Cranberry Orange Bliss Bars

Name: Cranberry-Orange Bliss Bars (Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 12 bars
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 200g gluten-free oat flour (or finely blended oats); 100g gluten-free rolled oats; 120g coconut sugar or light brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 100ml melted coconut oil; Zest of 1 large orange; Juice of 1/2 orange (about 2 tbsp); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp gluten-free baking powder; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 150g dried cranberries; Pinch of salt; 80g icing sugar (optional glaze); 1–2 tbsp orange juice (for glaze); Extra orange zest for topping (optional)

Charlie-Jane
Nov 26, 2025
3 min read

Soft, chewy, and beautifully zesty — these Cranberry-Orange Bliss Bars are the perfect balance of sweet and citrusy. Packed with dried cranberries, fresh orange zest, and warm cinnamon, they make a wonderful festive snack, edible gift, or wholesome afternoon treat.

Tray of gluten-free cranberry-orange bliss bars drizzled with orange glaze and sprinkled with fresh orange zest.

These bars are naturally gluten-free and dairy-free thanks to oat flour, coconut oil, and simple pantry ingredients. The result is a tender, moist traybake with bursts of fruity cranberry in every bite. They feel seasonal and indulgent, yet still nourishing enough for everyday snacking.

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes Servings: 12 Bites

Ingredients

For the bars:

200g gluten-free oat flour (or finely blended oats)
100g gluten-free rolled oats
120g coconut sugar or light brown sugar
2 large eggs
100ml melted coconut oil
Zest of 1 large orange
Juice of ½ orange (about 2 tbsp)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp gluten-free baking powder
½ tsp ground cinnamon
150g dried cranberries
Pinch of salt

Optional glaze:

80g icing sugar
1–2 tbsp orange juice
Extra orange zest for topping

Directions

Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Line a 20cm square baking tin with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together oat flour, rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, dried cranberries, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs with melted coconut oil, coconut sugar, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined — do not overmix.
Spread the batter into the prepared tin and smooth the surface.
Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the bars are lightly golden and set in the centre.
Allow to cool completely in the tin before glazing or slicing.
For the glaze, mix icing sugar with orange juice until a drizzle consistency forms. Pour over the bars and top with extra orange zest.
Slice into squares and enjoy.

Top them with a bright orange glaze for extra sweetness or leave them plain for a more wholesome option. Either way, these bliss bars are easy to make, freezer-friendly, and guaranteed to brighten your day.

If you loved this, try my Gingerbread Energy Bites or for another tasty snack Flourless Chocolate Cake

See all Snacks & Appetisers

Close-up of a sliced bar showing chewy oats, dried cranberries, and flecks of orange zest.

What Makes These Cranberry Orange Bliss Bars Special

These bars combine the nostalgic flavours of cranberry and orange — a classic festive pairing — with a soft, oat-based texture that feels both wholesome and satisfying. The citrus zest brightens each bite, while the dried cranberries add chewy sweetness.

Because they’re made with oat flour instead of wheat flour, they’re naturally gluten-free and ideal for families following allergy-friendly diets. They also make a wonderful treat to bake during the holiday season, especially for gifting to friends or adding to dessert platters.