Description
Delightful Cranberry Lemon Bars with a buttery shortbread crust and a tangy lemon cranberry filling, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup salted butter, softened at room temperature
- 1/4 cup granulated white sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large whole eggs
- 1 1/4 cups granulated white sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole-berry cranberry sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9 x 9-inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- Using a hand or stand mixer, beat softened butter and sugar until fluffy. Add vanilla extract and mix until combined, scraping down bowl sides as needed.
- Gradually add flour and mix until a shortbread dough forms, taking care not to over-mix.
- Evenly spread dough in the prepared pan using a spatula or hands. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is lightly browned.
- While the crust bakes, whisk eggs, sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a bowl until combined. Sift flour into the mixture and stir until smooth.
- Allow crust to cool slightly but remain warm. Spread cranberry sauce evenly over the crust to promote adhesion between layers.
- Pour lemon mixture atop cranberry layer and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes until set.
- Cool bars completely, then refrigerate for several hours or overnight to firm. Dust with powdered sugar and slice into 16 bars before serving.
Notes
- For the best flavor, use fresh lemon juice and zest.
- These bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Dust the bars with powdered sugar just before serving for a lovely presentation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 50mg