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Cranberry Lemon Bars

Cranberry Lemon Bars: Your New Favorite Holiday Treat

Cranberry Lemon Bars are a delightful combination of tart and sweet, making them a must-have holiday dessert.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 240
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cranberry Layer
  • 8 ounces Fresh Cranberries You can also use frozen cranberries without thawing.
  • 1/2 cup Water Essential for cooking down the cranberries.
  • 6 tablespoons Granulated Sugar Adjust if you prefer more sweetness.
For the Crust
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter May use salted butter but adjust salt accordingly.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Try using vanilla bean for a richer taste!
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt Crucial for balancing sweetness.
  • 1 cup + 1 All-Purpose Flour Substitute with gluten-free flour blend if needed.
For the Lemon Layer
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar Adjust based on the tartness of your lemons.
  • 3 large Eggs No substitutes for this one!
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Lemon Juice About 3 lemons; bottled juice can be used.
  • 3 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour Thickens the lemon layer.
Optional Garnish
  • Powdered Sugar For dusting; adds a decorative touch.

Equipment

  • 9-inch square baking dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Prepare Cranberry Layer: Rinse the cranberries and combine in a saucepan with water and granulated sugar. Boil, then simmer for 10-15 minutes until softened. Cool for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Pre-bake Crust: Preheat oven to 325°F. Combine melted butter, vanilla, sugar, and salt. Mix in flour and press into a greased baking dish. Bake for 16-18 minutes until lightly browned; cool for 20 minutes.
  3. Make Lemon Layer: Whisk flour and sugar in a bowl, then add eggs and lemon juice; whisk until smooth.
  4. Assemble Bars: Spread cooled cranberry layer over crust. Refrigerate for 45 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F. Pour lemon mixture over cranberry layer.
  5. Bake and Cool: Bake for 43-45 minutes until set, allow to cool at room temperature for 1 hour.
  6. Chill and Serve: Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1-2 hours. Dust with powdered sugar if desired, cut into squares, and serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 240kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 3gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 90mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 1mgIron: 4mg

Notes

For best flavor, use fresh cranberries. Allow layers to cool adequately before assembling.

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