Healthy Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars (Copycat Recipe)

Indulge in guilt-free bliss with our Healthy Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars – a delectable twist on the classic treat. Packed with wholesome ingredients, these bars offer a delightful combination of tart cranberries, zesty orange, and a luscious white chocolate drizzle for a nourishing and delicious holiday indulgence.

If you’re a fan of Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars but want a healthier spin, you’re in for a treat! Today, we’re diving into a DIY recipe that brings the bliss without compromising your wellness goals. 

These low carb bars are perfect to bring to holiday parties or simply to make for family and friends. They are made with fewer carbs and calories.

Buckle up for a guilt-free journey into the world of deliciousness.

If you enjoy these homemade cranberry bliss bars you may also want to try my 30 Easy Christmas Cookie Recipes.

WHAT IS THE STARBUCKS CRANBERRY BLISS BAR RECIPE?

The classic Starbucks version of the Cranberry Bliss Bars are a popular seasonal treat offered during the holiday season. 

They’re like a blondie cookie bar infused with hints of ginger, topped with sweet cream cheese frosting, tart dried cranberries, and a drizzle of white chocolate. Known for their festive flavors and indulgent texture, Cranberry Bliss Bars have become a beloved item on Starbucks’ holiday menu.

The starbuck’s cranberry bliss bars contain ingredients like brown sugar and other regular sugars, orange extract, all purpose flour, unsalted butter, etc. What sets the copycat version apart is the healthier ingredients without compromising on taste.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THE HEALTHY STARBUCKS CRANBERRY BLISS BARS

1. Nutrient-Packed Goodness:
   • Almond flour and coconut oil bring healthy fats, while Greek yogurt adds a protein punch. Say hello to a snack that satisfies and nourishes.
2. Reduced Sugar, Same Sweetness:
   • Opting for natural sweeteners like maple syrup and honey cuts down on refined sugar without sacrificing that delightful sweetness.
3. Real Ingredients, Real Flavor:
   • Ditch the artificial stuff. This recipe celebrates real, wholesome ingredients, ensuring your taste buds revel in genuine flavor.
4. Versatile and Adaptable:
   • Feel free to tweak the recipe to suit your dietary preferences. Gluten-free, dairy-free, you name it – these bars are flexible and fabulous.

SIMPLE INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR THE COPYCAT STARBUCKS CRANBERRY BLISS BARS

You will need the following ingredients listed below to make the famous cranberry bliss bars (the exact measurements, nutrition facts and full recipe are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post):

• Almond flour – this is a replacement for the all purpose flour in the original recipe. I love using Bob’s Red Mill almond flour.
• Baking soda
• Ground ginger
• Sea salt
• Creamy almond butter
• Pure maple syrup
• Large egg
• Vanilla extract
• Orange zest
• Plain greek yogurt
• Cream cheese
• Powdered sugar
• Dried cranberries
• White chocolate chips – can use vegan white chocolate chips if desired.

HOW TO MAKE

1. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F and line a square 8×8″ baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl combine the almond flour, baking soda, ground ginger, and sea salt.
3. In a separate large bowl combine the almond butter, maple syrup, egg, vanilla extract and orange zest. 
4. Combine the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, then add the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.
5. Add to prepared pan and bake for 18-22 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
6. While blondie batter is baking, make the sweet cream cheese frosting. Combine the plain greek yogurt, cream cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
7. Allow bars to cool in pan, then add the cream cheese icing. Remove from pan and cut into 4 large squares. Then cut each square diagonally to make 8 triangles. 
8. Sprinkle with additional dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.
9. Melt more white chocolate and drizzle over top. Enjoy your healthy starbucks cranberry bliss bars!

STORAGE

Storing your homemade Healthy Cranberry Bliss Bars is a breeze, ensuring they stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Here’s a simple guide:

1. Refrigeration:
   • To maintain freshness, store the bliss bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cool temperature helps preserve the yogurt-based frosting and prevents the bars from becoming too soft.
2. Layer with Parchment Paper:
   • If stacking multiple layers, place a sheet of parchment paper between the layers to prevent sticking and maintain the pristine appearance of the bars.
3. Avoid Odor Absorption:
   • Ensure the container is sealed well to prevent any absorption of odors from the fridge. No one wants their bliss bars to taste like yesterday’s leftovers!
4. Individual Wrapping for On-the-Go:
   • If you’re planning to take your bliss bars on the road, consider individually wrapping them in parchment paper or beeswax wraps. This not only keeps them fresh but also makes for a convenient grab-and-go snack.
5. Best Consumed Within:
   • While these bars are designed to stay fresh for several days, they are at their prime within the first 3-4 days after baking. Enjoying them sooner rather than later ensures you experience the perfect blend of flavors and textures.
6. Freezing for Future Bliss:
   • If you’ve made a large batch or want to save some for later, these bars are freezer-friendly. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to a few weeks.
7. Thawing and Enjoying:
   • When you’re ready to indulge, simply transfer the frozen bars to the refrigerator and let them thaw overnight. This ensures they retain their delightful texture.

FAQS

IS THERE A DAIRY-FREE OPTION FOR THE GREEK YOGURT IN THE FROSTING?

Certainly! Opt for a dairy-free yogurt, such as coconut or almond yogurt, to create a delicious dairy-free frosting without compromising on flavor.

CAN I REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF SUGAR IN THE RECIPE FOR A LOWER SUGAR VERSION?

Absolutely! Adjust the amount of maple syrup or honey to suit your taste preferences and dietary goals. The recipe is flexible to accommodate various sweetness levels.

CAN I MAKE THESE BARS NUT FREE BY SUBSTITUTING ALMOND FLOUR WITH A DIFFERENT TYPE OF FLOUR?

Certainly! You can use oat flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a nut-free alternative for the base.

ARE THERE ALTERNATIVES TO THE WHITE CHOCOLATE TO FURTHER REDUCE THE SUGAR CONTENT?

Yes! Consider using sugar-free or dark chocolate chips to reduce the overall sugar content while still maintaining the chocolatey goodness.

HOW DO I ENSURE THESE CRANBERRY BARS STAY FRESH AND MOIST WHILE STORED?

Storing the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator helps maintain their freshness. Adding a slice of bread to the container can also act as a moisture preserver.

CAN I USE FRESH CRANBERRIES INSTEAD OF DRIED?

Certainly! Chop fresh cranberries finely and use them as a delicious substitute for dried cranberries, adding a burst of tartness to the bars.

Other Easy Holiday Treats You May Like!

• Christmas Chocolate Peppermint Truffles
• Heart Shaped Jam Thumbprint Cookies
• Vegan & Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
• Gluten Free Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies
• Easy Christmas Sugar Cookie Fudge

Other Starbucks Copycat Recipes You May Like To Try!

• 30 Homemade Starbucks Copycat Recipes 
• Copycat Starbucks Chai Tea Latte Recipe
• Starbucks Birthday Cake Cake Pops
• Starbucks Bacon and Gruyere Egg Bites
• Copycat Starbucks Spinach Feta Wrap Recipe
• Starbucks Chocolate Cake Pops Copycat Recipe

IF YOU TRIED THESE HEALTHY CRANBERRY BLISS BARS PLEASE LEAVE THEM A COMMENT IN THE COMMENT SECTION AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS RECIPE ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails