Recipes

Easy Gluten Free Cranberry Bars

Guest recipe and blog by Cathryn Fowler / @cathryn_fowler_

Tell me if this sounds familiar – You wake up the day after Thanksgiving, look in your fridge, and notice that it's practically teeming with leftovers. Turkey, stuffing, Aunt Mildred's apple pie and, surprisingly, a hefty portion of cranberries that seems larger than the batch you started out with.

Sure you could keep loading cranberries onto your other leftovers to rinse and repeat the holiday flavors you already know... (and get tired of if all at about day 3)... Or... if you're looking for something a little different this holiday season – Something that's got a delectable cranberry taste with none of the bad stuff and none of the guilt, this recipe might be just what you're looking for!

There's a few things that are absolutely magical about these particular cranberry bars:

First, on the day that you make these, the base of the bars will be dense (kind of like a coffee cake). And it'll be delicious and wonderful... But – on the second and third days? They’re even better! They get more moist and yummerific, making them ideal for Christmas, parties (or any other time!) 

Note: If you plan to let them sit overnight, it's best to put the icing on the bars the day of serving, just to be on the safe side.

Second, this isn't your average sugar-filled cranberry bar like you might pick up for an arm and a leg at Starbucks.  For starters, these cranberry bars are gluten free and dairy free. So, whether you're avoiding inflammatories for health reasons, or  just looking for a guiltless holiday goodie, these cranberry bars will not disappoint.

Third, these bars have zero processed sugar. As you likely know, it's processed sugar that can have our immune system waiving the white flag. In fact, studies have shown consuming sugar can curb the effectiveness of the immune cells that protect us from viruses and bacteria.

And lastly – The delicious, all natural frosting in this recipe is powered by the gut health might of Just Thrive Probiotic. Just Thrive is unlike any other probiotic I've ever tried. The proprietary strains arrive 100% alive in the gut (unlike 99% of other brands on the market). This makes for gut support that is incomparably potent and resilient. Speaking of which, this probiotic can survive extreme temperatures which makes it perfect for baking! I love to sprinkle it into some of my favorite recipes for a little extra gut supporting love.

So whether you're looking for a healthier holiday option for your sweet tooth, or just want to enjoy some delicious gut health boosting goodness, this recipe is sure to please. Merry Christmas and happy holidays!

cranberry bars

Easy Gluten Free Cranberry Bars Recipe

Cookie base

  • 1/4 cup Tigernut flour 
  • 2/3 cup coconut flour 
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 3 tablespoons favorite granulated sweetener (such as coconut sugar, etc - I used TelyOrganics Tely Sweet)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2  eggs 
  • 1/3 cup melted coconut oil 
  • 2–4 tablespoons water as/if needed 
  • pinch of salt 

For the Frosting

  • 1 and ½ cups raw cashews (soaked in water for about 4 hours - I used Lark Ellen Farms Sprouted Cashews) 
  • ½ cup full fat coconut milk 
  • 1/4 cup melted coconut oil 
  • 1 to 2 Tablespoons yacon syrup (If you want the frosting to be white, you can use a lighter colored sweetener such as honey)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 
  • 1 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 capsules Just Thrive Probiotic 
  • pinch of salt 

Toppings

  • ½ cup dried cranberries 

Cookie base instructions 

  1. Line an 8x8 baking dish.
  2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  3. In a large bowl, place all your dry ingredients and mix together.
  4. Next add in the coconut oil and eggs and stir together.
  5. Then add enough water until the batter starts holding together. It should be crumbly, but hold together when you squeeze it in your hands. You may not need any water at all. 
  6. Spread dough evenly in the lined baking dish.
  7. Bake for 15 minutes.

Frosting Instructions

  1. Blend all the ingredients in a high speed blender. 
  2. Spread over the cooled cookie base.
  3. Sprinkle the dried cranberries on top. 
  4. Refrigerate until the frosting firms up. 
  5. Revel in taste bud and gut health bliss!!

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