Cranberry bliss bars are one of those magical treats that just scream holiday cheer! Inspired by the beloved version from Starbucks, these bars blend the tartness of dried cranberries with the sweetness of white chocolate, all topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Trust me, every bite is a delightful explosion of flavor! I first stumbled upon these beauties during a chilly December afternoon while sipping on my favorite peppermint mocha. The moment I bit into a cranberry bliss bar, I knew I had to recreate them at home. They remind me of cozy gatherings with friends and family, where laughter fills the air and these delicious bars disappear in a flash. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s bring this festive delight to your kitchen! You won’t regret it!
Ingredients for Cranberry Bliss Bars Starbucks
To whip up these delightful cranberry bliss bars, you’ll need some simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 large 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, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Make sure everything is at room temperature for that lovely creamy texture we all crave! Now, let’s get baking!
How to Prepare Cranberry Bliss Bars Starbucks
Alright, let’s get into the fun part—making these scrumptious cranberry bliss bars! First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan (a 9×9-inch one works perfectly!). You want those bars to slide right out when they’re done, trust me!
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes; it’s super important for getting that airy texture! Next, add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract—oh, the smell is heavenly!
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Don’t overmix here; we want our bars to be tender and soft! Now, fold in those delightful dried cranberries and white chocolate chips. Yum!
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan and pop it into the oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once they’re baked, let them cool completely in the pan before frosting.
While they cool, mix together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and lemon juice until smooth. Once the bars are cool, spread this luscious cream cheese mixture on top, cut into squares, and get ready to enjoy a little slice of holiday heaven!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Trust me, making cranberry bliss bars at home is a game changer! Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore this recipe:
- Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you’ll have these bars baking in no time!
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of tart cranberries and sweet white chocolate creates a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible.
- Festive Appeal: Perfect for holiday gatherings, these bars bring a cheerful vibe to any dessert table.
- Customizable: Feel free to switch up the fruits or add your favorite nuts—make it your own!
- Easy to Share: With 16 generous squares, these bars are perfect for gifting or sharing with friends and family.
Once you taste these delightful treats, you’ll see why they’re a holiday staple in my kitchen!
Tips for Success
To ensure your cranberry bliss bars turn out perfectly, here are some handy tips! First, make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create that fluffy texture you want! When measuring your flour, spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife—don’t scoop directly from the bag, or you might end up with too much flour.
Keep an eye on the baking time; ovens can vary, so start checking around the 20-minute mark. You want them to be golden around the edges but still soft in the center. And finally, let them cool completely before frosting to avoid a melty mess. Enjoy them chilled for a refreshing treat, or warm them slightly for a cozy dessert experience!
Variations of Cranberry Bliss Bars Starbucks
One of the best things about these cranberry bliss bars is how easily you can make them your own! For a fun twist, try swapping out the dried cranberries for chopped dried cherries or even apricots for a different flavor profile. If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for an added crunch—yum!
Want to make these bars gluten-free? Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, and you’re good to go! You can also experiment with adding a hint of orange zest to the batter for a bright citrus kick. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and enjoy your delicious variations!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note—nutritional values can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you use, so these numbers are estimates for one cranberry bliss bar. Each bar contains approximately 200 calories, 18g of sugar, 9g of fat, and 2g of protein. They’re a sweet treat, so enjoy them in moderation and savor every delicious bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your cranberry bliss bars fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, I recommend refrigerating them, where they can last up to a week. Just make sure to separate the layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
If you prefer them warm, simply pop a square in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Trust me, that gooey white chocolate and cream cheese frosting will be even more irresistible! Enjoy your delightful treats whenever the craving strikes!
FAQ About Cranberry Bliss Bars Starbucks
Got questions about making these scrumptious cranberry bliss bars? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries:
Can I use fresh cranberries? Absolutely! Just make sure to chop them up a bit and maybe add a touch more sugar, since fresh cranberries are tart. They’ll give your bars a lovely burst of flavor!
How do I make them gluten-free? No problem! Just swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. This works like a charm and keeps the bars just as delicious!
What can I substitute for cream cheese? If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using vegan cream cheese or even Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. Just remember, the texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still taste fantastic!
Can I freeze these bars? Yes, you can! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. They’ll last for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge overnight.
If you have any more questions, just ask! I’m here to help you make the best cranberry bliss bars ever!
What to Serve with Cranberry Bliss Bars
These cranberry bliss bars are delightful on their own, but pairing them with the right beverages or desserts can take your experience to the next level! I love serving them alongside a warm cup of coffee or a cozy chai tea—there’s just something about that combination that feels so comforting, especially during the holidays. If you’re feeling festive, try them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgence. You could even pair them with other holiday treats like gingerbread cookies or peppermint bark for a sweet dessert platter that’ll wow your guests!
Imprimer
Cranberry Bliss Bars Starbucks: 7 Sweet Holiday Treats
- Temps Total: 40 minutes
- Rendement: 16 bars 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Cranberry bliss bars inspired by Starbucks.
Ingrédients
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large 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 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a baking pan.
- In a bowl, mix butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, mix well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in cranberries and white chocolate chips.
- Spread the batter in the prepared pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Cool completely.
- Mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and lemon juice.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture on top of the cooled bars.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Store bars in an airtight container.
- Best served chilled.
- Can substitute cranberries with cherries.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 25 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 bar
- Calories: 200
- Sucre: 18g
- De Sodium: 150mg
- La graisse: 9g
- Graisses Saturées: 5g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 3g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 29g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 2g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 30mg
Mots-clés: cranberry bliss bars, Starbucks, dessert bars, holiday treats
