Are you dreaming of that irresistible Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bar? That melt-in-your-mouth combination of buttery shortbread, tangy cranberries, and creamy white chocolate? Well, dream no more! This copycat recipe brings the magic home, allowing you to enjoy these festive treats whenever the craving strikes. It's easier than you think to recreate this delicious holiday favorite – perfect for homemade cooking and a delightful addition to your quick dinner ideas or healthy meals. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
For the Shortbread Crust:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Cranberry Filling:
- 1 (12 ounce) package dried cranberries
- ½ cup orange juice
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the White Chocolate Topping:
- 12 ounces white chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy cream
Instructions:
Making the Shortbread Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is easiest with an electric mixer.
- Beat in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
Preparing the Cranberry Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the dried cranberries, orange juice, sugar, orange zest, and vanilla extract.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce the heat to low and cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have softened and the liquid has thickened slightly. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
- Remove from heat and let cool completely.
Assembling and Baking:
- Spread the cooled cranberry filling evenly over the shortbread crust.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges of the crust are lightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan.
Making the White Chocolate Topping:
- While the bars are cooling, prepare the white chocolate topping. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and heavy cream.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
- Pour the melted white chocolate over the cooled cranberry bars and spread evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate is set.
Cutting and Serving:
Once the chocolate is set, cut the bars into squares and enjoy! These are best served chilled.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use browned butter in the shortbread crust.
- Feel free to add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the white chocolate for a touch of sophistication.
- If you don’t have orange juice, you can substitute with apple juice or even water.
- For a festive twist, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the shortbread crust.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Nutritional Information (per bar – approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of your bars and specific ingredients used. Nutritional information is best calculated using a nutrition calculator online with your exact ingredients and serving size. Expect these bars to be relatively high in fat and sugar, due to the ingredients.
This copycat recipe delivers all the deliciousness of the Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bar, providing you with a fantastic and easy recipe for delicious dishes that are perfect for the holidays or any time you crave a sweet treat! Enjoy making these wonderful and easy recipes for healthy meals. This is one of the best recipes for those looking for a delicious homemade baking experience.