Description

This recipe replicates the popular Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars, featuring white chocolate cranberry blondies topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting and sprinkled with dried cranberries and white chocolate chunks. These bars boast a perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors, ideal for holiday treats or any time you crave a festive dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

White Chocolate Cranberry Blondies

1 batch White Chocolate Cranberry Blondies (refer to Taste of Home original recipe)
Parchment paper

Frosting and Toppings

Cream cheese frosting (typically cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, vanilla extract)
Dried cranberries, chopped
White chocolate chunks or chips

Instructions

Prepare the Pan: Line a 9 x 13 inch metal baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the blondies once baked.
Make the Blondie Batter: Follow the White Chocolate Cranberry Blondies recipe exactly as per Taste of Home, ensuring to fold in the flour gently until just combined to avoid dense texture.
Bake the Blondies: Pour the batter into the lined pan and bake, checking at around 18 minutes using a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the blondies are done.
Cool Completely: Allow the blondies to cool fully before applying the frosting to prevent melting and ensure a neat finish.
Frost the Blondies: Spread an even layer of cream cheese frosting on top of the cooled blondies.
Add Toppings: Sprinkle chopped dried cranberries and white chocolate chunks evenly over the frosting for a signature look and texture.
Chill Before Slicing: Refrigerate the frosted blondies to firm up the white chocolate and frosting, aiding in cleaner slicing.
Slice Cleanly: Use a large, sharp chef’s knife; run it under hot water and dry it between each cut to get smooth, clean slices.

Notes

Do not over-mix flour into the blondie batter to avoid tough or dense bars.
Checking doneness early prevents over-baking, which results in dry blondies.
Chilling the bars before slicing improves the appearance and texture of each piece.
Using a sharp chef’s knife and cleaning it between cuts ensures neat edges.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Starbucks, Cranberry Bliss Bars, white chocolate blondies, cranberry bars, copycat recipe, holiday dessert, cream cheese frosting