Cranberry Lemon Bars

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Bright, tart, and a touch sweet, these Cranberry Lemon Bars bring together the zesty zing of lemon with the bold tang of cranberry in a buttery, crumbly shortbread base. It’s the ultimate treat for winter gatherings, but just as delightful any time you need a citrusy pick-me-up.

The magic of this dessert lies in its contrast—a creamy, luscious lemon filling is swirled with cranberry compote, creating a gorgeous marbled effect and a flavor that’s both sophisticated and nostalgic. Whether you’re making these for a holiday cookie exchange or just to treat yourself, these bars are sure to stand out.

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What Kind of Cranberries Should I Use?

For the swirl, fresh or frozen cranberries both work beautifully. Just make sure to simmer them down with sugar and a splash of water to create a jammy consistency. Avoid dried cranberries here—they won’t give the same juicy pop or blend smoothly into the lemon curd layer.

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Ingredients for the Cranberry Lemon Bars

For the Cranberry Swirl:

• 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons water

For the Shortbread Base:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Lemon Layer:

• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs
• 2/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3-4 lemons)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest

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How To Make the Cranberry Lemon Bars

Step 1: Make the Cranberry Swirl

In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and water. Simmer over medium heat until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens into a jam, about 10 minutes. Let cool and then puree until smooth. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Shortbread Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and powdered sugar together until creamy. Add flour and salt, mixing until the dough comes together. Press evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 18-20 minutes, until lightly golden.

Step 3: Mix the Lemon Filling

While the crust bakes, whisk together the granulated sugar and flour. Add the eggs, lemon juice, and zest, whisking until smooth.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the lemon mixture over the hot crust. Dollop the cranberry puree over the top and use a knife to swirl it gently into the lemon layer. Return to the oven and bake for another 25-30 minutes, until the center is set.

Step 5: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely, then chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

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How to Serve and Store Cranberry Lemon Bars

Cranberry Lemon Bars are best served chilled—this helps the filling set perfectly and makes slicing clean and easy. Use a warm knife to get those sharp edges, and consider a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a light lemon glaze before serving for extra flair.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to a month; just layer with parchment between each bar and defrost overnight in the fridge before serving.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh is best for flavor, but bottled will work in a pinch. Just avoid anything with preservatives or added sweeteners.

How do I make this gluten-free?

Swap the flour in both the crust and lemon layer with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes! Use a larger pan (like a sheet pan) and keep an eye on the baking times, which may need slight adjustment.

What if I don’t have a blender for the cranberry swirl?

You can mash the cranberries well with a fork or potato masher. The swirl won’t be as smooth but will still be delicious.

Do I need to strain the cranberry puree?

It’s optional. Straining will give you a silkier texture, but the extra fiber from the skins is nice too!

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Want More Dessert Bar Ideas?

If these Cranberry Lemon Bars stole your heart, you’ll fall in love with these other flavorful treats:

• Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake
• Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars
• Peanut Butter Balls with Chocolate Rice Krispies
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars
• Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the cranberry swirl? Did you try a lime version instead of lemon?

I love seeing your creations and reading how you put your own spin on my recipes. Questions and baking stories are always welcome!

Check out my Pinterest for more dessert inspiration!

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