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Cranberry Lemon Bars

Irresistibly Tangy Cranberry Lemon Bars You’ll Love

These Cranberry Lemon Bars combine tart cranberries with refreshing lemon for a vibrant holiday dessert.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Cooling Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 190

Ingredients
  

For the Cranberry Filling
  • 8 ounces Fresh Cranberries Frozen cranberries can be used without thawing.
  • 1/2 cup Water Helps create a sauce by cooking the cranberries down.
  • 6 tablespoons Granulated Sugar Sweetens the filling, balancing the tangy cranberries.
For the Crust
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter Melted, creates a rich and moist base for your bars.
  • 1 1/4 cups Granulated Sugar Adds sweetness to both the crust and lemon layer.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt Enhances flavors and balances sweetness.
  • 1 3 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour Can switch to gluten-free flour if desired.
For the Lemon Layer
  • 3 large Eggs Acts as a binder and adds richness to the lemon custard.
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Lemon Juice Delivers bright, refreshing flavor.
  • Granulated Sugar Sweetens the custard layer perfectly.
For Serving
  • Powdered Sugar For dusting before serving.

Equipment

  • saucepan
  • mixing bowl
  • 8x8 inch baking dish
  • spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by rinsing 8 ounces of fresh cranberries and placing them in a saucepan. Add 1/2 cup of water and 6 tablespoons of sugar, cooking over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes until the cranberries soften and burst.
  2. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Combine 1/2 cup melted butter, 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar, 1 3/4 cups flour, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Press the mixture firmly into the dish and bake for 16-18 minutes until lightly golden.
  3. In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup plus 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1/4 cup flour, 3 eggs, and 1/2 cup lemon juice. The mixture should be smooth and well combined.
  4. Once the cranberry filling has cooled for 30 minutes, gently spread it over the baked crust, then refrigerate for about 45 minutes.
  5. Increase oven temperature to 350°F (177°C) and bake the assembled bars for 43-45 minutes until the center is set.
  6. Let cool at room temperature for about an hour, then refrigerate for 1-2 hours before serving. Dust with powdered sugar and slice into squares.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 190kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 2gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 90mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Ensure the crust is completely cooled before layering to prevent sogginess. Use fresh lemon juice for optimal flavor and chill the bars after baking for best texture and flavor melding.

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