Description
Sweet and tart Cranberry Lemon Bars are refreshing treats perfect for any occasion. Made with fresh cranberries and zesty lemon juice, these bars are a hit with everyone.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces fresh cranberries (or frozen, not thawed)
- 1/2 cup water
- 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup lemon juice (fresh, about 3 lemons)
- Optional: powdered sugar sprinkled on top
Instructions
- Rinse and pick through the cranberries. Discard any that look bad or squishy.
- In a medium saucepan, add cranberries, water, and 6 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium-low and cover with a splatter screen. Stir occasionally, then constantly to prevent burning. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until all cranberries are broken down. Cool for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a 9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving overhang to remove bars easily. Coat well with butter or cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, combine melted butter, vanilla, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and salt. Mix in 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon of flour. Press the dough into the prepared pan evenly.
- Bake for 16-18 minutes until lightly browned. Remove from oven and poke crust all over with a fork. Let cool for about 20 minutes.
- In another medium bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of flour and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Whisk in eggs and then add lemon juice. Set aside.
- Once the crust is cool, pour the cooled cranberry filling over it, spreading to the edges. Refrigerate for 45 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Pour the lemon layer on top of the cranberry layer. Bake for 43-45 minutes until the center is set and doesn’t jiggle. Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour, then refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
- To serve, lift parchment out of the pan onto a cutting board. Sift powdered sugar on top and cut into squares.
Notes
Use fresh cranberries for best flavor; adjust sugar in the lemon layer to preference. Optional fruit substitutions include blueberries or raspberries.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: cranberry, lemon, dessert, bars, sweet and tart