizzle the melted white chocolate in a decorative pattern using a spoon or a small bag with a snipped corner.
Step 9: Refrigerate until the frosting and chocolate drizzle are firm. Lift the bars out using the parchment overhang and cut into triangles or your preferred shapes. Serve and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For deeper flavor, do not skip browning the butter—it adds a rich, nutty taste to the blondies.
If you like a tangier frosting, add a bit more orange juice or a teaspoon of lemon juice to brighten the flavor.
Substitute dried cherries or mixed berries for cranberries to switch up the flavor profile.
Use high-quality white chocolate for melting to ensure smooth drizzles and better flavor.
To cut clean bars, chill thoroughly and use a sharp knife warmed in hot water before slicing.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to keep them fresh. When ready to serve, you can bring them to room temperature or enjoy straight from the fridge. For softer texture, warm briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

How to Serve

The image shows three triangular blondie bars stacked on a white marbled surface. Each blondie has a thick base layer that is light brown with visible red dried cranberry pieces embedded throughout. On top of the base is a creamy white frosting layer that covers the whole surface smoothly. The frosting is decorated with thin white lines drizzled across and scattered with whole white chocolate chips and more dried cranberries, creating a textured and colorful topping. Some scattered cranberries and chips lie around the bars on the surface, enhancing the homemade look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars can be prepared a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors meld beautifully, and chilling also helps the frosting and chocolate set perfectly.

Can I freeze Cranberry Bliss Bars?

Yes, you can freeze these bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.