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–+ servings
Cranberry Lemon Bars

Cranberry Lemon Bars: A Tangy Twist for Your Holiday Table

Cranberry Lemon Bars are a vibrant and festive dessert that combines tart cranberries and zesty lemon in a buttery shortbread crust.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Cooling Time 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: DESSERTS
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cranberry Filling
  • 8 ounces Fresh Cranberries Frozen cranberries work too without thawing.
  • 1/2 cup Water Essential for cooking down the cranberries.
  • 6 tablespoons Sugar Sweetens the filling.
For the Crust
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter Can substitute with salted butter.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Enhances flavor.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt Balances sweetness.
  • 1 cup + 1 tablespoon + 3 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour Gluten-free substitute can be used.
For the Lemon Custard Layer
  • 3 Large Eggs Acts as a binder.
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Lemon Juice About 3 lemons.
  • 1 cup Sugar Sweetens the lemon layer.
  • 3 tablespoons Flour Thickens the custard layer.
For Garnish
  • Powdered Sugar Dust on top before serving.

Equipment

  • 9-inch square baking dish
  • saucepan
  • mixing bowl
  • whisk

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Prepare Cranberry Filling: Rinse cranberries, simmer with water and sugar for 10-15 minutes, then cool for 30 minutes.
  2. Preheat and Prepare Crust: Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C), line baking dish with parchment paper and butter.
  3. Make Crust Dough: Combine melted butter, sugar, vanilla, salt, and flour. Press into the pan and bake for 16-18 minutes until browned.
  4. Prepare Lemon Layer: Whisk together flour, sugar, eggs, and lemon juice until smooth.
  5. Layer and Chill: Spread cranberry filling over crust and refrigerate for 45 minutes.
  6. Add Lemon Layer: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), pour lemon layer over cranberry layer, bake for 43-45 minutes, cool for 1 hour and refrigerate.
  7. Serve: Lift bars from pan, dust with powdered sugar, and cut into squares.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 51mgSodium: 100mgPotassium: 80mgFiber: 1gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 150IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

For optimal results, use fresh ingredients and allow layers to chill before assembly.

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