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Cranberry Lemon Bars


  • Author: Livia Scott
  • Total Time: 55 minutes plus chilling
  • Yield: 12 bars
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Cranberry Lemon Bars are a bright, easy dessert with a buttery shortbread crust, creamy lemon filling, and a tart cranberry topping that makes every bite pop. They are perfect for holiday dessert trays, brunch tables, easy dessert ideas, sweet snack cravings, and make-ahead food ideas when you want a fresh citrus treat that looks beautiful and tastes even better.


Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup unsalted butter, melted

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

4 large eggs

1 can sweetened condensed milk

1/2 cup fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon lemon zest

2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup orange juice

1 tablespoon cornstarch

2 tablespoons water

2 tablespoons powdered sugar


Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. Mix the flour, melted butter, granulated sugar, and salt until crumbly, then press firmly into the prepared pan.

3. Bake the crust until lightly golden and set.

4. Whisk the eggs, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.

5. Pour the lemon filling over the warm crust and bake until the center is just set.

6. In a saucepan, cook the cranberries, granulated sugar, and orange juice until the berries burst and soften.

7. Stir together the cornstarch and water, then add it to the cranberry mixture and cook until thickened.

8. Let the cranberry topping cool slightly, then spread it over the cooled lemon layer.

9. Chill the bars until fully set.

10. Dust with powdered sugar, slice, and serve.

Notes

Do not overbake the lemon layer, or it can turn firm instead of staying smooth and creamy.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 285
  • Sugar: 24g
  • Sodium: 105mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 78mg

Keywords: cranberry lemon bars, lemon dessert, cranberry dessert, easy dessert, holiday dessert, bar cookies, citrus dessert, make-ahead dessert