Oh, do I have a treat for you today! If you’ve ever found yourself yearning for something festive, sweet, and just a little bit indulgent, then you’re in for a delight with these **Gluten Free Cranberry Bliss Bars**. I first stumbled upon this recipe during a holiday baking marathon with my family, and let me tell you, the aroma filling the kitchen was pure magic!
There’s something so cozy and nostalgic about baking, especially when you’re whipping up treats that remind you of the holidays. The tartness of cranberries combined with a creamy frosting gets my taste buds dancing every time! Plus, being gluten-free means everyone can join in on the fun (and there’s little need for special flour substitutes)!
What’s in Gluten Free Cranberry Bliss Bars?
Let’s break down those delightful ingredients that come together in perfect harmony:
Gluten-free all-purpose flour: This is a must to keep our bars gluten-free without skimping on texture. I prefer brands like Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur for their consistency.
Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents give our bars that fluffy texture. They’re crucial, so don’t skip these!
Salt: Just a pinch of salt to balance out the sweetness.
Unsalted butter: Softened! This is essential for creaming with the sugars and giving our bars a rich flavor.
Brown sugar and granulated sugar: The brown sugar adds depth and moisture, while granulated sugar gives that classic sweetness.
Eggs: These bind everything together and contribute to that lovely, tender crumb.
Vanilla extract: No baked good is complete without a splash of vanilla, am I right? It adds warmth and enhances all the flavors.
Dried cranberries: Chopped for convenience! They bring that tart punch and festive touch.
Zest of 1 orange: This is where the magic happens! A bit of citrus brightens the whole flavor profile.
White chocolate chips (optional): These sweet morsels are purely optional, but I can’t resist tossing them in for an extra layer of decadence.
Now, for the dreamy frosting:
Cream cheese: Softened and ready to be whipped into a creamy cloud of deliciousness!
Powdered sugar: This adds sweetness and that smooth frosting texture we all love.
Vanilla extract: Again with the vanilla because, let’s face it, it’s just wonderful.
Dried cranberries and orange zest (for topping): A beautiful finish for that final festive touch!
Is Gluten Free Cranberry Bliss Bars Good for You?
Well, it all comes down to balance, right? These bliss bars are definitely a sweet treat!
Cranberries: Packed with antioxidants, cranberries are a great source of vitamin C, which is terrific for your immune system—perfect for those chilly months.
Eggs: They provide protein and essential amino acids, making these bars a bit more than just sugar.
On the flip side, these bars are rich (thanks to the butter and cream cheese) and sweet, so it’s probably best to enjoy them as a special treat rather than a daily snack. Also, be mindful if anyone has dairy allergies, since we do use cream cheese and butter.
Serving Size
This recipe yields about 12-16 bars, depending on how generous you feel when slicing. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or as a sweet ending to a cozy dinner!
How to Make Gluten Free Cranberry Bliss Bars?
Alright, let’s get down to business! Here’s how to create these delightful bars step-by-step:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper. This helps with easy removal and clean-up!
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside to keep those dry ingredients organized.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. You want it to look a bit like whipped clouds!
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and the glorious orange zest.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until everything’s fully combined. Fold in those beautiful chopped cranberries and white chocolate chips, if you’re using them.
6. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
7. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish—patience is key here!
9. For the frosting, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
10. Once cooled, spread that luscious cream cheese frosting over the top. Sprinkle with additional chopped cranberries and a little orange zest for garnish.
11. Slice into bars and get ready to enjoy!
Sweet Tidbits for Your Baking Adventure
– **Make Ahead**: These bars are perfect for prepping in advance. They stay fresh in the refrigerator for about a week.
– **Serving Suggestions**: I love serving these chilled with a cup of tea or coffee. They would also make lovely gifts wrapped in pretty parchment paper for friends or family during the holidays!
– **Variations**: Feel free to swap the dried cranberries with cherries or even raisins if that’s more your speed!
Let me tell you, I can’t get enough of these bars! They’re a cozy hug in dessert form; a perfect addition to your holiday baking list or a delightful surprise for any get-together. So, roll up those sleeves and get baking—I promise you won’t regret it. And please, let me know how yours turn out! Enjoy every delicious bite!
