Cranberry Lemon Bars

Cranberry Lemon Bars are a delightful twist on the traditional lemon dessert, combining the vibrant tartness of fresh cranberries with the bright, zesty flavor of lemons. Imagine biting into a perfectly balanced square that offers a burst of sweet and sour sensations, all harmonized by a buttery crust. These bars are perfect for holiday gatherings, casual afternoons with friends, or simply when you crave something sweet with a little zing. Having made these bars countless times, I can confidently say they’re a crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress.

Why You’ll Love Making It

What stands out about these Cranberry Lemon Bars is their incredible balance of flavors and textures. Here are just a few reasons to whip up a batch:

• Quick to Prepare: With a modest bake time and minimal prep, these bars come together effortlessly, making them ideal for when unexpected guests drop by or a sweet craving strikes.
• Budget-Friendly Ingredients: Most of the essentials you need are likely already in your pantry, making this a cost-effective choice for any dessert lover.
• Kid-Approved: Children adore these bars for their sweet-tart flavor combination, and they’re a great way to introduce them to the joys of baking.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From festive holiday parties to sunny weekend brunches, Cranberry Lemon Bars fit right in and can brighten any table.

"Absolutely delicious! The lemon and cranberry balance each other perfectly. I can’t get enough of these!" – A satisfied home baker.

How to Prepare This Recipe

This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect even for novice bakers. Here’s what you can expect as you embark on this culinary journey:

1. Prepare a luscious cranberry filling to layer over a buttery crust.
2. Whisk together a refreshing lemon topping that’s baked to perfection.
3. Chill and slice into squares for a delightful, shareable treat.

Gather Your Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to create these delicious Cranberry Lemon Bars:

• 8 ounces fresh cranberries (or frozen, not thawed)
• 1/2 cup water
• 6 tablespoons granulated sugar (for the cranberry sauce)
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter (melted)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for the crust)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for the crust)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (for the lemon filling)
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for the lemon filling)
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup lemon juice (fresh, about 3 lemons)
• Optional: powdered sugar for sprinkling on top

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Now that you have your ingredients, let’s dive into the preparation steps:

1. Prep the Cranberries: Rinse and pick through cranberries, discarding any bad ones. In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, water, and 6 tablespoons of sugar. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce to medium-low, cover with a splatter screen, and stir occasionally. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until cranberries break down. Let this cool for at least 30 minutes.

2. Crust Preparation: Preheat your oven to 325°F. Line a 9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang. Coat with butter or non-stick spray. In a medium bowl, mix melted butter, 1/4 cup sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Stir in 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon of flour, then press the thick dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 16-18 minutes until lightly browned. Once out of the oven, poke the crust all over with a fork and let it cool for about 20 minutes.

3. Make the Lemon Filling: In another medium bowl, combine 3 tablespoons flour with 1 cup sugar. Whisk in the eggs and followed by adding lemon juice.

4. Assemble: Spread the cooled cranberry mixture over the crust evenly. Then, pour the lemon layer on top. Bake the entire dish at 350°F for 43-45 minutes until the center is set and doesn’t jiggle.

5. Cool and Chill: Let the bars sit at room temperature for an hour, then refrigerate for 1-2 hours before serving.

6. Serve: Once chilled, lift the bars out by the parchment paper, sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired, and slice into squares. For clean cuts, remember to wipe your knife between slices!

Tips for Serving

To really elevate your Cranberry Lemon Bars, consider serving them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Fresh mint leaves make for a lovely garnish too. A cup of warm tea complements the dessert beautifully, and if you want a fruity drink, try a sparkling lemonade to enhance that zesty flavor. They also pair wonderfully with a cheese platter if you’re looking for a more substantial spread.

Keeping Cranberry Lemon Bars Fresh Longer

To ensure your delicious treats remain fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll last about 5-7 days. If you want to make them ahead, they can be prepared a day or two in advance. These bars also freeze well! Simply slice, wrap in plastic wrap, and then place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge overnight.

Helpful Hints

Here are a few pro tips to ensure your Cranberry Lemon Bars turn out perfectly every time:

• Fresh vs. Frozen: If using frozen cranberries, there’s no need to thaw them; simply toss them into your saucepan.
• Lemon Juice Freshness: Always use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice doesn’t have the same zing and can affect the final taste.
• Don’t Skip the Cooling: Allowing both the crust and cranberry layers to cool properly helps maintain the integrity of your bars and enhances the layering.

Creative Twists on the Original

Feeling adventurous? Here are a few variations you could try:

• Add Zest: Grate some lemon or orange zest into the lemon filling for an extra citrus kick.
• Nutty Crust: Incorporate ground almonds or walnuts into your crust for a unique texture.
• Sweet Spice: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to your cranberry mixture for a warm flavor that’s perfect for fall and winter gatherings.

FAQs

How long do Cranberry Lemon Bars take to make?

The total time for making and cooling these bars is about 3 to 4 hours, which includes baking and chilling time.

Can I use other berries instead of cranberries?

Absolutely! Blueberries or raspberries make fantastic replacements. Just keep in mind that you may need to adjust the sugar slightly depending on the tartness of the berries.

How can I know when the bars are done baking?

The bars are done when the lemon filling doesn’t jiggle in the center and the edges are just starting to pull away from the pan.

Now that you’re well-equipped with this delightful recipe and helpful tips, it’s time to get in the kitchen and treat yourself to these irresistible Cranberry Lemon Bars!

Cranberry Lemon Bars

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• Total Time: 90 minutes
• Yield: 16 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A delightful twist on traditional lemon bars, combining the vibrant tartness of cranberries with the zesty flavor of lemons, all on a buttery crust.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 ounces fresh cranberries (or frozen, not thawed)
• 1/2 cup water
• 6 tablespoons granulated sugar (for the cranberry sauce)
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for the crust)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for the crust)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (for the lemon filling)
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for the lemon filling)
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup lemon juice (fresh, about 3 lemons)
• Optional: powdered sugar for sprinkling on top

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Cranberries: Rinse cranberries, discard bad ones, and combine cranberries, water, and sugar in a saucepan. Boil, then simmer for 10-15 minutes until cranberries break down. Cool for at least 30 minutes.
2. Crust Preparation: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper. Mix melted butter, sugar, vanilla, and salt, then stir in the flour and press into the pan. Bake for 16-18 minutes until lightly browned. Cool for 20 minutes.
3. Make the Lemon Filling: Combine flour and sugar in a bowl, whisk in eggs, and then lemon juice.
4. Assemble: Spread cooled cranberry mixture over the crust, pour lemon filling on top. Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 43-45 minutes until the center is set.
5. Cool and Chill: Let the bars sit at room temperature for an hour, then refrigerate for 1-2 hours before serving.
6. Serve: Lift bars out using parchment, sprinkle with powdered sugar, slice into squares.

Notes

Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat. These bars can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for 5-7 days.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 square
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: cranberry, lemon bars, dessert, holiday, baking