Oh my gosh, I just made these Cranberry Delight Bars, and wow… the smell is amazing! My kitchen smells so sweet and fruity. I couldn’t wait to taste one.

The first bite was soft and chewy, with tart cranberries and sweet layers. It’s like a little bite of happiness. I kept thinking, “This is so good!”

I wanted another bar right away. The mix of sweet and tart flavors is just irresistible. Honestly, it’s the kind of treat you’ll want to make again and again.

So, you should totally try these too. They’re super easy to make and perfect for sharing… or keeping all to yourself. Let’s bake them together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Paleo-Friendly: Made without refined sugars, gluten, or dairy, these bars fit into many dietary restrictions.
Quick and Easy: You only need about 15 minutes of prep time to get these bars ready for the oven, and they bake in just 25 minutes.
Deliciously Nutty: The combination of almond flour and coconut flour creates a nutty and light texture, while the addition of chopped pecans gives these bars a satisfying crunch.
Sweet & Tangy Flavor: The unsweetened dried cranberries add a natural sweetness and a zingy burst of flavor that pairs perfectly with the citrusy zest of the orange.
Great for Meal Prep: These bars can be baked ahead of time and stored for snacks throughout the week, making them perfect for busy schedules.

Required Kitchen Tools

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious cranberry delight bars:

Mixing Bowls: For combining dry ingredients, wet ingredients, and for mixing the batter.
Measuring Cups & Spoons: For accurate measurements of your ingredients.
Spatula or Wooden Spoon: To mix everything together.
Baking Dish or Pan (8×8 or 9×9 inches): To bake the bars.
Parchment Paper: To line your baking pan and make removing the bars easier.
Microwave-Safe Bowl or Double Boiler: To melt the coconut butter and other ingredients for the topping.
Knife or Food Processor: To chop the dried cranberries and pecans.

Ingredients

These ingredients will come together to create a soft, chewy, and flavorful bar with the perfect balance of sweetness and citrus. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Bar Base:

Almond Flour (2 cups): Provides a nutty flavor and creates a soft, moist texture that is the perfect base for these bars.
Coconut Flour (1/4 cup): Adds a subtle sweetness and helps to bind the ingredients together.
Baking Soda (1/2 tsp): Ensures the bars rise to the perfect texture.
Pinch of Salt: A small pinch of salt enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Melted Coconut Oil (1/2 cup): Adds healthy fats to the bars, making them moist and satisfying.
Maple Syrup (1/4 cup): Natural sweetness that complements the citrus and cranberry.
Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Adds a rich depth of flavor.
Almond Extract (1/2 tsp): A subtle, aromatic flavor that enhances the nutty profile.
Unsweetened Dried Cranberries (1/2 cup): Adds tartness and sweetness to the bars. You can adjust the amount depending on how much cranberry flavor you want.
Chopped Pecans (1/4 cup): For added crunch and texture, toasted pecans provide a rich, earthy flavor.
Orange Zest (from 1 orange): Fresh orange zest gives these bars a citrusy kick and ties all the flavors together.

For the Topping:

Melted Coconut Butter (1/4 cup): Adds a creamy layer on top, making the bars extra indulgent yet still healthy.
Maple Syrup (2 tbsp): For a touch of sweetness in the topping.
Vanilla Extract (1/2 tsp): A hint of vanilla to match the base flavors.
Orange Juice (1 tsp): A small amount of orange juice helps the topping spread smoothly and complements the orange zest in the bars.
Chopped Dried Cranberries (1/4 cup): A final sprinkle on top to add a pop of color and a little extra sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing a little overhang for easy removal once the bars are baked. This will ensure your bars don’t stick to the pan and make cleanup a breeze.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, coconut flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Use a whisk to mix them thoroughly. The dry ingredients should be well-combined to ensure a uniform texture throughout the bars.

3. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In another large mixing bowl, combine the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Whisk until the ingredients are fully incorporated. Then add in the orange zest and stir it into the mixture for that fresh citrusy fragrance.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Mix until everything is well combined and forms a thick dough-like batter. It should be sticky but not overly runny.

5. Add Cranberries and Pecans

Fold in the unsweetened dried cranberries and chopped pecans using a spatula. This will ensure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter, adding pockets of sweetness and crunch in every bite.

6. Pour the Batter Into the Pan

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and use a spatula to spread it out evenly. Make sure the batter is spread into all corners of the pan for uniform baking.

7. Bake the Bars

Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The bars should be slightly firm but still moist in the middle.

8. Prepare the Topping

While the bars are baking, melt the coconut butter in a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler. Once melted, stir in the maple syrup, vanilla extract, and orange juice until smooth. This mixture will form the creamy topping for the bars.

9. Cool and Apply the Topping

Once the bars are baked, allow them to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once the bars are completely cool, spread the coconut butter topping evenly over the surface. Sprinkle the chopped dried cranberries on top for a colorful and tangy finish.

10. Slice and Serve

After the topping has set (about 10 minutes), slice the bars into squares. You should get about 12 bars from the pan. Serve and enjoy!

Variations for Cranberry Delight Bars

Add Orange Juice: If you want an even stronger citrus flavor, you can add 2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice to the batter.
Use Walnuts or Almonds: Swap out pecans for your favorite nuts, such as walnuts or slivered almonds, for a different flavor profile.
Make It Chocolatey: For an indulgent twist, fold in some dairy-free chocolate chips to the batter before baking.
Sweeten to Taste: If you prefer a sweeter bar, you can increase the maple syrup in the batter or add a tablespoon of honey for a richer taste.

How to Serve Cranberry Delight Bars

These bars are perfect for any occasion! Here are a few ideas on how to enjoy them:

As a Snack: These cranberry delight bars make the perfect healthy snack to munch on throughout the day.
In a Breakfast Spread: Pair them with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a satisfying start to your day.
For Dessert: Serve them as a light, sweet ending to a meal.
For Parties or Gatherings: These bars are perfect to share with family and friends. They’re colorful, flavorful, and sure to impress everyone!

Storing Cranberry Delight Bars

Room Temperature: Store the cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, you can keep the bars in the fridge for up to 1 week. Just be sure they are tightly sealed to avoid them drying out.
Freezing: You can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Simply wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container.

Nutrition Information

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content for each Cranberry Delight Bar (based on 12 bars per batch):

Nutrient	Amount per Bar
Calories	180
Protein	3g
Fat	14g
Carbohydrates	14g
Fiber	4g
Sugar	6g
Sodium	50mg

Conclusion

These Cranberry Delight Bars are a delicious and healthy snack that’s packed with flavor and nutrients. With their chewy texture, nutty flavors, and citrusy notes, they’re the perfect combination of sweet and tangy. Whether you’re following a paleo diet, need something quick for meal prep, or simply want a wholesome snack, these bars are a winner every time. They are easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and will definitely become a favorite in your recipe collection!