When autumn turns to winter, a special treat comes out at Starbucks. It’s the Cranberry Bliss Bar. It makes me feel cozy and festive.
This treat is a favorite for many. It’s a mix of buttery blondie, tangy cream cheese frosting, and tart cranberries. It’s a holiday treat in every bite.
We’ll look into the story of this treat. We’ll also learn how to make your own Cranberry Bliss Bars. And we’ll find ways to make your holiday desserts even better. Let’s start our journey to make your home feel like the holiday season.
The Story Behind Starbucks’ Beloved Holiday Dessert
The Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars are a favorite holiday treat. But, have you wondered how they started? Let’s explore the story of the Cranberry Bliss Bar at Starbucks.
Origins of the Cranberry Bliss Bar
Starbucks introduced the Cranberry Bliss Bar in 2001. It was a special holiday treat. The mix of a buttery blondie, tangy cream cheese frosting, and tart cranberries won many hearts.
Why These Bars Became a Seasonal Sensation
The Cranberry Bliss Bars are loved for many reasons:
- The flavors are perfect for the holiday season, with cranberries and spices.
- They’re easy to take with you, great for a cozy café visit or a party.
- Starbucks makes everyone excited for their return each holiday, making them seem special.
These treats are a holiday favorite for many. Their tasty flavors and festive look make them a key part of the Starbucks holiday experience.
What Makes These Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars Special
I love Starbucks’ Cranberry Bliss Bars. So, I made my own version at home. These bars have a rich blondie base, a creamy frosting, and sweet cranberries. They taste amazing.
The blondie base is special because of cinnamon and nutmeg. These spices mix well with the cream cheese frosting and cranberries. It’s a sweet and tangy mix that’s perfect.
The texture of these bars is also great. The blondie is soft and the frosting is creamy. The cranberries add a nice crunch. It’s a fun mix of textures.
These bars look beautiful too. The red cranberries on the blondie make them look festive. The frosting and extra cranberries on top make them even more special.
These homemade Cranberry Bliss Bars are a hit. They taste amazing and look great. They’re perfect for the holiday season.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Bliss Bars
Making the famous Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars needs special ingredients. You need a rich blondie base, a creamy frosting, and a tangy cranberry topping. Each part is key to making this holiday favorite.
Base Layer Components
The base of the Cranberry Bliss Bars is a yummy blondie batter. It has flour, brown sugar, butter, eggs, and vanilla. These mix together to make a dense, fudgy base.
Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients
The frosting is what holds the bars together. It’s made with softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla. This frosting is smooth and balances the blondie’s sweetness.
Cranberry Topping Elements
The cranberry topping is the star of the bars. It uses fresh or frozen cranberries, sugar, and orange juice or zest. This adds a tart and fruity touch to the bars.
Learning about these ingredients lets you make your own version of these chewy blondies. They will make your holiday season even sweeter.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need for Baking
To make the cranberry bliss bars recipe, you need some basic tools. As a keen baker, I know the right tools are key. They help get the perfect texture and look of these bliss bars.
You’ll first need a strong baking pan, best if it’s 9×13 inches. This size fits the big batch of blondie. A sharp knife is essential for cutting the bars into neat squares. For the cream cheese frosting, a hand mixer or a stand mixer with a paddle will make it smooth.
- Baking pan (9×13-inch)
- Sharp knife
- Hand mixer or stand mixer with paddle attachment
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Some extra tools can make baking more fun. A food processor can chop cranberries fast. A serrated knife helps cut the bars cleanly. Having the right tools makes baking cranberry bliss bars easy and fun.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars
Making Starbucks cranberry bliss bars at home is easy. You need a few ingredients and simple steps. This way, you can enjoy these treats any time.
Making the Blondie Base
First, heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a bowl, mix 2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Set it aside.
In another big bowl, mix 1 cup of unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups of brown sugar until fluffy. Add 2 large eggs one at a time. Then, stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Add the dry ingredients slowly, mixing just until combined.
Spread the batter in the prepared pan. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the blondies cool before frosting.
Preparing the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a bowl, beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup of butter until smooth. Add 3 cups of powdered sugar slowly, beating well after each addition. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Assembly and Decoration Tips
Spread the cooled blondie base with the cream cheese frosting. Sprinkle 1 cup of dried cranberries over the frosting, pressing them lightly.
Drizzle 4 ounces of melted white chocolate over the cranberries in a pattern. Let the bars set at room temperature or in the fridge before serving.
Follow this guide to make Starbucks’ cranberry bliss bars at home. Enjoy these treats during the holiday season and beyond!
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Texture
I love baking and making chewy blondies like Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars. Getting the right texture is key. Here are some easy tips to help you.
First, watch the baking time for your blondie base. If it’s overbaked, it gets dry. If it’s underbaked, it’s too gooey. Aim for 20-25 minutes in the oven. Always check with a toothpick.
- For chewy blondies, take them out when they’re still a bit soft in the middle.
- For crumbly blondies, bake them a bit longer until the toothpick comes out clean.
For the cream cheese frosting, don’t overmix. This can make it grainy. Just mix until it’s smooth. Then, spread it gently on the cooled blondies.
| Texture Tip | Desired Result |
|---|---|
| Underbake the blondies | Fudgy, chewy texture |
| Bake the blondies longer | Cakey, crumbly texture |
| Avoid over-mixing the frosting | Smooth, creamy frosting |
Follow these tips to make your own Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars. Enjoy baking and eating your delicious homemade treats!
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Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars: A Holiday Treat
Ingredients
For the Blondie Base:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 4 ounces white chocolate, melted
- Zest of 1 orange (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Blondie Base:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the blondie cool completely in the pan.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Slowly add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Assemble the Bars:
- Once the blondie base has cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle the dried cranberries evenly across the frosting, pressing them lightly to adhere.
- Drizzle the melted white chocolate in a zigzag pattern over the top. For an extra festive touch, sprinkle with orange zest.
4. Cut and Serve:
- Chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before cutting into squares or triangles. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Baking Time: 25 minutes | Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 16-20 bars
Storage and Serving Recommendations
Keeping your homemade cranberry bliss bars fresh is important. This way, you can enjoy them fully during the holidays. Here are some easy tips to keep your bars fresh and tasty.
How to Keep Your Bars Fresh
After your bars cool down, put them in an airtight container. This keeps them from getting dry or stale. Enjoy your bars within 3-4 days for the best taste.
If you need to keep them longer, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Let them come to room temperature before serving. This makes them taste and feel better.
Best Serving Temperature
- Cranberry bliss bars are best at room temperature. This softens the frosting and makes the cranberries burst with flavor.
- If they’ve been in the fridge, let them sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes. This lets the flavors come together fully.
- For a special treat, warm the bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This melts the frosting a bit, making it even better.
By following these tips, your homemade cranberry bliss bars will taste just like Starbucks’. Enjoy every delicious bite of this holiday treat!
Nutritional Information and Dietary Considerations
Starbucks’ Cranberry Bliss Bars are yummy, but we need to know what’s in them. It’s key to think about our diet when we eat these treats. They should be part of a healthy lifestyle.
One bar has about 320 calories. It has 16 grams of fat, 41 grams of carbs, and 3 grams of protein. The cranberries add a nice tart taste. But, the bars have a lot of sugar, up to 26 grams.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Total Fat | 16g |
| Carbohydrates | 41g |
| Sugars | 26g |
| Protein | 3g |
These bars have wheat flour, dairy cream cheese, and nuts like almonds. If you can’t eat gluten, dairy, or nuts, check the ingredients. Look for other recipes or changes to enjoy something similar.
Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars are a special treat for the holidays. But, we should eat them in small amounts. Knowing what’s in them and our dietary needs helps us enjoy the season’s flavors. This way, we can stay healthy and reach our wellness goals.
Creative Variations on the Classic Recipe
The classic Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars are a favorite holiday treat. But, why stick to just one recipe? Let’s get creative and try new things.
Try using raspberries or pomegranate arils instead of cranberries. These fruits add a burst of color and flavor. You can also add spices like cinnamon or ginger to the cream cheese frosting.
Want to make copycat cranberry bliss bars for special diets? Use almond flour or oat flour for gluten-free options. For vegans, try dairy-free cream cheese and plant-based sweeteners.
Want to try something new? Add a different nut butter like peanut or almond. Or top with toasted coconut, chopped pecans, or caramel sauce.
There are so many ways to make this holiday classic your own. Let your creativity run wild and find new ways to enjoy cranberry bliss bars recipe.
Pairing Suggestions for Your Cranberry Bliss Experience
Make your Starbucks cranberry bliss bar even better. Try it with a warm coffee or creamy hot chocolate. These pairings bring out the sweet and tangy flavors.
For a fun twist, add a spiced apple cider or sparkling wine. It’s a great way to enjoy the holiday treats.
At a holiday party, these bars are a hit. Serve them with holiday cookies, peppermint bark, or a yule log. They’re also perfect as gifts for friends and family.
Enjoying a Starbucks cranberry bliss bar can be special. It’s great for quiet moments or sharing with loved ones. Let’s make the most of this holiday treat.
