Introduction to Softest Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars
As the holiday season approaches, I find myself craving the *softest Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars*. These delightful treats are not just a dessert; they’re a warm hug on a plate. Perfect for busy moms like us, they come together quickly and effortlessly, making them an ideal solution for those hectic days. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply want to indulge your family, these bars are sure to impress. With their chewy texture and sweet-tart cranberries, they bring a festive cheer that’s hard to resist. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Softest Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars
These *softest Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars* are a dream come true for busy lives. They’re incredibly easy to whip up, taking just 45 minutes from start to finish. The combination of chewy cranberries and creamy frosting creates a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds dancing. Plus, they’re perfect for sharing, making them a delightful addition to any holiday gathering. Trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds!
Ingredients for Softest Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these *softest Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars*. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Unsalted butter: This adds richness and moisture. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Brown sugar: It gives a deep, caramel-like flavor and helps keep the bars chewy.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness and contributes to the texture.
- Large eggs: They bind everything together and add moisture.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of this adds warmth and enhances the overall flavor.
- All-purpose flour: The base of the bars, providing structure and stability.
- Baking powder: This leavening agent helps the bars rise and become fluffy.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances the sweetness and balances flavors.
- Dried cranberries: These little gems add a tart burst of flavor and a chewy texture.
- White chocolate chips: They bring a creamy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the cranberries.
- Cream cheese: Essential for the frosting, it adds a tangy richness.
- Powdered sugar: This sweetens the frosting and gives it a smooth texture.
- Lemon juice: A splash brightens the frosting and balances the sweetness.
For those looking to switch things up, consider using dark chocolate chips instead of white for a richer flavor. You can also substitute the dried cranberries with dried cherries or apricots for a fun twist. Remember, the exact quantities are listed at the bottom of the article for easy printing!
How to Make Softest Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part: making the *softest Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars*! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious treat in no time.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking. While that’s heating up, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it well. You can use butter or cooking spray. This will help the bars come out easily once they’re baked.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, add your softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer or a whisk, cream them together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air, making your bars light and chewy.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, it’s time to add the eggs. Crack them in one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps to blend everything nicely. Don’t forget to stir in the vanilla extract. The aroma will make your kitchen smell heavenly!
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed, which is key for a uniform rise. It’s like giving your bars a little boost!
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. I like to do this in thirds, mixing gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough bars, and we want them soft and chewy!
Step 6: Fold in Cranberries and Chocolate
Here comes the fun part! Gently fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips. Use a spatula to ensure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. This is where the magic happens, as the flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 7: Bake the Bars
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared baking pan. Pop it into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The edges should be lightly golden.
Step 8: Prepare the Frosting
While the bars are baking, let’s whip up the cream cheese frosting. In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and lemon juice until smooth. This frosting is the cherry on top, adding a tangy sweetness that complements the bars perfectly.
Step 9: Frost and Serve
Once the bars have cooled completely, it’s time to frost them. Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top. For a festive touch, sprinkle some extra cranberries and white chocolate chips on top. Cut them into squares, and voilà! Your *softest Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars* are ready to be enjoyed!
Tips for Success
- Make sure your butter is softened for easy creaming.
- Don’t overmix the batter; it should be just combined.
- Use a toothpick to check for doneness; it should come out clean.
- Let the bars cool completely before frosting for the best results.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Equipment Needed
- 9×13 inch baking pan: A glass or metal pan works well; just ensure it’s greased.
- Mixing bowls: Use a large bowl for the batter and a smaller one for the frosting.
- Hand mixer or whisk: A hand mixer makes creaming easier, but a whisk will do.
- Spatula: Perfect for folding in ingredients and spreading frosting.
- Toothpick: Essential for checking if the bars are baked through.
Variations
- Dark Chocolate Cranberry Bliss Bars: Swap white chocolate chips for dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Nutty Delight: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for an extra crunch.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these bars gluten-free.
- Vegan Version: Substitute eggs with flax eggs and use vegan butter for a plant-based treat.
- Spiced Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these *softest Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars* with a warm cup of spiced chai or coffee for a cozy treat.
- Serve them on a festive platter, garnished with fresh cranberries and mint leaves for a pop of color.
- For a delightful brunch, offer them alongside yogurt and fresh fruit.
FAQs about Softest Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These *softest Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars* can be made a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together!
How do I store leftover bars?
To keep your bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just thaw before serving!
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
While fresh cranberries are delicious, they’re quite tart. If you want to use them, consider adding a bit more sugar to balance the flavors. Dried cranberries are sweeter and work perfectly in this recipe.
What can I substitute for cream cheese in the frosting?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese instead of cream cheese. They’ll give you a creamy texture with a slightly different flavor profile.
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Definitely! Adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can give your *softest Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars* a delightful crunch. Just fold them in with the cranberries and chocolate chips!
Final Thoughts
Making the *softest Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars* is more than just baking; it’s about creating sweet memories with loved ones. The joy of pulling these warm, chewy bars from the oven fills my heart with happiness. Each bite is a delightful blend of tart cranberries and creamy frosting, perfect for sharing during the holidays. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of coffee or gifting them to friends, these bars bring a touch of festive cheer to any occasion. So, roll up your sleeves and let the baking magic begin—your family will thank you!
Print
Softest Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars You’ll Love!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously soft and chewy cranberry bliss bars inspired by Starbucks, perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the bars are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Once the bars are cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting on top and cut into squares.
Notes
- For a festive touch, sprinkle additional cranberries and white chocolate chips on top of the frosting.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- These bars can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
