Description
Starbucks-inspired cranberry bliss bars deliver a delightful holiday dessert packed with white chocolate and cream cheese frosting. Sweet-tart cranberries and rich drizzles create a festive treat that will become your new seasonal favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients:
- 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/4 cups (250 grams) brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups (285 grams) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
Frosting Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 8 ounces (227 grams) cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 3–4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage for easy removal.
- Melt butter and combine with sugars in a mixing bowl, creating a smooth base. Incorporate eggs, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture becomes uniform and slightly fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt to eliminate any potential lumps. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a consistent blondie batter forms.
- Gently fold half of the cranberries into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan, spreading it smoothly and ensuring an even layer.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until the edges turn golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Create the frosting by whipping butter and cream cheese until light and airy. Add vanilla extract and orange zest, then gradually mix in powdered sugar until achieving a creamy, spreadable consistency.
- Once the blondie base has cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting across the surface. Sprinkle the remaining cranberries over the frosting for added texture and visual appeal.
- Melt white chocolate and drizzle in elegant zigzag patterns across the frosted bars. Allow the chocolate to set for a few minutes before slicing into triangular pieces for serving.
Notes
- Prevent sticking by generously greasing parchment paper edges beyond the blondie base for easy removal.
- Use room temperature cream cheese and butter to ensure smooth, lump-free frosting that spreads effortlessly.
- Chop dried cranberries finely to distribute evenly throughout the blondie base, creating bursts of tangy flavor in every bite.
- Allow bars to cool completely before frosting to maintain crisp texture and prevent melting, ensuring a professional-looking finish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg