There’s something truly heartwarming about the combination of cranberries and white chocolate, especially when they come together in a delightful loaf that evokes the cozy atmosphere of a holiday café. I first tasted a slice of Copycat Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bread during a chilly December morning, and ever since, the enchanting blend of sweet and tart has lingered in my thoughts. The soft, moist texture, enhanced by a hint of orange zest, is simply irresistible.
This loaf, with its creamy frosting and drizzled chocolate, is perfect not just for festive gatherings but also for any day that calls for a little indulgence at home. Whether you’re enjoying it with a cup of coffee at breakfast or offering it at your next potluck, this recipe is sure to impress. And the best part? You can whip it up in just over an hour, all while filling your kitchen with the aromas of baking happiness. Let’s dive into crafting your own slice of cranberried bliss!
Why You'll Love This Copycat Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bread
- This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- The delightful blend of sweet cranberries and white chocolate will tantalize your taste buds and leave everyone craving more.
- Its versatility means you can enjoy it as a festive treat or a cozy everyday snack.
- With a beautiful presentation topped with creamy frosting and chocolate drizzle, it’s guaranteed to impress your friends and family at any gathering.
Copycat Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bread Ingredients
For the Bread
• All-purpose flour – A staple ingredient that provides structure to the bread.
• Baking powder – Helps the bread rise for a fluffy texture.
• Baking soda – Adds extra leavening, ensuring the bread isn’t dense.
• Salt – Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Ground cinnamon – Infuses warmth and a hint of spice to the bread.
• Unsalted butter – Gives richness and moisture; ensure it’s softened for easy mixing.
• Granulated sugar – Sweetens the bread and helps create a lovely crust.
• Large eggs – Bind the ingredients together, adding moisture and richness.
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt – Adds moisture and a slight tanginess; Greek yogurt makes it healthier!
• Vanilla extract – For a depth of flavor that complements the cranberries.
• Orange zest – Brightens the loaf with a fresh citrusy hint.
• Dried cranberries – The star of the show, providing sweetness and chewiness (plus extra for topping!).
• White chocolate chips – These melt beautifully, offering a creamy sweetness that balances the tart cranberries.
For the Frosting
• Cream cheese – Creates a smooth, tangy base for the frosting.
• Unsalted butter – Adds creaminess and helps the frosting spread easily.
• Powdered sugar – Sweetens the frosting and gives it a silky texture.
• Vanilla extract – Adds flavor and enhances the sweetness.
• Milk – Adjusts the consistency of the frosting to your liking.
• White chocolate chips – Melted and drizzled for an elegant finishing touch!
This Copycat Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bread captures the essence of your favorite café treat, right from the comfort of home!
How to Make Copycat Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bread
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan or lining it with parchment will help keep your bread from sticking—let’s get that oven warm and cozy!
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Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Mixing these dry ingredients ensures that your leavening agents are well combined, which is key for a fluffy bread.
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Beat the softened butter and sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. This step creates air pockets in the mixture, resulting in a perfectly moist loaf.
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Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then incorporate the sour cream or Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and orange zest. These ingredients bring moisture and flavor, enhancing that delightful taste we love!
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Combine the dry mixture with the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Gently fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips for bursts of sweetness and chewiness throughout.
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Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the color; it should be golden brown and inviting!
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Cool the bread in the pan for 10–15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is essential to allow the flavors to settle and the texture to firm up nicely.
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Beat the cream cheese and softened butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing well. Adjust the consistency with milk for a spreadable frosting.
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Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled loaf, then drizzle the melted white chocolate on top. Finally, sprinkle extra dried cranberries for that finishing touch—a sweet visual feast!
Optional: Enjoy a slice with a cup of hot tea or coffee for the perfect treat.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Copycat Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bread
Room Temperature: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its softness and flavor.
Fridge: For longer freshness, keep the bread refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 week. This will help prevent spoilage while slightly altering the texture.
Freezer: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months; simply thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating: To enjoy a warm slice, gently reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes—perfect for that freshly-baked taste!
Make Ahead Options
These Copycat Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bread loaves are perfect for meal prep and can save you valuable time during a busy week! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance—just mix all the ingredients, pour it into the loaf pan, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven. Additionally, the cream cheese frosting can be made and refrigerated for up to 3 days; just give it a quick whip to restore its texture before spreading. With these make-ahead steps, enjoy delicious homemade bread with minimal last-minute effort!
What to Serve with Copycat Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bread?
Indulge in a delightful array of pairings that elevate your homemade loaf into a complete experience.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: These buttery potatoes offer comforting creaminess, making them a delightful contrast to the sweet bread.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing tanginess, balancing the sweetness of the cranberry and white chocolate.
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Spiced Chai Latte: This aromatic, warming drink complements the festive flavors of the bread while inviting cozy moments shared with loved ones.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop on top enhances each slice with a light and airy texture, creating a café-style treat at home.
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Classic Tea: The light tannins of black tea pair well, bringing out the citrus notes in the bread’s orange zest.
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Chocolate Chip Cookies: For the sweet tooth, these chewy cookies add a delightful crunch, perfect for an indulgent snack.
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Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats: A wholesome breakfast option that resonates with the flavors of the bread, making mornings feel extra special.
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Cranberry Juice: A refreshing, tart beverage that mirrors the fruity notes in your loaf, ideal for a light afternoon refreshment.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a warm slice with a scoop alongside for a luxurious dessert experience, where the creaminess melds beautifully with the bread’s flavors.
Cranberry Bliss Variations
Delight in the joy of making this stunning loaf your own by exploring some fun and tasty adaptations!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a gluten-free option that retains great texture.
You won’t miss out on the bliss! -
Nutty Crunch: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
They’re a wonderful complement to the soft bread! -
Spiced Up: Introduce 1 teaspoon of nutmeg or cardamom for a spiced twist that warms the heart.
These spices offer an inviting aroma that fills your kitchen. -
Vegan: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) and use plant-based yogurt to make it vegan.
It’s wonderfully moist and delicious! -
Cranberry Orange: Increase the orange zest to 2 tablespoons for an even fresher citrus flavor throughout the bread.
This will bring a zesty pop to each bite! -
Extra Sweet: Top the loaf with crushed graham crackers or additional white chocolate chips for a sweeter finish that appeals to dessert lovers.
A little extra sweetness can never hurt, right? -
Coffee Infusion: Incorporate 1 tablespoon of instant coffee granules into the batter to give it a unique coffee kick.
This delightful twist is perfect for caffeine lovers! -
Berry Bliss: Substitute half of the dried cranberries with chopped dried cherries or blueberries for a mixed berry sensation.
Each slice becomes a delightful surprise!
Feel free to mix and match these variations to create your perfect loaf of Cranberry Bliss bread!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Copycat Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bread, ensure your butter is truly softened for easy mixing, as cold butter can lead to clumps and a dense texture.
- Avoid overmixing the batter after adding the flour, as this can result in a tough loaf; mix just until combined for the best rise.
- For a delightful flavor boost, consider using freshly grated orange zest instead of bottled, as it delivers more vibrant citrus notes.
- Bake your bread until it’s golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean, but be mindful of the dough in the center, which may need a few extra minutes if it’s still wet.
Copycat Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bread Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select cranberries for this recipe?
Absolutely! Choose dried cranberries that are plump and bright in color with minimal dark spots. Look for brands with no added preservatives if you can, as they usually taste fresher.
How should I store my Copycat Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bread to keep it fresh?
For optimal freshness, store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend its shelf life, refrigerate it in a sealed container for up to a week. Just remember that refrigeration may alter the texture slightly, making it a tad denser.
Can I freeze my Copycat Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bread? If so, how?
Yes, you can! To freeze your bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn. It can be safely frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge before enjoying. If you’d like it warm, reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked flavor.
What should I do if my bread comes out dense or dry?
If your Copycat Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bread is dense, the culprit could be overmixing the batter after adding the flour. Be gentle and mix just until combined. If it’s dry, ensure your measurements are accurate, especially with flour, and double-check that your butter is softened—that critical step aids in moisture retention!
Can I modify this recipe for dietary restrictions?
Very much so! If you’d like to make it dairy-free, substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use coconut or almond milk in the frosting. To cater to egg allergies or vegan diets, you can replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg) or a commercial egg replacer. Just remember that altering ingredients may slightly change the flavor and texture, but it can still be delicious!
How long does the cake last after frosting?
Once frosted, your Copycat Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bread will last for about 3–5 days in the refrigerator, as the cream cheese frosting requires refrigeration. Just make sure it’s covered properly to preserve freshness and flavor.
Equipment
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- mixer
- spatula
Ingredients
For the Bread
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsps baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1 cup dried cranberries plus extra for topping
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
For the Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp milk adjust to desired consistency
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips melted for drizzle
Instructions
Making the Bread
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a medium bowl.
- Beat the softened butter and sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then incorporate the sour cream or Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and orange zest.
- Combine the dry mixture with the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Gently fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the bread in the pan for 10–15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Frosting
- Beat the cream cheese and softened butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing well. Adjust consistency with milk.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled loaf and drizzle the melted white chocolate on top. Sprinkle extra dried cranberries for garnish.
