Healthy Cranberry Bliss Bars

Healthy Cranberry Bliss Bars are gluten-free shortbread cookie bars with tart dried cranberries & creamy white chocolate chips, topped with a layer of cool frosting. 

I sadly have not been into a Starbucks in months, but you know what, I still know that Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars are my favorite holiday treat EVER!  I’ve had them on my mind for months so I finally decided to make some.

When I searched recipes, I couldn’t find a recipe I liked (shocker, I know).  I don’t really dig normal gluten-free flours or flour blends, I’ve actually never made anything with them.  I also didn’t dig the full-on paleo versions because I wanted REAL white chocolate chips, which do have a bit of dairy in them (but you can use dairy-free).

So, I decided to make my own and I’m so glad I did, this might be the best Hungry Hobby dessert recipe yet!! (Except for Grandma cookies, those will always be the best because they are Grandma cookies!)

Last weekend we took them to a get together for a friends birthday.  Actually, it was Mr. Hungry’s friend from grade school who became a Priest.

I think that’s so cool he has a friend that became a priest, but then again, he did go to a Catholic grade school/high school so that would give him a better chance right?   Anyways, everyone LOVED the cookies!

I actually had them scheduled to go live a little later but decided to post them earlier because they were such a hit at the party! PRO TIP Make sure you cool them all the way so the frosting doesn’t melt!

Also, DO NOT OMIT the orange extract.  I found the orange extract at Safeway (aka Vons), it makes the difference, DO NOT OMIT! Thanks!

In other news, I’m super excited for the launch of the standard and custom meal plans.  People have been asking me for meal plans for years and now I can finally give them to them. One of the reasons I’m excited about it is because it’s a way to show  how to either eat healthier and incorporate treats.

I regularly plan desserts in the custom meal plans because I want my clients to enjoy the plan.  I want them to see that healthy eating doesn’t always have to be about chicken breast and broccoli.  I want them to eat a mug cake, or a bliss bar, or a handful of chips so that they can learn how to incorporate those things into their lives without them taking over.

For so long I thought it was all or nothing.  One dessert meant I had to have 3o thousand of them.  That’s why for a long time there were no desserts here at HH.  Now there are a TON of desserts here at HH because the more I let myself have them, the less obsessed I am with them.

I also believe in desserts made with a paleo approach.  More balanced in macronutrients so I’m less likely to get crazy blood sugar swings that leave me craving more sweets. Now, occasionally the sugar monster gets a hold of me and I have to check myself by going back to the basic healthy habits that matter the most.  

It isn’t a big deal though, I’m back on track in a day or two.  These cranberry bars are actually not overly sweet.  In fact, I think they are the perfect balance between sweet, tart, and creamy.

Seriously you guys, make these, I’m not kidding they are AMAZING.  Bring them to a party and no one will even know or care that they are gluten-free!  Let me know if you try them!

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5 from 8 votes

Healthy Cranberry Bliss Bars

Healthy Cranberry Bliss Bars are gluten-free shortbread cookie bars with tart dried cranberries & creamy white chocolate chips, topped with a layer of cool frosting.

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time20 minutes mins

Total Time35 minutes mins

Course: Dessert, Treat, Treats

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cranberry bliss bars, healthy cranberry bliss bars, starbucks copy cat bliss bars

Servings: 36 bars

Calories: 246kcal

Author: Kelli Shallal MPH RD

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons orange extract
• 2/3 cup coconut oil melted
• 2/3 cup maple syrup
• 4 eggs
• 6 cups almond flour
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup white chocolate chips
• 11 ounces Greek yogurt cream cheese frosting or store-bought

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350F. Add a piece of parchment paper to a 17 x 11 sheet pan.
• Mix together vanilla extract, orange extract, melted coconut oil, maple syrup and eggs in a large bowl.
• Mix almond flour, sea salt, and baking powder in a large bowl. Add wet ingredients to dry and mix until dough forms. 
• Fold in chocolate chips and dried cranberries.
• Spread dough across the sheet pan. To help roll it out place another piece of parchment paper on top of the dough and use a rolling pin or wine bottle to help you roll it out evenly to the edges. 
• Bake for 20 minutes until the edges are light and slightly golden brown.
• Let cool completely before adding frosting!
• Garnish with more dried cranberries.
• Makes 36 Bars. Cut 6 rows parallel to the short side and 3 columns parallel to the long side.  Then make diagonal cuts to make bars!  

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1bar | Calories: 246kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 18g

Tried this recipe?I'd love to see what you made! Tag me @hungryhobbyRD or tag #hungryhobby if you try this recipe!

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