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Slices of homemade Cranberry Bliss Bars with white cream cheese frosting, stacked on a wooden board with fresh cranberries.

Healthy Cranberry Bliss Bars

Indulge guilt-free with these delicious and vibrant Cranberry Bliss Bars, crafted with wholesome ingredients for a healthier twist on a classic treat. Perfect for a snack or light dessert!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Total Time 42 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 185

Ingredients
  

For the Healthy Cranberry Bar Base
  • 1 cup oat flour (or rolled oats processed into flour)
  • 1/2 cup almond flour
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries no sugar added, roughly chopped if large
  • 1/4 cup sugar-free white chocolate chips or finely chopped white chocolate
For the Light Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 4 oz light cream cheese softened, low-fat block style preferred
  • 2 tbsp plain non-fat Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp orange zest (from 1/4 of a small orange)
For the Topping
  • 2 tbsp dried cranberries no sugar added, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp orange zest

Equipment

  • 9x9 inch baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Electric mixer (handheld or stand)
  • Rubber spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

Prepare the Bar Base
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars out later. Lightly grease the parchment paper if desired.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the oat flour, almond flour, unsweetened shredded coconut, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
  3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix with a rubber spatula until a thick dough forms. Fold in the 1/2 cup dried cranberries and sugar-free white chocolate chips.
  5. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use the back of a spoon or your hands to flatten it completely. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  6. Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is crucial before frosting.
Prepare the Frosting & Assemble
  1. While the bars are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened light cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the Greek yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and 1/4 tsp orange zest. Beat until light and fluffy, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  2. Once the bar base is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Sprinkle with the finely chopped dried cranberries and 1 tsp fresh orange zest.
  3. Place the bars in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set. Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and cut into 12 squares.
  4. Serve chilled and enjoy your Healthy Cranberry Bliss Bars!

Notes

Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For best results, ensure all ingredients for the frosting are at room temperature, especially the cream cheese, to prevent lumps. If oat flour is not available, you can make your own by blending rolled oats in a food processor or blender until a fine flour consistency is achieved.