Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars

These Starbucks Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars perfectly capture the festive spirit with a soft, spiced cake base paired with creamy frosting and tangy dried cranberries. They make a wonderful treat for holiday get-togethers or a cozy afternoon indulgence that brings a sweet and slightly tart flavor combination you’ll savor.

I first tried making these bars one holiday season when a coffee shop was closed and quickly realized how easy they are to bake at home. Since then, they have become a staple dessert that friends and family always ask me to bring.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: for a tender, sturdy cake base look for fresh flour for best results
• Baking powder and baking soda: to ensure a light and fluffy texture
• Ground cinnamon and ground ginger: contribute warm festive notes choose fresh spices for maximum aroma
• Unsalted butter: softened to create a rich, creamy batter
• Brown sugar: adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor
• Large eggs: for structure and richness
• Vanilla extract: enhances the overall sweetness
• Dried cranberries: chopped to distribute tart bursts throughout the cake
• White chocolate chips: folded in for pockets of creamy sweetness
• Cream cheese: softened for a smooth, tangy frosting
• Powdered sugar: to sweeten the frosting without graininess
• Freshly squeezed orange juice and zest: brighten the frosting with citrus notes
• Extra dried cranberries for topping: add texture and color
• Melted white chocolate for drizzling: adds a decorative and tasty finish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Cake Base:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line an 8 by 8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, greasing if desired to prevent sticking. This ensures easy removal of your bars later. Whisk together in a medium bowl the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and ginger until well combined. This step keeps the spices evenly distributed and prevents clumps. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together on medium speed until the mixture becomes light in color and fluffy. This aerates the batter for a tender crumb. Add the eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture while mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for subtle sweetness and depth. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined to avoid overmixing the batter which would make the bars dense. Fold in the chopped dried cranberries and white chocolate chips carefully so they stay evenly spread. Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly to ensure uniform baking. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake base cool completely in the pan before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.

Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:

In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. This creates the luscious base for frosting. Gradually add powdered sugar to the mixture while beating until well combined and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract, fresh orange juice, and orange zest if using. The citrus gives a refreshing brightness that balances the sweetness.

Assemble the Bars:

Once the cake base has fully cooled, spread an even layer of the cream cheese frosting across the top with a spatula to create a smooth surface. Sprinkle the additional chopped dried cranberries evenly over the frosting for color and tartness. Drizzle melted white chocolate over the top in a decorative pattern to add visual appeal and creamy texture.

Cut and Serve:

Using a sharp knife, cut the cake into squares or rectangles depending on your preference. Serve immediately or store the bars in the refrigerator for up to one week to keep them fresh and creamy.

Save

Storage Tips

Keep your bars stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain both freshness and frosting texture. They will last about a week this way.

If you want to store them longer, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They freeze well for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge when ready to enjoy.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Try swapping dried cranberries with dried cherries or blueberries for a different fruity twist that pairs just as well with the spices.
• If white chocolate chips aren’t your favorite, you can use milk or dark chocolate chips but this will slightly change the final flavor profile.
• For a nutty texture, add chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter when folding in the cranberries and chocolate chips.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these bars chilled or at room temperature with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon pick-me-up.
• Add a dusting of powdered sugar for a festive look or pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert.

Cultural Context

Cranberry Bliss Bars were popularized by Starbucks as a holiday-inspired treat, combining classic winter flavors like cinnamon, ginger, and cranberry with a rich cream cheese frosting that resembles the traditional frosting used in carrot cakes. They have since become a symbol of cozy holiday indulgence enjoyed by many across the United States.

Pro Tips

• Make sure your cream cheese and butter are fully softened to avoid lumps in the frosting and achieve a silky texture
• Do not overmix the cake batter once the dry ingredients are added to keep the bars tender and soft
• Toast the dried cranberries lightly in a dry skillet before folding them in for an extra boost of flavor if you like a more intense tartness

Common Recipe Questions

→ What gives these bars their spiced flavor?

The warm notes come from ground cinnamon and ginger mixed into the cake base, creating a cozy, aromatic profile.

→ Can I substitute the dried cranberries with other fruits?

Yes, dried cherries or blueberries work well, adding a different but complementary tartness.

→ How is the frosting prepared for these bars?

The frosting combines softened cream cheese and butter beaten smooth, then blended with powdered sugar, vanilla, and fresh orange juice for a creamy, tangy finish.

→ What is the best way to store these bars?

Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze well wrapped for up to three months.

→ Are there options to add texture to the bars?

Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts can be incorporated into the batter for a crunchy contrast to the soft base.