Description
These Softest Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars are irresistibly tender and packed with festive flavors. Made with a buttery base, melted white chocolate chips, and tangy dried cranberries, these bars are topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting flavored with orange zest, and finished with chopped cranberries and white chocolate drizzle. Perfect for holiday celebrations or cozy gatherings, these bars combine creamy sweetness with a delightful fruity tartness.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Bars
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/4 cups light brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 3/4 cup white chocolate chips
- 2/3 cup dried cranberries
For the Frosting and Topping
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup white chocolate, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and light brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine all the wet ingredients thoroughly.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground ginger to ensure even distribution of leavening and spice.
- Form the Batter: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Then stir in the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
- Bake the Bars: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 20 to 24 minutes, or until the top turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and orange zest, beating until the frosting is fluffy and well combined.
- Frost the Bars: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the completely cooled bars for a creamy and zesty layer.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the chopped dried cranberries over the frosting, then drizzle the melted white chocolate in zigzag patterns for a decorative and flavorful touch.
- Chill and Serve: Chill the bars for at least 30 minutes to set the frosting and chocolate drizzle before cutting into squares or triangles for serving.
Notes
- Ensure the bars are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
- For easier slicing, chill the bars well so that the frosting and toppings firm up.
- Use parchment paper to line the pan for effortless removal and clean edges.
- Ground ginger adds a subtle spicy warmth; you can adjust the amount to your preference.
- Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
