Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

• • Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Lightly grease the parchment paper with coconut oil or cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

• • In a medium bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set aside.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

• • In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted coconut oil (or butter), coconut sugar (or brown sugar), and honey (or maple syrup). Whisk together until smooth and well blended.

• • Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

• • Stir in the vanilla extract and orange zest, mixing until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

• • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

• • Gently fold in the chopped dried cranberries and white (or dark) chocolate chips until evenly distributed.

Step 5: Bake the Bars

• • Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.

• • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

• • Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift the bars out using the parchment paper and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Make the Frosting

• • While the bars are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, powdered sugar (or sugar substitute), and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

• • Adjust the sweetness to your taste by adding more powdered sugar or a sweetener as needed.

Step 7: Frost the Bars

• • Once the bars have cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using a spatula.

• • Optionally, garnish with additional chopped cranberries and a sprinkle of orange zest for added flavor and decor.

Step 8: Cut and Serve

• • Using a sharp knife, cut the bars into squares or rectangles. Wipe the knife periodically for cleaner cuts.

• • Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.