Description
These Cranberry Lemon Bars are a vibrant, tart, and sweet dessert bar layered with buttery shortbread, zesty lemon curd, and a tangy cranberry swirl. Ideal for holidays or citrus lovers, they’re easy to make and gorgeous to serve.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons water
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 large eggs
2/3 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
Instructions
1. 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 puree until smooth.
2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment. Beat butter and powdered sugar until creamy, then mix in flour and salt. Press into the pan and bake 18–20 minutes until lightly golden.
3. While crust bakes, whisk together granulated sugar and flour. Add eggs, lemon juice, and zest, whisking until smooth.
4. Pour lemon filling over hot crust. Drop spoonfuls of cranberry puree on top and swirl gently. Bake for 25–30 minutes until set.
5. Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
Let bars chill before slicing to get clean edges.
Strain the cranberry puree for a smoother swirl if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: cranberry lemon bars, citrus dessert, lemon bars