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–+ servings
Cranberry Lemon Bars

Cranberry Lemon Bars That Brighten Your Holiday Table

Cranberry Lemon Bars are a refreshing holiday dessert that perfectly balances tart and sweet flavors.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 45 minutes
Cooling Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cranberry Layer
  • 8 ounces Fresh Cranberries frozen cranberries can be used without thawing
  • 1/2 cup Water
  • 6 tablespoons Granulated Sugar
For the Shortbread Crust
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter use salted butter sparingly, as it may alter the flavor
  • 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 cup + 1 tablespoon All-Purpose Flour gluten-free flour can be a great substitute
For the Lemon Layer
  • 3 large Eggs
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Lemon Juice about 3 lemons will yield this amount of juice
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 3 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
Optional Topping
  • Powdered Sugar for dusting

Equipment

  • 9-inch baking dish
  • saucepan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Rinse fresh cranberries, then place them in a saucepan with water and granulated sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook for 10-15 minutes until the cranberries burst and break down. Cool for 30 minutes.
  2. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Combine melted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt in a mixing bowl. Gradually mix in all-purpose flour until a soft dough forms, then press into the bottom of a lined baking dish. Bake for 16-18 minutes until lightly browned, and cool for 20 minutes.
  3. Spread the cooled cranberry filling evenly over the crust. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 45 minutes to set.
  4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, eggs, and fresh lemon juice until smooth. Pour the lemon mixture over the chilled cranberry layer.
  5. Increase oven temperature to 350°F (177°C). Bake for 43-45 minutes until the center is set and edges are golden. Chill for 1-2 hours before dusting with powdered sugar and serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 100mgPotassium: 85mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. Handle cranberries gently to maximize flavor. Dust powdered sugar just before serving to keep the bars looking delightful.

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