Description
A delightful dessert combining tart cranberries and refreshing lemons, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces fresh cranberries (or frozen without thawing)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup + 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (1 stick)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup + 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3 lemons)
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Instructions
- Rinse and sort through the cranberries, discarding any soft or blemished ones.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, water, and 6 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer for 10-15 minutes until cranberries break down. Let cool for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F and line a 9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, greasing well.
- In a mixing bowl, blend melted butter, remaining 1/4 cup sugar, vanilla, and salt. Stir in flour until combined; press into pan.
- Bake for 16-18 minutes until slightly browned. Poke the crust with a fork and let cool for 20 minutes.
- While crust cools, whisk together 3 tablespoons of flour and 1 cup of sugar in a medium bowl. Add eggs and lemon juice, whisk until smooth.
- Spread the cranberry filling over the cooled crust. Refrigerate for 45 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F again. Pour lemon mixture over the cranberry layer and bake for 43-45 minutes until set.
- Cool on a wire rack for about an hour, then refrigerate for 1-2 hours before serving.
- Lift the bars from the pan using parchment paper, dust with powdered sugar, and slice into squares.
Notes
Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: cranberry lemon bars, dessert recipe, baking, sweet tart, easy dessert