Cranberry Lemon Bars
Cranberry Lemon Bars are a delightful treat that combines the sweet and tart flavors of cranberries and lemons. These bars have a buttery shortbread crust topped with a tangy lemon filling and a layer of cranberry goodness. They are perfect for any occasion, whether you are hosting a gathering, celebrating a holiday, or just craving a sweet snack!
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a fantastic choice for several reasons. Firstly, the combination of tangy lemon and tart cranberries creates a refreshing flavor that is hard to resist. Secondly, these bars are simple to prepare and do not require any fancy baking skills. Lastly, they are visually appealing, making them great for parties or potlucks. Whether you serve them as dessert or a sweet snack, Cranberry Lemon Bars are sure to impress.
How to Make Cranberry Lemon Bars
Making Cranberry Lemon Bars is a straightforward process. By following a few easy steps, you can create these delicious treats without any hassle. Here’s how to do it!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces fresh cranberries (or frozen, not thawed)
- 1/2 cup water
- 6 tablespoons granulated sugar (for cranberry layer)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for shortbread crust)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for shortbread crust)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for lemon layer)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for lemon layer)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3 lemons)
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting on top
Directions
Prepare the Cranberry Filling: Rinse and pick through the cranberries, discarding any bad ones. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, water, and 6 tablespoons of sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium-low heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a 9-inch square baking dish with foil and coat it with butter.
Make the Shortbread Crust: In a bowl, combine the melted butter, vanilla, 1/4 cup sugar, and salt. Mix in 1 cup + 1 tablespoon flour until a thick dough forms. Press the dough into the lined pan and bake for 16-18 minutes until lightly browned.
Prepare the Lemon Layer: In a bowl, combine 3 tablespoons flour and 1 cup sugar. Whisk in eggs and lemon juice.
Assemble and Bake: Pour the cooled cranberry filling over the crust and refrigerate for 45 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the lemon layer over the cranberry layer and bake for 43-45 minutes until set.
Serve: After cooling, dust with powdered sugar, cut into squares, and enjoy!
How to Serve Cranberry Lemon Bars
Cranberry Lemon Bars are best served chilled or at room temperature. You can dust them with powdered sugar right before serving for an extra touch of sweetness. They make a wonderful dessert after a meal or a delightful addition to a snack platter.
How to Store Cranberry Lemon Bars
You can store Cranberry Lemon Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to one week. Make sure to place parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.
Tips to Make Cranberry Lemon Bars
- For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding lemon zest to the lemon layer.
- If you prefer less tartness, you can adjust the sugar in the cranberry filling.
- Make sure to let the bars cool completely before cutting for clean squares.
Variation
You can experiment with different types of fruit in place of cranberries. Try using raspberries or blueberries for a delicious twist on this recipe!
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Just make sure they are not thawed before using them in the recipe.
2. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! Cranberry Lemon Bars can be made a day or two in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
3. What can I serve with Cranberry Lemon Bars?
These bars pair well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also serve them alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a lovely afternoon treat.
Enjoy making and sharing your delicious Cranberry Lemon Bars!
Print
Cranberry Lemon Bars
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful cranberry lemon bars featuring a buttery shortbread crust, tangy lemon filling, and tart cranberry layer.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces fresh cranberries (or frozen, not thawed)
- 1/2 cup water
- 6 tablespoons granulated sugar (for cranberry layer)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for shortbread crust)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for shortbread crust)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for lemon layer)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for lemon layer)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3 lemons)
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting on top
Instructions
- Prepare the Cranberry Filling: Rinse and pick through the cranberries, discarding any bad ones. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, water, and 6 tablespoons of sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium-low heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a 9-inch square baking dish with foil and coat it with butter.
- Make the Shortbread Crust: In a bowl, combine the melted butter, vanilla, 1/4 cup sugar, and salt. Mix in 1 cup + 1 tablespoon flour until a thick dough forms. Press the dough into the lined pan and bake for 16-18 minutes until lightly browned.
- Prepare the Lemon Layer: In a bowl, combine 3 tablespoons flour and 1 cup sugar. Whisk in eggs and lemon juice.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the cooled cranberry filling over the crust and refrigerate for 45 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the lemon layer over the cranberry layer and bake for 43-45 minutes until set.
- After cooling, dust with powdered sugar, cut into squares, and enjoy!
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding lemon zest to the lemon layer. Store in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cranberry, lemon, dessert, bars, sweet, holiday treat
Can I use prepare lemmon curd?