Why Make This Recipe
If you are looking for a delicious treat that everyone can enjoy, Gluten-Free Cranberry Bliss Bars are a fantastic choice. They are not only gluten-free but also packed with flavors like orange, cranberry, and white chocolate. These bars are perfect for holiday gatherings, snacks, or even dessert. They are easy to make and will surely impress your family and friends.
How to Make Gluten-Free Cranberry Bliss Bars
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup vegan butter (softened, or coconut oil)
- 1/3 cup almond butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 Tablespoon orange juice (about 1/4 orange)
- 1/2 Tablespoon orange zest (about 1/2 orange)
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup almond flour
- 2/3 cup oat flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup dairy-free white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 6 ounces vegan cream cheese (room temperature)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries (roughly chopped)
- 2 Tablespoons dairy-free white chocolate chips
- 1/4 teaspoon coconut oil
- 1/2 teaspoon orange zest
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vegan butter (or coconut oil), almond butter, egg, orange juice, orange zest, maple syrup, and vanilla.
- Add the almond flour, oat flour, ground ginger, baking powder, and salt on top of the wet ingredients.
- Lightly mix the dry ingredients with a spatula, then combine them with the wet ingredients just until everything is mixed.
- Fold in the dairy-free white chocolate chips and dried cranberries.
- Pour the batter into an 8×8" or 9×9" baking pan lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 27-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let them cool.
- Meanwhile, mix the vegan cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla together until smooth using an electric mixer.
- Place the cream cheese icing in the refrigerator to set while the bars cool.
- Melt the white chocolate chips and coconut oil together until smooth (you can add 1/2 teaspoon extra coconut oil after heating to thin out, if desired).
- Lift the cooled bars out of the pan and cut into 4 squares, then cut each square diagonally into 16 bars.
- Add the cream cheese icing over each bar, then top with the remaining dried cranberries, a drizzle of melted white chocolate, and a sprinkle of orange zest. Enjoy!
How to Serve Gluten-Free Cranberry Bliss Bars
These scrumptious bars are best served chilled or at room temperature. You can cut them into small squares or rectangles for easy serving. They pair well with a cup of tea or coffee and make for a delightful dessert at any gathering.
How to Store Gluten-Free Cranberry Bliss Bars
To keep your bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will last for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the bars. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months.
Tips to Make Gluten-Free Cranberry Bliss Bars
- Make sure to measure your ingredients carefully for the best results.
- Using room temperature vegan cream cheese makes mixing easier.
- You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup based on your taste.
Variation
Feel free to mix things up! You can swap out cranberries for raisins or nuts for a different texture. For a fun twist, add some orange extract for an extra burst of flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free flour?
No, this recipe is specifically designed to be gluten-free. Using regular flour will not yield the same results.
2. How can I make these bars vegan?
This recipe is already vegan, just ensure all your ingredients, like chocolate chips and cream cheese, are dairy-free.
3. Can I substitute the almond butter?
Yes, you can use any nut or seed butter you prefer, such as peanut butter or sunflower seed butter. Adjust the flavor accordingly!
