Print

Favorite Cranberry Bliss Bars Recipe Better Than Starbucks Easy Homemade Treats

cranberry bliss bars recipe - featured image
Print Recipe

These cranberry bliss bars are a quick and easy homemade treat that rivals Starbucks, featuring a perfect balance of tart cranberries, sweet cream cheese frosting, and bright orange zest.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups (150 g) fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1 tbsp orange zest
  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup (55 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp orange zest (optional)
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) dried cranberries, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Using a mixer, beat softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until fluffy and pale, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture on low speed. Mix until just combined.
  6. Gently fold in cranberries and orange zest.
  7. Spread batter evenly in prepared pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Cool bars completely in the pan on a rack for at least 45 minutes.
  9. Beat cream cheese with softened butter until smooth and creamy. Slowly add powdered sugar, then mix in vanilla extract and orange zest.
  10. Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars. Sprinkle chopped dried cranberries on top.
  11. Chill bars for 30 minutes to set frosting, then cut into 12-16 squares.

Notes

Use room temperature butter and cream cheese for smooth frosting. Fold cranberries gently to avoid bruising. Cool bars completely before frosting to prevent melting. Frozen cranberries can be used straight from the freezer. For gluten-free, substitute with gluten-free flour blend. Vegan adaptations include vegan margarine, flax eggs, and dairy-free cream cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry bliss bars, cranberry bars, cream cheese frosting, homemade cranberry bars, holiday dessert, easy dessert, Starbucks copycat

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/favorite-cranberry-bliss-bars-recipe-better-than-starbucks-easy-homemade-treats/