Oh my goodness, if you love those scrumptious cranberry bliss bars from Starbucks, then you’re in for a treat with this recipe! I can still remember the first time I took a bite of one—sweet, tangy, and oh-so-soft with that creamy topping. It was like a little slice of happiness! I knew I had to recreate that magic at home, and trust me, I nailed it! These cranberry bliss bars are inspired by Starbucks but made right in your own kitchen. They’re perfect for sharing with friends, or maybe just keeping all to yourself (no judgment here!). With the holidays around the corner, these bars are going to steal the show at any gathering. So, let’s get those ovens preheating and dive into making this delightful treat!
Ingredients for Cranberry Bliss Bars Starbucks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – this forms the base of our bars, giving them that delightful structure.
- 1/2 cup rolled oats – they add a lovely chewy texture and a hint of nuttiness.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar – for that rich, caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with cranberries.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar – just a touch more sweetness to balance everything out.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – this helps bind the ingredients and adds a rich flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder – to give our bars a little lift while baking.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – a pinch to enhance all those wonderful flavors.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped – these add bursts of tartness and sweetness in every bite.
- 1/4 cup white chocolate chips – because who can resist that creamy sweetness on top?
- 1/4 cup cream cheese – for the luscious topping that makes these bars so special.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar – to sweeten that cream cheese and make it irresistible.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice – just a squeeze for a bright, zesty finish that ties everything together.
How to Prepare Cranberry Bliss Bars Starbucks
Making these cranberry bliss bars is a breeze! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch of deliciousness ready to enjoy in no time. Trust me, once you get the hang of this, you’ll be whipping them up regularly!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial because it helps your bars bake evenly. If you skip this step, they might turn out unevenly cooked—definitely not what we want!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. I like to whisk them together so everything’s evenly mixed—this helps ensure that each bite is just as delicious as the last!
Step 3: Add Butter and Mix
Next, add in the softened unsalted butter. Using a fork or your fingers, mix it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is key for that perfect texture—don’t worry if it gets a bit messy, that’s part of the fun!
Step 4: Add Cranberries and Chocolate Chips
Now, it’s time to fold in those chopped dried cranberries and white chocolate chips. Gently mix them in until they’re well distributed throughout the batter. You want those sweet and tart flavors to shine in every bite!
Step 5: Press into Baking Pan
Grab a greased baking pan and press the mixture evenly into the bottom. I like to use the back of a measuring cup to help pack it down nicely. This ensures even baking and a lovely, thick bar!
Step 6: Bake
Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them—this is the moment when the magic happens!
Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Topping
While the bars are baking, you can whip up the cream cheese topping. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and lemon juice until it’s smooth and creamy. This topping is what makes these bars truly blissful!
Step 8: Spread and Serve
Once the bars are out of the oven and cooled, spread that luscious cream cheese mixture on top. Cut them into squares, and voilà! You’ve got yourself some irresistible cranberry bliss bars ready to be devoured. Enjoy!
Tips for Success with Cranberry Bliss Bars Starbucks
To make sure your cranberry bliss bars turn out perfect every time, I’ve got a few handy tips! First, if you like a sweeter bar, don’t hesitate to adjust the sugar to your taste. A little extra brown sugar can bring out that cozy flavor even more! Also, remember to let your bars cool completely before spreading the cream cheese topping. It helps the topping set better and keeps it from sliding off when you cut them. Speaking of cutting, using a sharp knife will give you cleaner edges—no one likes a messy bar! Lastly, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, or pop them in the fridge if you want them to last longer. They can even be frozen for up to three months, so you can enjoy this treat whenever the craving strikes! Trust me, these bars will be calling your name!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Bliss Bars Starbucks
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
While you can use fresh cranberries in a pinch, I wouldn’t recommend it for this recipe. Fresh cranberries have a higher moisture content, which could make your bars too soggy. Plus, they’re a lot more tart! If you really want that cranberry bliss flavor, stick with dried cranberries for that perfect balance of sweet and tart goodness.
How do I store these bars?
To keep your cranberry bliss bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. They can sit at room temperature for a few days, but if you want them to last longer, pop them in the fridge! Just make sure they’re completely cool before sealing them up so they don’t get soggy. Trust me, you want to savor every last bite!
Can I freeze cranberry bliss bars?
Absolutely! These bars freeze beautifully. Just wrap each square in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to three months! When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight. No need to reheat—just dig in and enjoy that blissful flavor straight from the fridge!
Nutritional Information for Cranberry Bliss Bars Starbucks
These delightful cranberry bliss bars are not just a treat for your taste buds but also a bit of a nutritional breakdown to keep in mind! Each bar is estimated to have about 180 calories, which includes 8 grams of fat and 2 grams of protein. They pack in 24 grams of carbohydrates, with 12 grams of sugar, making them a sweet indulgence. Plus, they contain a touch of fiber, thanks to the oats and cranberries. Keep in mind that these values are estimates, so feel free to adjust them based on your ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy your blissful treat guilt-free!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make—perfect for busy days!
- Deliciously sweet and tangy, just like the Starbucks original.
- Soft and chewy texture combined with a creamy topping.
- Great for sharing at gatherings or keeping for yourself (no judgment!).
- Versatile—customize with your favorite mix-ins or toppings!
Serving Suggestions for Cranberry Bliss Bars Starbucks
These cranberry bliss bars are delightful on their own, but let’s take it up a notch! I love serving them alongside a steaming cup of coffee or chai latte, which really enhances that cozy vibe. You could also pair them with a dollop of whipped cream or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience. For a festive touch, try adding some fresh berries on the side or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Trust me, these little additions will elevate your cranberry bliss bars to a whole new level of enjoyment!
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Cranberry Bliss Bars Starbucks: 7 Steps to Sweet Delight
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious cranberry bliss bars inspired by Starbucks.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, oats, sugars, baking powder, and salt.
- Add butter and mix until crumbly.
- Stir in cranberries and white chocolate chips.
- Press the mixture into a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled bars.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Store bars in an airtight container.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: cranberry bliss bars, Starbucks recipe, dessert bars
