Imagine sinking your teeth into a decadent, bakery-style treat that tastes like it's straight from Starbucks, but with a healthy twist that'll make your body thank you! These Healthy Cranberry Bliss Bars are about to revolutionize your snacking game, offering all the indulgent flavor you crave without the traditional sugar overload. Perfect for health-conscious foodies, clean eating enthusiasts, and anyone who believes delicious desserts can actually be nutritious, this recipe is your ticket to guilt-free indulgence that doesn't compromise on taste.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup gluten-free oats
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine almond flour, gluten-free oats, and salt. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- In a separate microwave-safe bowl, melt coconut oil. Add honey and vanilla extract to the melted oil, whisking until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until a cohesive dough forms, ensuring all dry ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Fold in half of the dried cranberries and half of the white chocolate chips into the dough, distributing them evenly.
- Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan, pressing it down firmly and evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
- Sprinkle the remaining cranberries and white chocolate chips on top of the dough, gently pressing them into the surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour. The bars will firm up as they cool.
- Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Place on a cutting board and slice into 12 even rectangles.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
Tips
- Ingredient Temperature Matters: Ensure your coconut oil is melted but not hot, and ingredients are at room temperature for the best dough consistency.
- Don't Overmix: Stir the wet and dry ingredients just until combined to keep the bars tender and prevent a tough texture.
- Even Distribution is Key: When adding cranberries and white chocolate chips, fold them gently to ensure every bite has a perfect balance of flavors.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to help them set and achieve the ideal texture.
- Storage Hack: For maximum freshness, store in an airtight container and separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Customize Your Bars: Feel free to swap white chocolate chips with dark chocolate for a lower sugar option, or add chopped nuts for extra crunch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 0mg
