Description
Indulge in the perfect blend of tart cranberries and zesty lemon with our delicious Cranberry Lemon Bars recipe. Learn how to create this irresistible treat today!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (340g) bag fresh or frozen cranberries
- 3/4 cup (150g) cane sugar
- 2 to 3 large limes
- Vegetable oil cooking spray
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup (65g) cane sugar
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks), melted and cooled
- 1 cup (200g) cane sugar
- 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
- 1/8 teaspoon (1 ml) fine sea salt
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- Powdered sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Begin the cranberry topping: In a medium pot, mix cranberries, sugar, and 3 tablespoons of water. Grate the zest of 2 limes directly into the pot; set the limes aside.
- Heat to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring from time to time. Let it boil, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the mixture turns jam-like, about 7 to 9 minutes. Take off the heat and set aside.
- Create the crust: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with a single large piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil, ensuring there are no holes or gaps, then coat it well with cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. Mix the vanilla into the butter, then pour over the flour mixture. Stir until a dough forms. Press this into an even layer in the prepared dish. Bake until the edges are golden brown and the top is dry and golden, about 17 to 20 minutes.
- As the crust bakes, start on the lemon layer: Juice the 2 limes you zested earlier. You should have 1/2 cup. Juice another lime if needed.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, and salt. Add the eggs, whisking gently just until mixed. Stir in the lime juice gently until smooth.
- Allow the crust to cool for 5 minutes, then spread the cranberry mixture evenly over it. Carefully pour the lime mixture on top to form two separate layers.
- Place the dish back in the oven and bake until the mixture is firm, about 18 to 22 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack, then chill in the fridge until cold and firm, at least 2 hours. Use the foil to lift the bars out of the dish and onto a cutting board. Slice into 24 squares, wiping your knife clean between cuts for neat pieces. If you like, dust powdered sugar on top just before serving.
Notes
- Make sure to use fresh cranberries for optimal flavor in the cranberry topping.
- When juicing the lemons for the lemon layer, gently whisk the ingredients to avoid overmixing.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing to achieve clean and neat squares.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7 grams
- Protein: 2 grams
Keywords: cranberry bars, lemon dessert, baking recipe, sweet treat, fruity dessert
