Air Fryer Cranberry Bliss Bars with Orange Extract
These copycat Starbucks cranberry bliss bars feature a soft, spiced base loaded with white chocolate chips and dried cranberries, topped with creamy orange-vanilla frosting. The air fryer creates perfectly golden edges while keeping the center tender. Perfect for holiday gatherings or coffee shop cravings at home, these bars deliver the signature sweet-tart flavor combination that makes the original so popular.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, room temperature
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon orange extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flourgluten-free flour blend1:1gluten-freegluten-free
May need extra binding
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- ½ cup Craisins, chopped
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon orange extract
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup Craisins, chopped
- 1 square baking chocolate, melted
Instructions
- 1
Line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper
- 2
Beat together melted butter and brown sugar over medium speed with an electric mixer
- 3
Add in eggs, orange extract, and vanilla extract and beat until mixed well
- 4
Add in ground ginger, baking powder, salt, and flour, beating until just blended without overmixing
- 5
Stir in white chocolate chips and craisins by hand
- 6
Spread evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan
- 7
Place the pan into the air fryer for 10-16 minutes at 320 degrees F, or until set and golden brown at the edges
- 8
Remove from the air fryer and place the pan on a wire rack to cool completely before topping with frosting
- 9
Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar with a whisk or electric mixer until smooth and creamy
- 10
Add orange extract and vanilla extract and mix well
- 11
Top cooled bars with frosting
- 12
Sprinkle with chopped Craisins and drizzle melted chocolate over the top
- 13
Cut into triangles and serve
Tips
Don't overmix the batter after adding flour to keep bars tender
Allow bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting
Use a fork to create decorative chocolate drizzle patterns
Good to Know
Store covered at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerated for up to 1 week
Can make base bars 1 day ahead, add frosting before serving
Serve at room temperature, cut into triangles for traditional presentation
Common Mistakes
Don't overbake or bars will be dense and dry
Ensure bars are completely cool before frosting to avoid melting
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Vegan Options
Gluten-Free Swaps
May need extra binding
FAQ
Can I make these without an air fryer?
Yes, bake in a regular oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown at the edges.
How long do these bars keep?
Store covered at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerated for up to 1 week.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, freeze unfrosted bars for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before adding frosting.