Gluten Free Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars

Gluten Free, Dairy-Free

Gluten-Free Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars

Have you ever tried the seasonal cranberry bliss bar from Starbucks? … It’s probably one of their most underrated seasonal pastries and a true favorite in my family.

I have always been able to pinpoint what time of year it is simply by the cranberry bliss bars my mom brings home around the holiday season. It’s a true testament to our love for these little triangles of goodness, I tell ya!

While these only appear on the menu once a year at Christmas time, the good news is.. now you can make them at home anytime you want!

When I developed sensitivities to dairy and gluten, it meant no more cranberry bliss bars for me. I was beyond bummed to stare at those delectable treats without being able to bite into one myself. So, I took it upon myself to create Gluten Free Cranberry Bliss Bars with Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting so I can enjoy every bite!

Gluten Free Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars

Danielle Webb | 12/8/2020

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 20-25 minutes

Total time: 40 minutes

Servings: 8 bars

Ingredients:

Cranberry Bliss Bars -

• 1 cup gluten-free all purpose flour (I like the Namaste brand or Bobs Red Mill)

• 1/4 cup gluten-free oats

• 1/2 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

• 1 cup coconut sugar

• 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted

• 1 egg

• 1 tsp vanilla

• 1/4 cup dried cranberries

Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting -

• 1/4 cup vegan butter, softened (I like Earth Balance)

• 1/2 cup vegan cream cheese, softened (I like Daiya and VioLife)

• 1 Tbsp coconut milk or dairy-free milk of choice

• 1 tsp vanilla

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• 1/4 cup dried cranberries, for topping

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 F

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine dry ingredients (flour, oats, baking soda, salt, cinnamon)

3. Heat the coconut oil in a microwave safe container for about 45 seconds - 1 minute in the microwave, until melted through

4. In a small bowl, combine coconut sugar, coconut oil, egg, and vanilla

5. Combine dry ingredients into wet and fold in cranberries

6. Bake 20-25 minutes in a greased and lined 8x8 baking pan

7. For the frosting, combine butter, cream cheese, vanilla, and coconut milk in a stand mixer (or bowl if using a hand mixer)

8. Mix butter, cream cheese, coconut milk, and vanilla until combined and add in powdered sugar slowly

9. Mix on med-high until fully combined and you don't see clumps in the frosting

10. Put cream cheese frosting in container and store in fridge to keep it cool until needed

11. Once the bliss bars are ready, store in refrigerator to cool (or allow them to cool on counter) before icing with frosting and topping with remaining cranberries

12. Cut the bars into 4 squares, and then slice them diagonally to create small triangles. Optional: You can use a spoon to drizzle some additional frosting on top as well!

These make for a great Christmas morning breakfast pastry or even a treat for Santa’s cookie plate!

Be sure to tag me @captured.cravings if you share on Instagram so I can see how you liked this recipe!

xoxo

Danielle Webb