These delightful Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars bring the beloved café treat right into your kitchen. With chewy blondies packed with white chocolate chunks and tangy dried cranberries, they’re perfect for any festive occasion. Topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, these bars are sure to impress friends and family alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet white chocolate and tart cranberries creates a perfect balance that everyone will love.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, these blondies can be whipped up in no time.
- Versatile Treat: Whether it’s for a holiday gathering or a casual snack, these bars fit the bill for any occasion.
- Impressive Presentation: The cream cheese frosting adds a beautiful finish that elevates the bars to gourmet status.
- Batch Friendly: Perfect for sharing, this recipe yields three dozen bars, making it ideal for parties.
Tools and Preparation
Preparing these Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars requires just a few essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Parchment paper
- Large chef’s knife
- 9 x 13 metal pan
Importance of Each Tool
- Parchment paper: It ensures easy removal of the blondies from the pan without sticking, making cleanup a breeze.
- Large chef’s knife: A sharp knife is essential for cutting the blondies into neat pieces, enhancing their presentation.
Ingredients
To make these delicious Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars, gather the following ingredients:
For the Blondies
- 1 batch White Chocolate Cranberry Blondies by Taste of Home
- Parchment paper
- Large chef’s knife
How to Make Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Begin by lining your 9 x 13 metal pan with parchment paper. This will allow the blondies to be removed from the pan with ease.
Step 2: Follow the Recipe
Follow the recipe linked above exactly to ensure you achieve that perfect blend of flavors and textures in each bar.
After baking, allow them to cool before frosting. Enjoy your homemade Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars!
How to Serve Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars
Serving Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars is a delightful way to impress guests or enjoy a cozy treat at home. These bars not only taste heavenly but also look stunning on any dessert table.
Pair with Coffee
- Classic Brew: Serve with a cup of freshly brewed coffee for a comforting afternoon pick-me-up.
- Espresso Shot: An espresso shot adds a rich, bold flavor that complements the sweetness of the bars.
Enjoy with Tea
- Herbal Blend: A warm herbal tea can enhance the fruity notes in the bars, making for a soothing snack.
- Chai Latte: The spices in chai pair beautifully with the creamy frosting and cranberry tang.
Festive Presentation
- Holiday Platter: Arrange the bars on a festive platter surrounded by seasonal fruits like pomegranate or orange slices.
- Gift Boxes: Wrap individual portions in decorative boxes for thoughtful gifts during the holidays.
How to Perfect Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars
Making perfect Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars requires attention to detail. Follow these tips to achieve delicious results every time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your dried cranberries and white chocolate are fresh for optimal flavor and texture.
- Measure Accurately: Use precise measurements, especially for flour and sugar, to maintain the right consistency.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to keep your blondies chewy rather than cakey.
- Cool Completely: Allow the blondies to cool fully before frosting; this prevents melting and ensures a smooth finish.
Best Side Dishes for Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars
Pairing side dishes with Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars can elevate your dessert experience. Consider these options for a well-rounded selection.
- Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a delightful contrast to the chewy bars.
- Fruit Salad – A refreshing fruit salad provides a light balance against the richness of the blondies.
- Cheese Plate – Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese alongside crackers for a savory touch.
- Spiced Nuts – Roasted spiced nuts add crunch and flavor, enhancing your dessert spread.
- Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries – The sweetness of strawberries dipped in chocolate complements the bars perfectly.
- Greek Yogurt Parfait – Layer Greek yogurt with granola and berries for a nutritious side option that pairs well with dessert flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
- Skipping parchment paper: Not lining the pan can make it hard to remove the bars cleanly. Always line your pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to tough blondies. Mix just until ingredients are combined for a chewy texture.
- Using old ingredients: Expired baking soda or stale cranberries can ruin your bars. Check ingredient freshness before you start baking.
- Not cooling before frosting: Frosting warm blondies will cause the cream cheese frosting to melt. Allow the bars to cool completely before adding frosting.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Container: Use an airtight container to keep them fresh and moist.
Freezing Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars
- Duration: These bars can be frozen for up to three months.
- Preparation: Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
Reheating Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat individual bars on low power for 15-20 seconds.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and heat for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
You can use fresh cranberries, but they will change the texture and sweetness of the bars. If using fresh, consider adding extra sugar.
How do I customize my Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars?
Feel free to add nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch, or swap white chocolate with dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
What can I substitute for cream cheese in the frosting?
You can use vegan cream cheese or a dairy-free alternative if you’re looking for a non-dairy option.
How long do these bars last at room temperature?
Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars can last at room temperature for up to two days if stored properly in an airtight container.
Final Thoughts
Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them with your favorite mix-ins or toppings. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy these chewy blondies topped with creamy frosting!
Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars, a festive treat perfect for any occasion. These chewy blondies are loaded with sweet white chocolate chunks and tart dried cranberries, then topped with a creamy frosting that elevates their appeal. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or enjoying a cozy snack at home, these bars are sure to impress friends and family alike. Their easy preparation and impressive presentation make them an ideal choice for sharing during the festive season.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 batch of White Chocolate Cranberry Blondies (recipe from Taste of Home)
- Dried cranberries
- White chocolate chunks
- Cream cheese
- Sugar
- Butter
- Flour
- Vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9 x 13 metal pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare the blondie batter according to the linked recipe, mixing until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow the blondies to cool completely before frosting with cream cheese mixture.
- Cut into squares and serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (45g)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg