Description
Delightful dessert bars that combine tart cranberries with the bright zest of lemon, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces fresh cranberries (or frozen, not thawed)
- 1/2 cup water
- 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup lemon juice (fresh, about 3 lemons)
- Optional: powdered sugar for sprinkling on top
Instructions
- Rinse the cranberries and pick through them, discarding any bad or squishy ones.
- In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, water, and 6 tablespoons of granulated sugar and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and cover with a splatter screen. Stir occasionally and simmer for 10–15 minutes until cranberries break down. Set aside to cool for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 325°F and line a 9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, then coat with butter or non-stick spray.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together melted butter, vanilla, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and salt. Gradually mix in 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon of flour and press the dough into the prepared pan.
- Bake the crust for 16–18 minutes until lightly browned. Remove from oven and poke holes all over the crust with a fork. Cool for about 20 minutes.
- Mix 3 tablespoons of flour and 1 cup of granulated sugar in a bowl. Whisk in eggs and lemon juice until smooth.
- Once cooled, pour the cranberry filling over the crust and refrigerate for 45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F, pour the lemon layer gently on top and bake for 43–45 minutes until center is set.
- Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour, then refrigerate for 1–2 hours before serving.
- Lift out of the pan, cut into squares, and optionally sift powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
Using parchment paper helps with easy removal and cleanup. For a citrus twist, consider adding lemon zest to the filling.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 70mg