Cranberry Lemon Bars are the perfect balance between sweet and tart, making them a delightful dessert for any occasion. Imagine sinking your teeth into a buttery shortbread crust that crumbles just right, followed by a vibrant layer of tangy lemon and succulent cranberry filling. This recipe is not only visually stunning with its sunny citrus color and rich red cranberry hue, but it also delivers a refreshing treat that brightens up your dessert table. Whether you’re meeting friends for a casual gathering, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving something sweet, these bars are sure to impress!
The best part about these Cranberry Lemon Bars is their simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers will find success. Most of the work is done in the oven, allowing you to focus on the flavors that combine beautifully. The quick preparation time is complemented by a cooling period, ensuring that each bite is a burst of flavor that perfectly balances the sweetness of the sugar and tartness of the lemon juice. A dusting of powdered sugar on top adds the final touch of elegance. So gather your ingredients and prepare to enjoy homemade dessert bliss!
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Lemon Bars
- Perfectly balanced flavors: The combination of tart cranberries and zesty lemons creates a bright, refreshing taste that is truly irresistible.
- Simple and quick: With minimal prep time and straightforward baking instructions, you’ll have these delicious bars ready in no time!
- Great for sharing: Yields 16 delectable bars, perfect for potlucks and gatherings.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you dive into the baking process, it’s essential to ensure your kitchen is prepared for success. Start by gathering all your ingredients: salted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and whole-berry cranberry sauce. Having everything on hand makes the process smoother and more enjoyable. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), allowing it to warm up while you prepare your mixture.
For this recipe, you’ll need a few essential tools: a 9 x 9-inch baking pan, preferably lined with parchment paper for easy removal after baking, a hand or stand mixer for crafting a fluffy shortbread dough, several mixing bowls, and a whisk for combining your ingredients effectively. These tools will facilitate a seamless cooking experience, enabling you to focus on achieving excellent results. Don’t forget to keep your workspace clean, and enjoy the process of creating these delightful bars!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup salted butter, softened at room temperature
- 1/4 cup granulated white sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for the crust)
- 4 large whole eggs
- 1 1/4 cups granulated white sugar (for the filling)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for the filling)
- 1 cup whole-berry cranberry sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 9 x 9-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This will ensure the bars can be easily lifted out after baking. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and 1/4 cup granulated sugar using a hand or stand mixer, until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process is crucial as it helps create a tender and airy crust.
Step 2: Form the Dough
Next, add the vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture, blending until fully incorporated. Gradually mix in 1 cup of all-purpose flour, taking care to avoid over-mixing, as this can result in a tough crust. Once you have a cohesive shortbread dough, use a spatula or your fingers to evenly press the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Bake this crust in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the top is lightly golden brown. This foundational layer sets the tone for the entire dessert!
Step 3: Make the Filling
As the crust bakes, you can prepare the lemon filling. In a separate bowl, whisk together the four eggs, 1 1/4 cups of granulated sugar, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice until the ingredients are blended smoothly. This mixture gives the bars their signature tartness. Next, sift in 1/2 cup of flour to thicken the filling, stirring gently until combined.
Step 4: Layer the Cranberry Sauce
Once the crust has baked and cooled slightly while remaining warm, evenly spread your whole-berry cranberry sauce over its surface. This layer promotes adhesion between the crust and the lemon filling, so make sure it’s well-distributed. It adds a delightful tanginess that perfectly complements the sweetness of the lemon.
Step 5: Bake for Perfection
Finally, pour the lemon mixture over the cranberry sauce layer. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes or until the filling is set. The top will develop a slight jiggle, which is a good sign! Cooling time is essential, so let the bars cool completely before refrigerating them for several hours or overnight. This allows them to firm up, making it easier to cut into perfect squares. Before serving, dust with powdered sugar for a touch of elegance!
Variations
- Protein: Consider adding a protein component by serving with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
- Vegetables: For a new spin, incorporate finely grated carrots into the filling mix for added moisture and a hint of sweetness.
- Spices: Add a dash of cinnamon or ginger for a warm spice note that pairs beautifully with the lemon.
Cooking Notes
- Be sure to let the bars cool completely before refrigerating for the best texture.
- These bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making them an excellent make-ahead dessert.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these bars chilled straight from the fridge for a refreshing snack on warm days.
- Pair with a cup of tea or coffee for an elegant afternoon treat.
Tips
- Use a sharp knife to cut through the bars for clean edges, and wipe the knife between cuts to maintain neat slices.
- Feel free to experiment with the amount of lemon juice and zest for a more pronounced lemon flavor!
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 2 hours (including cooling time)
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 180 per bar
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 125mg
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of sauce?
Yes! You can use frozen cranberries, but you may need to cook them down with some sugar to create a sauce before adding.
How can I tell when the bars are done baking?
The filling should be set and no longer jiggly in the center; it may also slightly puff up and become golden around the edges.
Can these bars be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! They’re perfect for making in advance and storing in the fridge before serving.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep cooled bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator; this will help maintain their texture and flavor.
Conclusion
With their irresistible combination of textures and flavors, Cranberry Lemon Bars are a delightful dessert that deserves a spot on your recipe list. Their vibrant colors and refreshing taste make them stand out, whether at a holiday gathering or simply as a treat for yourself. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations or ask friends for their opinions after trying them out! Once you indulge in these bars, you may find that they become a regular feature on your dessert menu. So get baking, and relish each zesty bite of this magnificent treat!
Print
Cranberry Lemon Bars
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
Description
Cranberry Lemon Bars are the perfect balance between sweet and tart, making them a delightful dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup salted butter, softened at room temperature
- 1/4 cup granulated white sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for the crust)
- 4 large whole eggs
- 1 1/4 cups granulated white sugar (for the filling)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for the filling)
- 1 cup whole-berry cranberry sauce
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 9 x 9-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and 1/4 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Gradually mix in 1 cup of all-purpose flour; press the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the four eggs, 1 1/4 cups of granulated sugar, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice. Sift in 1/2 cup of flour to thicken the filling and stir gently.
- Spread whole-berry cranberry sauce over the baked crust. Pour the lemon mixture over the cranberry layer and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes.
- Let cool completely before refrigerating for several hours or overnight, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
These bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making them an excellent make-ahead dessert.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sodium: 125 mg
- Protein: 3 g