Homemade Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars
Introduction
Homemade Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars are a delightful treat that brings the warmth of the holiday season to your kitchen. These bars combine the sweet and tart flavors of dried cranberries with the creamy richness of white chocolate, making them the perfect accompaniment to your favorite cup of coffee or tea. With a chewy texture and a luscious cream cheese frosting, these bars are not just incredibly satisfying—they also evoke the coziness of festive gatherings. Trust me, once you try this homemade version, you may never want to buy the store-bought ones again. So gather your ingredients and get ready to create a sweet masterpiece that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients & Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for frosting)
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (one large and one medium)
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Baking dish (9×9-inch is ideal)
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Parchment paper (optional for easy removal)
- Cooling rack
Step-by-Step Instructions (with tips)
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is essential to ensure that your bars bake evenly and rise beautifully.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to cream these ingredients together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Make sure there are no lumps of butter remaining.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, crack in the eggs and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated, ensuring the batter is smooth and even.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, baking powder, and salt. This step helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and salt throughout the flour.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix, as that can lead to tougher bars. You want everything just combined for the best texture.
Step 6: Fold in Cranberries and Chocolate Chips
Now, it’s time to fold in the star ingredients! Gently mix in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips until they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. The cranberries not only add flavor but also a beautiful pop of color.
Step 7: Bake the Bars
Spread the batter into a greased baking dish (or lined with parchment paper for easy removal). Use a spatula to smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges start to turn a lovely golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool the Bars
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer them onto a cooling rack to cool completely before frosting.
Step 9: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While your bars are cooling, it’s time to whip up the creamy frosting! In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and spreadable. You can adjust the consistency by adding a little more milk if needed.
Step 10: Frost and Cut the Bars
Once the bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top. Use a spatula to smooth it out evenly. After frosting, cut the bars into squares or rectangles, and they are ready to serve!
Storage, Freezing & Make-Ahead Tips
To store your Homemade Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars, simply place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge overnight.
If you’re planning to make these ahead for a gathering, feel free to bake the bars a day or two in advance, and frost them just before serving to keep that frosting fresh and creamy.
How to Use / Serve This Dish
These delightful bars are great on their own, but here are some fun serving suggestions to enhance your experience:
- Coffee Companion: Pair them with your favorite coffee brew or a spice latte for a festive treat.
- Brunch Delight: Serve as part of a holiday brunch spread alongside muffins, fruit, and yogurt.
- Gift Idea: Pack them into a holiday-themed box or jar as a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family.
- Dessert Platter: Arrange these bars on a platter alongside other seasonal treats for a dessert buffet.
You can also get creative by adding nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch or drizzling some melted white chocolate over the top for an extra sweet touch.
FAQ Section
Q: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
A: Fresh cranberries can be quite tart, so if you choose to use them, consider adding a little extra sugar to your batter to balance the flavors.
Q: How long do these bars last?
A: When stored properly in an airtight container, the bars will last up to 3 days at room temperature and up to 3 months in the freezer.
Q: Can I substitute the cream cheese in the frosting?
A: Yes! If you prefer a lighter frosting, you can substitute the cream cheese with Greek yogurt or whipped cream cheese.
Q: What if I don’t have white chocolate chips?
A: You can use dark chocolate chips or even butterscotch chips as a delicious alternative.
Conclusion
Homemade Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars are a celebration of festive flavors that warm the heart and soothe the soul. As you whip up this delightful treat, you create not just delicious bars but also cherished memories shared around a cozy table. Whether enjoyed with friends, family, or savored solo with a cup of tea, every bite is a reminder of the comforting joys of home-baked goodness. So why not bring the spirit of the season into your kitchen? Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your baking adventures with loved ones. Happy baking!
Cranberry Bliss Bars
Ingredients
For the Bars
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup white sugar
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 2 pieces eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
For the Frosting
- ¼ cup cream cheese
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract for frosting
- 1 tablespoon milk for frosting
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently.
- Fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Spread the batter into a greased 9x9-inch baking dish and smooth the top.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Frosting
- In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
- Once the bars are cool, spread the frosting over the tops and slice into squares or rectangles.
