Gluten Free Cranberry Bliss Bars are a copycat recipe of the Starbucks favourite treat. So many people raved about this bar so I needed to make it gluten free so I could enjoy it as well.
This soft cookie bar is smothered in a delicious cream cheese frosting. I used dairy free cream cheese because I also have to watch my dairy intake.
This recipe yields about 28 servings, but this is an estimate and the number of servings will depend on your serving size preference.
Serve it up for dessert or eat a slice with a nice cup of tea or coffee.
These orange and cranberry flavoured gluten free bars are a hit at our house.
Chunks of white chocolate, Craisins and orange zest add not only flavour but texure as well.
Printable Recipe Card with a Full List of Ingredients and Instructions is Located at the Bottom of the Post.
Be sure to read through the entire post so that you don’t miss out on any important tips and tricks!
The first step to make these Gluten Free Cranberry Bliss Bars was to melt some butter, on low, in the microwave.
Then I dumped the melted butter and some brown sugar into a large mixing bowl.
I used an electric hand mixer to combine the ingredients before adding some eggs, orange extract and vanilla extract.
Then I used the hand mixer again to incorporate all the ingredients.
Next I measured in some ground ginger, ground cinnamon, baking powder, salt and some Bob’s Red Mill 1 to 1 Gluten Free Baking Flour.
I beat the dry ingredients in just until blended.
Then I dumped in some Craisins and white chocolate chips.
I used a wooden spoon to fold in the Craisins and white chocolate chips.
Next I lined a 10″ x 15″ rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
I scraped the batter onto the parchment paper.
Then I used a spatula to spread the batter out evenly. You do not need to come right to the sides of the pan.
Next I placed the pan into a preheated 350F oven for 20 minutes or until it was light golden brown around the edges.
Once cooked, I removed the pan from the oven and allowed the Gluten Free Cranberry Bliss Bars to cool.
Once cooled it was time to prepare the delicious frosting.
I dumped cream cheese (I used dairy free), orange extract and icing sugar into a mixing bowl.
Then I used an electric hand mixer to cream the ingredients together.
Once creamed I scraped the frosting on top of the bars.
Then I spread the frosting evenly over the bars.
Next I zested one orange and chopped up some Craisins.
I sprinkled the orange zest over the frosting.
Then I sprinkled the chopped Craisins over the frosting as well.
The final step was to melt some white bakers chocolate on low in the microwave.
I used a fork to drizzle the white chocolate over top of the bars.
Now you could put them in the refrigerator to set for a bit or cut them into triangles immediately.
Serve up these copycat bars and watch them quickly be devoured.
These bars are a tasty addition to end any meal, or serve them up as a special treat with a cup of tea or coffee. The citrus flavours really pop in this recipe!
Printable Recipe Card with a Full List of Ingredients and Instructions is Located at the Bottom of the Post.
PRINTABLE VERSION OF THE RECIPE CAN BE FOUND AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE
Ingredients You’ll Need to Make these Gluten Free Cranberry Bliss Bars:
1 cup butter melted
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
2 eggs, large
1 teaspoon orange extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups Bob’s Red Mill 1 to 1 Gluten Free Baking Flour
1 cup white chocolate chips
3/4 cup Craisins
Frosting and Topping:
8 oz cream cheese (I used dairy free)
2 cups icing sugar
1 teaspoon orange extract
zest of one orange
1/2 cups Craisins chopped
2 squares white baking chocolate
How to Make Gluten Free Cranberry Bliss Bars:
Preheat oven to 350F and line a 15″ x 10″ rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
Dump the melted butter and brown sugar into a large mixing bowl. Beat together with an electric hand mixer.
Beat in the eggs, orange extract and vanilla extract until well combined.
Measure in the ground ginger, ground cinnamon, baking powder, salt and Bob’s Red Mill 1 to 1 Gluten Free Baking Flour. Beat until just blended.
Fold in the white chocolate chips and Craisins with a large spoon.
Spread the batter out evenly on the prepared baking sheet. You don’t need it to go right to the edges.
Place baking pan in the preheated 350F oven for 20 minutes, until light golden brown at the edges.
Remove from oven. Place on cooling rack to cool completely.
Once completely cooled prepare the frosting by beating the cream cheese and the icing sugar together with an electric hand mixer.
Once creamy add the orange extract and mix well.
Spread the frosting on top of the bars.
Sprinkle the orange zest on top of the frosting followed by the chopped up Craisins.
Melt the white chocolate on low in the microwave for 20 second intervals. Stir in between intervals.
Use a fork to drizzle the white chocolate on top of the Cranberry Bliss Bars.
Cut into triangles immediately. You can also put them in the refrigerator for a bit to set before slicing.
Serve and enjoy!
FAQS:
What should I serve with gluten free cranberry bliss bars?
Gluten-free cranberry bliss bars are delicious on their own, but if you’re looking to complement them with other treats or accompaniments, here are some ideas:
Whipped Cream: Serve a dollop of whipped cream on the side or on top of each bar for a creamy contrast to the tartness of the cranberries.
Fresh Fruit: Arrange a fruit platter with seasonal fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or sliced oranges. The freshness of the fruit will balance the richness of the bars.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream can be a delightful pairing, especially if you’re serving the bars warm.
Cheese Platter: Create a cheese platter with a variety of cheeses like brie, aged cheddar, or goat cheese. The savory flavors of the cheese can complement the sweetness of the bars.
Hot Beverages: Serve hot beverages like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate alongside the bars for a comforting treat.
Chocolate Fondue: Set up a chocolate fondue station with various dipping options such as marshmallows, strawberries, and pretzels. The combination of chocolate and cranberry can be irresistible.
Nut Mix: Offer a bowl of mixed nuts, such as almonds, cashews, and pecans, for a crunchy and nutritious accompaniment.
Lemon Curd: If you enjoy contrasting flavors, serve some lemon curd on the side. The tanginess of the lemon will complement the sweetness of the cranberry bars.
Sparkling Water or Champagne: For a refreshing beverage option, serve sparkling water or champagne to cleanse the palate between bites.
Remember to consider any dietary restrictions or preferences of your guests when selecting accompaniments. Enjoy your gluten-free cranberry bliss bars and the company of your guests!
How do I store gluten free cranberry bliss bars?
Storing gluten-free cranberry bliss bars is similar to storing regular cranberry bliss bars, with a few considerations to ensure freshness and prevent them from drying out or becoming stale. Here’s how you can store them:
Cooling: Allow the cranberry bliss bars to cool completely at room temperature before attempting to store them.
Air-tight Container: Place the bars in an airtight container. This helps to prevent them from being exposed to air, which can dry them out and affect their texture.
Layering: You will want to store these bars in a single layer because of the cream cheese frosting.
Refrigeration: Depending on the ingredients and recipe, some gluten-free baked goods may benefit from refrigeration to maintain freshness. If your cranberry bliss bars contain perishable ingredients like cream cheese or if you live in a particularly warm climate, consider storing them in the refrigerator. However, keep in mind that refrigeration can sometimes alter the texture of baked goods, so it’s best to let them come to room temperature before serving for optimal taste and texture.
By following these storage tips, you can keep your gluten-free cranberry bliss bars fresh and delicious for longer periods.
Can I freeze gluten free cranberry bliss bars?
Yes, you can freeze gluten-free cranberry bliss bars. Freezing is a great way to extend the shelf life of baked goods, including gluten-free ones like cranberry bliss bars. Here are some steps to properly freeze them:
Allow the bars to cool completely after baking.
Cut them into individual portions if they’re not already portioned.
Place the bars on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they are not touching each other.
Put the baking sheet in the freezer and let the bars freeze for about 1-2 hours or until they are firm.
Once frozen, transfer the bars to an airtight container or a freezer bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible from the container or bag before sealing it.
Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
Store the bars in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy the cranberry bliss bars, simply remove the desired number of bars from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour before serving. You can also warm them up in the microwave or oven if you prefer them warm.
Gluten Free Cranberry Bliss Bars are a copycat recipe of the Starbucks favourite treat. So many people raved about this bar so I needed to make it gluten free so I could try it as well.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Additional Time10 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Ingredients
1 cup butter melted
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
2 eggs, large
1 teaspoon orange extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups Bob's Red Mill 1 to 1 Gluten Free Baking Flour
1 cup white chocolate chips
3/4 cup Craisins
Frosting and Topping:
8 oz cream cheese (I used dairy free)
2 cups icing sugar
1 teaspoon orange extract
zest of one orange
1/2 cups Craisins chopped
2 squares white baking chocolate
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350F and line a 15" x 10" rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
Dump the melted butter and brown sugar into a large mixing bowl. Beat together with an electric hand mixer.
Beat in the eggs, orange extract and vanilla extract until well combined.
Measure in the ground ginger, ground cinnamon, baking powder, salt and Bob's Red Mill 1 to 1 Gluten Free Baking Flour. Beat until just blended.
Fold in the white chocolate chips and Craisins with a large spoon.
Spread the batter out evenly on the prepared baking sheet. You don't need it to go right to the edges.
Place baking pan in the preheated 350F oven for 20 minutes, until light golden brown at the edges.
Remove from oven. Place on cooling rack to cool completely.
Once completely cooled prepare the frosting by beating the cream cheese and the icing sugar together with an electric hand mixer.
Once creamy add the orange extract and mix well.
Spread the frosting on top of the bars.
Sprinkle the orange zest on top of the frosting followed by the chopped up Craisins.
Melt the white chocolate on low in the microwave for 20 second intervals. Stir in between intervals.
Use a fork to drizzle the white chocolate on top of the Cranberry Bliss Bars.
Cut into triangles immediately. You can also put them in the refrigerator for a bit to set before slicing.