Description
Cranberry Lemon Bars are made with a buttery shortbread crust and layered with cranberry sauce and a sweet and tangy lemon curd filling. Perfect for holidays or parties, they offer a tangy burst of flavor with a classic twist.
Ingredients
- Shortbread Crust:
- 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Lemon Cranberry Filling:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Mix in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add flour to form the shortbread dough. Do not overmix.
- Press dough evenly into prepared pan. Bake 20-25 minutes until lightly browned.
- Meanwhile, whisk eggs, sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a bowl. Sift in flour and mix until smooth.
- Spread cranberry sauce over warm crust, then pour lemon mixture on top. Bake 30-35 minutes.
- Cool completely, then refrigerate 3+ hours until set. Dust with powdered sugar and cut into 16 bars.
Notes
- Recipe adapted from Savory Experiments.
- Bars can be made a day ahead for convenience.
- Use fresh or canned cranberry sauce depending on preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American