Description
Delightful cranberry lemon bars featuring a buttery shortbread crust, tangy lemon filling, and tart cranberry layer.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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