What are Cranberry Bliss Bars? They are Starbucks’ classic holiday treat that people line up to indulge in this time of year. A chewy Blondie recipe with a hint of ginger that are loaded with craisins and white chocolate chips. An orange infused cream cheese icing tops them off with a sprinkle of more craisins and white chocolate chips.
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Have you ever tried Cranberry Bliss Bars? If you haven’t you don’t know what your missing out on! One bite and you’ll see why people line up at Starbucks to sink their teeth into this delectable dessert.
What makes these Cranberry Bliss Bars better than Starbucks?
Well…there are a few things that I like better about these Cranberry Bliss Bars. First of all, I’m pretty particular about my Blondies. I like a Blondie Recipe that’s nice and chewy. Some Blondie Recipes can be too dry and crumbly for my liking. This Cranberry Bliss Bar recipe is perfectly chewy just how I like them.
Secondly, I think that these Cranberry Bliss Bars have the perfect amount of ginger added. I love ginger added in both sweet and savory foods. However, it can definitely be a bit overbearing if you add too much. This recipe has just the right amount to give that spicy ginger flavor without being too overbearing.
Lastly, the orange extract is a must. I tried using freshly squeezed orange juice but it just isn’t enough. Orange extract has a much stronger flavor so a little goes a long way.
Why should I make Cranberry Bliss Bars instead of buying them from Starbucks?
Ok….this one is kind of a no brainer to me. In my opinion anything homemade is just better!
Fresher is always better and it doesn’t get any fresher than homemade. If that’s not enough to convince you just think of how much money you’ll save making these at home! I love Starbucks as much as the next guy but let’s face it…it’s not cheap.
That means you can have seconds without breaking the bank…ok that part may not be such a good thing. Just make sure you save some for everyone else to try.
Cranberry Bliss Bars are a great holiday gift to give. Whether you want to make them for a cookie swap or wrap some up to give as a “Foodie Gift”. They are simple to make and you will definitely see some eyes light up when they open this blissfully perfect gift!
{Better than Starbucks} Cranberry Bliss Bars
Ingredients
For the Blondies
- 2 Sticks Unsalted butter ,melted
- 1 1/2 Cupcs Brown Sugar ,packed
- 2 Large Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Orange extract
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- Zest from half an orange
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Ginger
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 2 Cups All purpose flour
- 1 Cup White Chocolate chips
- 3/4 Cup Dried cranberries
For the Cream Cheese Icing and topping
- 1 ,8 ounce package Cream Cheese ,softened
- 1 1/2 Cups Confectioner sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Orange extract
- 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1/2 Cup Dried cranberries ,roughly chopped
- 3 Ounces White Chocolate chips ,melted
Instructions
For the Blondies
- Preheat oven to 350 Degrees F. Line a 13x9 pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil . (* Leave enough foil or parchment hanging over edge to help you lift blondies out of the pan once they are cooked.)
- In a medium bowl mix together, flour, baking powder, ginger, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl cream melted butter and brown sugar.
- Add eggs one at a time and mix.
- Mix in orange extract, vanilla and orange zest.
- Add dry ingredients in and mix to incorporate.
- Add cranberries and white chocolate chips and mix well.
- Spread mixture in your prepared pan evenly.
- Bake in preheated oven for 18-22 minutes. The top of your bars should be lightly browned.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely before adding cream cheese icing.
For the Cream Cheese Icing and topping
- In a large bowl mix softened cream cheese with a hand mixer on high speed until creamed. Add confectioner sugar and mix on low speed until incorporated then increase to high speed and mix until smooth.
- Add vanilla and orange extract and blend well.
- Lift your cooled blondies out of the pan and place on a large cutting board. Spread icing over top of blondies then cut into triangles.
- Sprinkle chopped craisins over bars and then drizzle with melted white chocolate.
- **To melt chocolate place white chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl and heat on high in 10 second increments stirring between each. Will probably be ready after about 3 times in the microwave. Once they begin to melt they should get smooth as you stir them. Careful not to over heat them or they will seize up.
- ** I like to place melted chocolate in a small zip lock baggie. Cut a very small part of the corner of the baggie off to make a small hole to squeeze melted chocolate out of.
- Bars should be stored in the fridge until ready to serve because of the cream cheese icing.
Notes
Nutrition
How to store Cranberry Bliss Bars?
Once you add the Cream Cheese Icing to your bars they should be stored in a covered container in the fridge until you are ready to serve them. They should last up to 7 days in the fridge.
Can Cranberry Bliss Bars be frozen?
Cranberry Bliss Bars can be frozen without the Cream Cheese Icing. When you are ready to serve them, thaw them and add the icing. They can be frozen up to 3 months.
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