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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Make the Lemon Filling: Combine flour and sugar in a bowl, whisk in eggs, and then lemon juice.
- 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.
- Cool and Chill: Let the bars sit at room temperature for an hour, then refrigerate for 1-2 hours before serving.
- 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