Cranberry Lemon Bars
Cranberry Lemon Bars are a delightful fusion of tart cranberries and zesty lemons, offering a refreshing treat perfect for any occasion. This recipe embodies a perfect balance of sweet and tangy, with a buttery crust that crumbles beautifully in your mouth. Imagine biting into a tender, flavorful bar that melts away all your stress with every bite—this is not just dessert; it’s a moment of pure happiness. With its vibrant colors and refreshing taste, Cranberry Lemon Bars are not just delicious; they’re visually stunning and ideal for family gatherings, holiday parties, or just because you deserve a sweet treat. This step-by-step recipe is designed to guide you through the simple process of creating these mouthwatering bars in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons to adore Cranberry Lemon Bars! First off, they are incredibly easy to prepare, making them accessible even for novice bakers. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll whip up this delightful dessert without any fuss.
These bars are also family-friendly, appealing to both kids and adults with their bright and lively flavors. Whether you opt for a quick preparation or a more traditional baking method, the result is always scrumptious. Finally, the combination of tart cranberries with zesty lemon creates a symphony of flavors that leaves everyone craving just one more bite.
Ingredients for Cranberry Lemon Bars
To create these tantalizing Cranberry Lemon Bars, you’ll need the following carefully selected ingredients, each adding character and flavor to your dessert:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: This will lend a rich creaminess to your crust.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the crust just right, supporting the tart filling.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar: Adds a touch of luxury to the crust, resulting in a perfect crumble.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of your crust, creating a delightful texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- 2 cups fresh cranberries: These jewels will form the heart of our bars with their vibrant tartness.
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for the filling): Sweetens the filling while allowing the cranberries shine.
- 3 large eggs: Provides structure to the filling, creating a luscious texture.
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice: Imparts that beloved tartness we crave.
- Zest of 1 lemon: Enhances the refreshing lemon flavor.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting): The finishing touch for a lovely presentation.
Step-by-Step Directions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to ensure your bars release easily once baked.
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In a bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup powdered sugar until fluffy. The mixture should turn light and airy, setting the stage for a crisp crust.
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Gradually blend in the flour and salt. Once well-mixed, press this dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
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Bake for 20 minutes or until the crust is lightly golden. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t brown too much.
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In another bowl, combine the fresh cranberries, 1 cup granulated sugar, eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix well to incorporate all ingredients into a vibrant filling.
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Pour the cranberry mixture over the baked crust, spreading it evenly for uniform cooking.
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Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set in the center. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.
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Let cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar and slicing into bars for serving.
Tips & Tricks
To ensure the best results with your Cranberry Lemon Bars, consider these handy tips! When creaming the butter and sugars, make sure your butter is at room temperature for the best texture. If you want an extra depth of flavor, add a bit of vanilla extract to the filling.
Feel free to experiment with different fruits! If cranberries aren’t your favorite, try raspberries or blueberries for a delightful twist. A pinch of cinnamon could also enhance the flavors beautifully. Remember, patience is key; letting your bars cool completely will make slicing much easier.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Cranberry Lemon Bars are a versatile dessert that pairs well with various drinks. Serve them alongside a cup of tea or coffee to enjoy a leisurely afternoon treat. For something more refreshing, pair them with lemonade or sparkling water infused with mint.
Presentation is key! Elevate your serving by placing the bars on a decorative platter, garnishing with fresh cranberries and lemon slices for an eye-catching display. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side could turn this bar into a decadent dessert, perfect for impressing your guests.
Nutritional Information
One serving of Cranberry Lemon Bars (approximately one square) comes in at around 200-250 calories, depending on the size you cut. These bars are a delightful indulgence; while they provide a burst of flavor, they also offer nutritional benefits from the cranberries, which are high in antioxidants. Balance is essential—enjoy this treat while being mindful of portion sizes, as they can be quite addictive!
Storing Tips & Variations for Cranberry Lemon Bars
To keep your Cranberry Lemon Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can stay good for about a week, maintaining their flavor and texture. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can freeze them. Just wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They’ll be great for up to three months!
For a healthier spin, consider substituting some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour, which will add a nutty flavor and more fiber. You could also reduce the sugar content by using a natural sweetener if desired.
Conclusion for Cranberry Lemon Bars
If you’re ready to elevate your dessert game, Cranberry Lemon Bars are a must-try. Their delightful combination of tart and sweet flavors, along with the texture of the buttery crust, makes every bite a pleasure. Bake up a batch today and transform any occasion into a festive celebration of flavor!
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones?
Yes! Frozen cranberries work just as well, but make sure to thaw and drain any excess water before using them.
2. How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the filling is set and doesn’t jiggle when lightly shaken. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.
3. What can I use instead of eggs for a vegan version?
You can replace each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water).
4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make these bars a day in advance, and they will taste even better as the flavors meld together.
5. What’s the best way to cut the bars?
For clean cuts, use a sharp knife coated with non-stick spray or warm water. Cut them while still chilled for the best results!
Cranberry Lemon Bars
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful fusion of tart cranberries and zesty lemons, offering a refreshing treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for the filling)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cream together butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup powdered sugar until fluffy.
- Gradually blend in the flour and salt, then press dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until lightly golden.
- In another bowl, mix cranberries, 1 cup granulated sugar, eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- Pour the cranberry mixture over the baked crust.
- Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set.
- Let cool completely, dust with powdered sugar, and slice into bars.
Notes
For best results, ensure butter is at room temperature and consider adding vanilla extract to the filling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 225
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
