Cranberry lemon bars

Cranberry Lemon Bars are a delightful twist on the classic lemon bar, featuring a tangy cranberry layer on top of the traditional bright and citrusy lemon filling. These bars are perfect for the holiday season or as a refreshing treat any time of the year.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

For the Lemon Layer:

• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon

For the Cranberry Topping:

• 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon water
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. Start with the crust: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup flour and 1/4 cup sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press the crust mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan, forming an even layer. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
4. Prepare the lemon layer: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, 3/4 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Pour this mixture over the baked crust.
5. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the lemon layer is set.
6. While the lemon layer is baking, prepare the cranberry topping: In a saucepan, combine the cranberries, 1/4 cup sugar, and water. Cook over medium heat until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes.
7. Spread the cranberry topping evenly over the baked lemon layer.
8. Bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberry layer is set.
9. Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan.
10. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
11. Serve the Cranberry Lemon Bars and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 220-250
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 3g

Prep and Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40-55 minutes

Servings

• Serves: 12-16 bars

Cranberry Lemon Bars are a festive and flavorful dessert, combining the tartness of cranberries with the zesty sweetness of lemon. These bars are a great addition to any holiday table or as a delightful treat to brighten up your day.