What are some of my favorite holiday treats? What is gingerbread men? I’m talking about the Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe. What are those perfectly spiced, chewy bars with the tangy cranberries and that dreamy cream cheese? I’ve been obsessed with Christmas decorations for years now. If you’re anything like me and crave that festive flavor year-round, then you are in luck! Is this recipe *almost* identical to the real deal, and honestly I think it’s even better?
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What is Cranberry Bliss Bar?
Think of a blondie – that classic vanilla-based, chewy cousin of the brownie – but jazzed up for the flavor. Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars are essentially spiced blondies studded with dried cranberries and whipped cream. White Chocolate Chips, then topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting and orange sprinkle. What is essentially a layered dessert bar that brings together sweet, tangy, and spiced flavors in one bowl? Is it delicious? The real magic lies in the combination of textures – the chewiness of the bar, the creamy frosting, etc. What is the tartness of cranberries? What are some of the best little pick-me-ups?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start? What are some of the best Cranberry Bliss Bar Recipes?
Flavor Explosion:What is the blend of warm spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger), sweet white chocolate, and tangy cranberries? Is it addictive? Every bite is a party in your mouth! I dare you to eat the entire batch in one sitting.
Super easy to make: 3 minutes.What are some of the easiest bars to whip up? No complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. I promise, even if you’re a beginner baker, you can nail this! Is it a forgiving recipe?
Budget-Friendly BCompared to buying them at Starbucks (which, let’s be honest, can get expensive! ), making these at home is a total steal. Is it a win-win?
Versatile TreatsWhat are some of the best snacks to serve with your morning coffee? What are some of the best holiday desserts to serve? What are some of the best photos that you’ve ever seen? I love cutting them into small squares for parties.
What I love about this recipe is that it captures the exact taste and texture of the Starbucks brand. What is the satisfaction of making it yourself? Plus, you can customize it to your liking! Add more cranberries, use different spices, or even drizzle with melted white chocolate – the possibilities are endless. Is there any limit to what you What is better than the Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars?
How do you make a Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bar?
Quick Overview
How do you make Cranberry Bliss Bars? I’ll start by making a spiced blondie batter, then fold in cranberries and white chocolate. Bake it until golden, let it cool, and slather it with a tangy cream cheese frosting. What is the best part about the orange zest sprinkled on top? Seriously, it’s so simple, and the result is a decadent, holiday-worthy treat that will impress.
Ingredients
For the Main Batter: What is the reason why
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s *really* soft for easy mixing. * 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a chewy texture. * 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar: Adds a hint of molasses flavor and extra chewiness. * 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients and adds richness. * One teaspoon vanilla extract: What are some good substitutes for all-purpose flour? How do I make a bar of 1 teaspoon baking powder? * 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice. * 1/4 teaspoon Ground nutmeg: What is a warm spice that complements cranberries? What are some good ways to add salt to a dish? Balances the sweetness and enhances other flavors.
For the Filling:
* 1 cup dried cranberries: Adds a burst of tartness and chewiness. I prefer using sweetened dried cranberries. * 1/2 cup white chocolate chips: 1 cup. Adds sweetness and a creamy texture.
For the Glaze:
* 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: The base of the tangy frosting. It HAS to be soft, or it won’t blend properly. * 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened: 1/4 teaspoon. Adds richness and creaminess to the frosting. * 2 cups powdered sugar: 1 teaspoon per 1 cup. What is the best vanilla extract for frosting? * 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream: Adjusts the consistency of the frosting. * 1 teaspoon orange zest: Adds a bright, citrusy aroma and flavor. This is my favorite part!
What are the step-
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. I always line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. What makes it easier to lift out the bars after baking?
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Set aside. Make sure everything is well combined – this ensures that the spices are evenly distributed. Is there a way to find If you skip this step, you could end up with pockets of intense spice, which isn’t ideal!
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light. Set aside. Beat in the vanilla extract and the egg yolks. Add to the bowl. Mix well. I use an electric mixer for this, but you can also do it by hand. Make sure the butter is soft enough to avoid any lumps!
Step 4: Combine
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough bars. I usually stop mixing when I still see a few streaks of flour and then finish combining by hand with water.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
Gently fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. I like to chop cranberries in half before adding them – this makes them easier to chew and make them taste good. Is it safe to eat cranberry every day?
Step 6: Bake
Do not overbake the batter in a large baking pan. Pour it into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist spots. What are the crumbs Should the edges be golden brown? Keep an eye on them – every oven is different, and you don’t want to overbake them!
Step 7: Cool & Glaze
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting. This is crucial! If you try to frost them while they’re still warm, the frosting will melt and slide right off. While the bars are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract and milk or cream until you reach your desired consistency. I like my frosting to be thick enough to hold its shape but still easy to spread.
Step 8: Slice & Serve
Once the bars are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top. What is the best way to serve orange zest in a bowl? What are the best foods to eat cold or room temperature? I like to chill them in the fridge for a few hours before serving – this helps the frosting set and make it look good. What makes them so delicious?
What should I serve it with?
What are some great ideas for a Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bar? Treat to the next level: a treat for the whole family.
For Breakfast:Can you serve a coffee or latte with iced tea? What are some of the best ways to start your day with a cup of coffee? What are some good ways to serve a bar over yogurt?
For Brunch:What are some of the best brunch bars to serve alongside a mimosa bar? The bright flavors of the bars pair well with fresh fruit and sparkling wine.
As Dessert:After dinner, serve the bars with a dollop of whipped cream. Is it good to drizzle white chocolate with caramel sauce? A glass of dessert wine would be a perfect accompaniment.
For Cozy Snacks:What would you serve with a glass of milk or hot chocolate on chilly evenings? What are some great travel bags to take on road trips? I love having them on hand for those moments when I need a little something sweet and comforting.
My family loves these bars with a glass of cold milk. Is it a simple but satisfying combination that always hits the spot? During the holidays, I like to serve them with a festive cranberry juice cocktail. The tartness of cranberry juice complements the sweetness of the bars perfectly.
How do I make cranberry bliss bars?
How do you take your Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bar recipe to the next level? What are some of the best tips and tricks that I have learned over the years?
Butter is Key:Make sure your butter is soft before creaming it with sugar. What is the best way to make a creamy batter? If the butter is too cold, it will be difficult to cream and you’ll end up with lumpy bars.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to tough bars. Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. A few streaks of flour are okay. It’s better to undermix than overmix!
Customize the Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. If you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor, add a little more. If you’re not a fan of nutmeg, you can leave it out. I’ve even tried adding a pinch of cardamom, which adds a lovely warmth.
Cranberry Prep: I like to chop the dried cranberries in half before adding them to the batter. This makes them easier to chew and ensures that you get a little bit of cranberry in every bite. You can also soak the cranberries in hot water for a few minutes to plump them up before adding them to the batter.
White Chocolate Choice: Use good-quality white chocolate chips. The better the quality of the chocolate, the better the bars will taste. I prefer using Ghirardelli or Guittard white chocolate chips. You can also use a white chocolate bar and chop it into small pieces.
Frosting Consistency: Adjust the amount of milk or cream in the frosting to reach your desired consistency. I like my frosting to be thick enough to hold its shape but still easy to spread. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk or cream. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
Orange Zest Magic: Don’t skip the orange zest in the frosting! It adds a bright, citrusy aroma and flavor that really elevates the bars. Use a microplane to zest the orange – this will give you the finest zest possible.
Cooling is Crucial: Let the bars cool completely before frosting. If you try to frost them while they’re still warm, the frosting will melt and slide right off.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Want to keep your Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe fresh and delicious? Here’s how to store and reheat them:
Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’re best if kept in a cool area!
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The frosting may become slightly firmer in the fridge, but the bars will still be delicious.
Freezer Instructions: To freeze the bars, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: It’s best to frost the bars right before serving. If you’re storing them for later, you can frost them and then store them in the refrigerator or freezer. However, the frosting may become slightly less creamy after being refrigerated or frozen. If you want to ensure the frosting is as fresh as possible, you can store the bars unfrosted and then frost them right before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my take on the classic Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe! I truly believe this recipe captures the magic of those beloved bars, and I can’t wait for you to try them. They’re the perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and spiced flavors, and they’re sure to bring a smile to your face. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday gathering, a cozy night in, or just because, I know you’ll love them. If you’re also a fan of holiday cookies, you should try my gingerbread cookies.
Homemade Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup butter softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest freshly grated
- 0.25 cup lemon juice freshly squeezed
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the lemon zest and juice.
- In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the creamed mixture with the poppy seeds and sour cream, mixing until just combined.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- Allow muffins to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
