Low-Carb Cranberry Bliss Bars
These Low-Carb Cranberry Bliss Bars offer a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Adapted from an indulgent Starbucks treat, this recipe is crafted to be both delicious and healthy, without sacrificing flavor. Each bar features a moist, rich base enhanced by the tartness of finely chopped cranberries and the warmth of ginger, topped with a creamy, flavorful frosting that includes notes of orange and vanilla. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a special treat, these bars are guaranteed to please both low-carb enthusiasts and dessert lovers alike.
24
Servings
120
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
unsalted butter
1 cup (softened)
Splenda brown sugar blend
1 1/4 cups
eggs
3
ground ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons
salt
1/4 teaspoon
whole wheat flour
3/4 cup
all-purpose flour
1/2 cup
low-carbohydrate baking mix
1/4 cup (such as Atkins or homemade)
dried cranberries
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
white chocolate
6 ounces (finely chopped (sugar-free preferred))
candied ginger
1/3 cup (finely chopped)
cream cheese
4 ounces (softened)
Splenda granular
1 1/2 cups (pulsed into powdered form)
unsalted butter
4 tablespoons (softened)
sugar-free vanilla
1 teaspoon
dole lite orange juice
1 tablespoon
powdered orange rind
1 teaspoon
dried cranberries
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
white chocolate shavings
1/2 cup to 3/4 cup
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Line a 10x15 jelly roll pan with parchment paper, ensuring you trim away any excess.
3
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and Splenda brown sugar blend using an electric mixer until smooth and well combined.
4
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure even incorporation.
5
Gradually add the dry ingredients (whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, low-carb baking mix, ground ginger, and salt) in small batches, mixing well while scraping down the sides of the bowl until fully combined.
6
Remove the mixing paddle, fold in the finely chopped dried cranberries, white chocolate, and candied ginger until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7
Spread the batter evenly in the lined pan and bake for approximately 30 minutes or until the bars are set and firm to the touch.
8
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
9
While the bars are cooling, prepare the frosting: In another mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, powdered Splenda (or nature sweet powder), unsalted butter, sugar-free vanilla, orange juice, and powdered orange rind until smooth and well combined, scraping down the sides as necessary.
10
Gently fold in the additional finely chopped dried cranberries into the frosting mixture.
11
Once the bars have completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top, and sprinkle with white chocolate shavings for a decorative touch.
12
To serve, cut the bars into generous squares, then diagonally into triangles, yielding a beautiful presentation.
13
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
9g
Carbs
1.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Low-Carb Cranberry Bliss Bars?
These bars are a healthy, low-carbohydrate twist on the classic Starbucks treat, featuring a moist ginger-infused base, tart cranberries, and a creamy orange-vanilla frosting.
How many calories are in one serving of these bars?
Each bar contains approximately 120 calories.
What is the carbohydrate content per bar?
Each serving contains 9 grams of carbohydrates, making them a suitable treat for those watching their carb intake.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 24 servings when cut into squares and then triangles.
What size pan should I use for baking?
You should use a 10x15 inch jelly roll pan lined with parchment paper.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long do the Cranberry Bliss Bars need to bake?
The bars typically bake for about 30 minutes, or until they are set and firm to the touch.
What kind of flour is required for this recipe?
The recipe uses a combination of 3/4 cup whole wheat flour, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, and 1/4 cup of low-carb baking mix.
Can I use a specific brand of low-carb baking mix?
Yes, you can use Atkins baking mix or a similar homemade low-carb blend.
How much fat is in each bar?
Each bar contains 10 grams of fat.
What type of sweetener is used in the base?
The base uses 1 1/4 cups of Splenda brown sugar blend.
How do I prepare the frosting for these bars?
The frosting is made by blending softened cream cheese, powdered Splenda, unsalted butter, sugar-free vanilla, orange juice, and powdered orange rind until smooth.
How do I make powdered Splenda for the frosting?
You can pulse Splenda granular in a blender or food processor until it reaches a powdered consistency.
What gives the frosting its citrus flavor?
The citrus flavor comes from a combination of one tablespoon of lite orange juice and one teaspoon of powdered orange rind.
How should the dried cranberries be prepared?
The dried cranberries should be finely chopped before being folded into the batter and the frosting.
Is there ginger in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes both 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground ginger and 1/3 cup of finely chopped candied ginger for warmth and flavor.
What kind of white chocolate is recommended?
Sugar-free white chocolate is preferred to keep the carb count low, used both in the batter and as shavings on top.
Do I need to refrigerate the finished bars?
Yes, any leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator to maintain the freshness of the cream cheese frosting.
How should the bars be cut for the best presentation?
Cut the pan into squares first, then cut each square diagonally into triangles to mimic the classic 'Bliss Bar' look.
Can I use regular butter?
The recipe calls for unsalted butter (softened) for both the batter and the frosting.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each bar provides about 1.5 grams of protein.
Should the eggs be added all at once?
No, add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition for even incorporation.
Why is parchment paper used?
Parchment paper prevents sticking and makes it easier to lift the bars out of the pan once they have cooled.
Is there salt in the recipe?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of salt is included in the dry ingredients.
What is the texture of the base?
The base is described as moist and rich, complemented by the crunch of white chocolate and cranberries.
What is 'powdered orange rind'?
It is the dried and ground zest of an orange, providing a concentrated citrus aroma and flavor.
Can I use vanilla extract?
The recipe specifies sugar-free vanilla to keep the sugar content as low as possible.
Is this recipe suitable for holidays?
Yes, the combination of cranberry, ginger, and orange makes these bars perfect for holiday gatherings.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 19 specific ingredients used to make the bars and the frosting.
Should the bars be frosted while warm?
No, the bars must be completely cooled on a wire rack before spreading the frosting to prevent it from melting.