Homemade Cranberry Bliss Bars
Recreate the beloved seasonal Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars right in your own kitchen with this improved recipe! Delight in the balanced sweetness of white chocolate and the tang of cranberries, complemented by a smooth cream cheese frosting with a hint of orange zest. Less dense and more flavorful than the original, these bars are perfect for holiday gatherings or an anytime treat. Discover the magic of crystallized ginger, available in most grocery store produce sections with dried fruits, adding a spicy-sweet note that elevates the entire experience.
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1 cup (softened)
brown sugar
1 1/4 cups (packed)
eggs
3
ground ginger powder
1 teaspoon
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon
salt
1/4 teaspoon
flour
1 1/2 cups
dried cranberries
1/4 cup (minced)
white chocolate
1/4 cup (coarsely chopped)
candied ginger
1/4 cup (minced)
cream cheese
4 ounces (softened)
powdered sugar
1 1/2 cups
butter
2 tablespoons (softened)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon
grated orange rind
1 teaspoon
dried cranberries
1/4 cup (minced for garnish)
Instructions
1
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prep a 9 x 13-inch pan by greasing it well or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter and 1 1/4 cups of packed brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and airy.
3
3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, ensuring a well-blended and fluffy mixture.
4
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
5
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6
6. Gently fold in 1/4 cup each of minced dried cranberries, coarsely chopped white chocolate, and minced candied ginger until evenly distributed.
7
7. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
8
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the top is light golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
9
9. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
10
10. In a medium bowl, prepare the frosting by beating together 4 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of softened butter, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of grated orange rind until smooth and creamy.
11
11. Once the cake is cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
12
12. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of minced dried cranberries over the frosted surface for garnish.
13
13. Cut the frosted cake into 12 equal bars and serve. Enjoy the blissful blend of flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Homemade Cranberry Bliss Bars?
They are a homemade version of the seasonal Starbucks treat, featuring a blondie-like base with white chocolate, cranberries, and ginger, topped with a zesty cream cheese frosting.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 12 equal-sized bars.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What size baking pan should be used?
You should use a 9 x 13-inch pan.
How long do the bars need to bake?
The bars should bake for 20-25 minutes.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
They are done when the top is light golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
What is the secret ingredient that adds a spicy-sweet note?
Crystallized (candied) ginger adds a unique spicy-sweet note that elevates the flavor.
Where can I find crystallized ginger in the store?
It is typically found in the produce section near the dried fruits.
What ingredients are in the cream cheese frosting?
The frosting is made of 4 ounces of cream cheese, 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of butter, 1 teaspoon of vanilla, and 1 teaspoon of orange rind.
What type of chocolate is used in the batter?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of coarsely chopped white chocolate.
Should the butter be melted or softened?
The recipe requires softened butter for both the batter and the frosting.
How do I prepare the orange zest for the frosting?
You should use 1 teaspoon of grated orange rind.
Can I frost the bars while they are warm?
No, you must allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before spreading the frosting.
How many eggs are used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 3 eggs, added one at a time.
What type of sugar is used in the bar base?
The recipe uses 1 1/4 cups of packed brown sugar.
Are there cranberries in the frosting?
Cranberries are not mixed into the frosting, but 1/4 cup of minced dried cranberries are sprinkled on top as a garnish.
How should I prepare the baking pan?
Grease the pan well or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars.
What spices are included in the dry ingredients?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of ground ginger powder.
How much flour is needed for this recipe?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of flour.
How do I achieve a light and airy batter texture?
Cream the butter and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and airy before adding eggs.
Should I use fresh or dried cranberries?
The recipe specifies dried cranberries, which should be minced.
How much vanilla extract is used in total?
A total of 2 teaspoons are used: one in the batter and one in the frosting.
Is salt required in this sweet dessert?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of salt is whisked with the dry ingredients to balance the flavors.
How do I incorporate the cranberries and white chocolate?
Gently fold them into the batter along with the minced candied ginger until evenly distributed.
What is the consistency of the frosting?
The frosting should be beaten until smooth and creamy.
How do I cut the bars?
After frosting and garnishing, cut the cake into 12 equal rectangles.
Does this recipe use white sugar?
No, it uses brown sugar for the base and powdered sugar for the frosting.
Can I use ginger powder instead of candied ginger?
The recipe uses both; ground ginger is in the flour mixture and candied ginger is folded into the batter for texture and flavor.
What is the description of these bars' texture?
These bars are designed to be less dense and more flavorful than the original Starbucks version.
Is this a good recipe for the holidays?
Yes, they are described as perfect for holiday gatherings or as an anytime treat.