Gluten-Free Cranberry Bliss Bars + Epic Holiday Cookie Exchange
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Serves: 18
Ingredients
Bars:
  • 1⅓ Cup Cashew Meal*
  • 3 Tablespoons Coconut Flour
  • ¼ Cup Arrowroot
  • 1 Teaspoon Baking Powder
  • ¼ Teaspoon Salt
  • 1 Egg
  • 2 Tablespoons Coconut Oil, Melted
  • 2 Tablespoons Applesauce
  • ¼ Cup Honey
  • 2 Teaspoons Vanilla
  • ½ Cup White Chocolate Chips
  • ⅓ Cup Dried Cranberries
Topping:
  • 8 oz Light Cream Cheese, Softened
  • ½ Cup Powdered Sugar
  • 1 Teaspoon Vanilla
  • ⅓ Cup Dried Cranberries
  • ¼ Cup White Chocolate Chips
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350F.
  2. Prepare an 8x8 pan with parchment paper (it will be far easier than non-stick spray - trust me).
  3. In a large bowl, combine cashew meal, arrowroot, coconut flour, baking powder and salt. Whisk until combined.
  4. In a separate bowl whisk egg then add applesauce, honey vanilla and coconut oil. Combine until all mixed and add to the dry ingredients. Stir until a thick batter forms.
  5. Fold in ½ cup of white chocolate chips and ⅓ cup dried cranberries.
  6. Transfer mixture to pan, and smooth into a flat even layer.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  8. While the bars are baking, begin making the frosting. Using an electric mixer, beat powdered sugar and cream cheese until fluffy. Pour in vanilla, and continue mixing until combined.
  9. When the bars are done baking, allow to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.
  10. Once completely cooled, frost with frosting and top with remaining cranberries.
  11. In a small bowl, melt remaining white chocolate chips. Be really careful not to burn them, only heat in 15-20 second intervals until melted.
  12. Drizzle white chocolate over bars.
  13. To cut, begin by making 9 squares cutting three rows horizontally and vertically. Then cut each square in half diagonally.
  14. Store in the fridge for up to three days.
Notes
*To make cashew meal, pulse ~ 1½ cup of cashews in a blender or food processor until it reaches a fine, powdered consistency.
Recipe by The Balanced Berry at https://www.thebalancedberry.com/gluten-free-cranberry-bliss-bars/