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–+ servings
Cranberry Lemon Bars

Tangy Cranberry Lemon Bars for Your Holiday Cheer

Enjoy the delightful tang of Cranberry Lemon Bars, a festive twist on classic desserts that brightens any holiday table.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Filling
  • 8 oz Fresh Cranberries or frozen cranberries without thawing
  • 1/2 cup Water for simmering cranberries
  • 6 tbsp Granulated Sugar to balance sweetness with tartness
For the Crust
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter melted
  • 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar or brown sugar for a richer flavor
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract or almond extract for a twist
  • 1 cup + 1 All-Purpose Flour gluten-free flour is a suitable substitute
For the Lemon Layer
  • 3 large Eggs for creamy texture
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Lemon Juice about 3 lemons
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar adjust based on taste preference
  • 3 tbsp All-Purpose Flour to bind ingredients
Optional Topping
  • Powdered Sugar for dusting before serving

Equipment

  • 9-inch square pan
  • Mixing Bowl
  • saucepan

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Prepare the Cranberry Filling: Rinse cranberries and combine in a saucepan with water and sugar. Boil then simmer for 10-15 minutes until cranberries break down. Allow to cool.
  2. Make the Shortbread Crust: Preheat oven to 325°F. Whisk melted butter, sugar, vanilla, and salt in a bowl. Mix in flour until combined, press into a lined pan and bake for 16-18 minutes until golden.
  3. Assemble the Layers: Pour cranberry filling over baked crust and refrigerate for about 45 minutes to set.
  4. Prepare the Lemon Layer: Whisk together flour and sugar, then add eggs and lemon juice until smooth. Pour over chilled cranberry layer.
  5. Bake the Bars: Increase oven temperature to 350°F and bake for 43-45 minutes until the lemon layer is set.
  6. Cool and Serve: Cool for 1 hour in pan, then refrigerate for 1-2 hours. Dust with powdered sugar before cutting into squares.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 2gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 100mgPotassium: 50mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 4mg

Notes

These bars can be prepared ahead of time, and should be stored in an airtight container.

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