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–+ servings
Cranberry Lemon Bars

Cranberry Lemon Bars: Tart Treats for Your Holiday Table

Enjoy cranberry lemon bars, a refreshing dessert that combines tangy cranberries and zesty lemons in a buttery shortbread crust.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 160
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Cranberry Layer
  • 1 cup Fresh Cranberries Quality fresh cranberries are recommended.
  • ½ cup Water Necessary for simmering.
  • ¾ cup Granulated Sugar Adjust for sweetness.
Buttery Shortbread Crust
  • ½ cup Unsalted Butter Can substitute with margarine.
  • ⅓ cup Granulated Sugar Essential for texture.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Use pure for better flavor.
  • 1 pinch Salt Enhances sweetness.
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour Can be substituted with gluten-free flour.
Lemon Layer
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar Balances acidity.
  • 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour Thickening agent.
  • 3 large Eggs Adds richness.
  • ½ cup Fresh Lemon Juice Fresh juice recommended.
  • Powdered Sugar Optional for dusting.

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Mixing bowl
  • 9-inch Square Baking Dish
  • Whisk
  • Parchment paper

Method
 

Prepare the Cranberry Filling
  1. Rinse and sort cranberries, simmer with water and sugar until thick, then cool.
Prepare the Baking Dish
  1. Preheat oven to 325°F and line a baking dish with parchment.
Make the Shortbread Crust
  1. Mix butter, sugar, vanilla, and salt. Stir in flour to form dough and press into the dish. Bake until golden.
Layer the Cranberry Mixture
  1. Spread the cooled cranberry filling over the crust and chill.
Prepare the Lemon Custard
  1. Whisk together sugar, flour, eggs, and lemon juice until smooth.
Bake the Lemon Layer
  1. Pour lemon mixture over cranberry layer and bake until set.
Cool and Refrigerate
  1. Let cool, then refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
Serve the Bars
  1. Lift bars out using parchment and dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 160kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2.5gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 100mgPotassium: 80mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 1mg

Notes

These bars are not just a recipe; they're a celebration of flavors that will brighten any holiday table.

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