Cranberry Lemon Bars
Cranberry Lemon Bars excite the taste buds with their perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors. This delightful dessert features a buttery crust topped with a luscious cranberry and lemon filling that will make your palate dance. With their vibrant colors and zesty essence, Cranberry Lemon Bars are an irresistible addition to any gathering or simply a perfect treat for a cozy afternoon at home. This recipe is easy to follow with a step-by-step guide, ensuring that even novice bakers can create this tangy delight in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cranberry Lemon Bars epitomize family-friendly desserts that bring everyone together. They require minimal prep time and only a handful of ingredients, making them an approachable option for both experienced chefs and newcomers in the kitchen. The combination of fresh cranberries and zesty lemon not only tantalizes the taste buds but also offers refreshing flavors that can brighten any occasion. Additionally, this treat is versatile, perfect for holiday gatherings, summer picnics, or weekday snacks!
Ingredients for Cranberry Lemon Bars
To create these mouthwatering Cranberry Lemon Bars, gather the following ingredients, each selected to offer delightful flavors and textures:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The foundation of the buttery crust, providing structure.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: For a touch of sweetness in the crust.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: This is key to achieving a tender, flaky crust.
- 1 cup fresh cranberries: Tart and juicy, they elevate the filling.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Balances the tartness of cranberries with sweetness.
- 2 large eggs: These bind the filling together while adding richness.
- 1/2 cup lemon juice: Freshly squeezed for a bright, zesty flavor.
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest: Adds concentrated lemon flavor that complements the filling.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the filling rise slightly while baking.
Step-by-Step Directions for Cranberry Lemon Bars
Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8-inch baking dish by greasing it thoroughly to prevent sticking.
Make the crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and powdered sugar. Cut in the softened butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
Bake the crust: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake the crust for 15 minutes until it’s lightly golden brown and set.
Prepare the filling: While the crust is baking, mix together in another bowl the fresh cranberries, granulated sugar, eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and baking powder. Stir well until all ingredients are fully combined.
Combine and bake: Once the crust is baked, pour the cranberry mixture evenly over the hot crust. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and begins to turn a slight golden color.
Cool and serve: Allow the Cranberry Lemon Bars to cool in the pan before transferring them to the refrigerator. Once cooled, slice into squares, and dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Tips & Tricks
To elevate your Cranberry Lemon Bars, consider incorporating some unique elements. Adding a sprinkle of nutmeg or a pinch of cinnamon can enhance the flavor profile. If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some chopped nuts for added crunch. Always use fresh lemons for the juice and zest – the freshness makes a noticeable difference in flavor! For an extra burst of color and taste, you can mix in a few blueberries with the cranberries. Remember, the cooling step is essential as it helps the bars set perfectly.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Cranberry Lemon Bars are delightful on their own but can be paired creatively for an even more delightful experience! Serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a luxurious treat that perfectly complements the tartness of the bars. Fresh mint leaves can add a hint of freshness and visual appeal when plating. Pair them with a cup of herbal tea or a zesty lemonade for a refreshing afternoon snack or dessert during warm summer days.
Nutritional Information
Each Cranberry Lemon Bar packs a punch of flavor while offering a moderate indulgence to tempt your senses. On average, one bar contains about 180 calories. They provide a good dose of vitamin C from the cranberries and lemon, making them a slightly healthier choice compared to other desserts. For those mindful of sugar intake, consider reducing the granulated sugar by a quarter without compromising flavor while still achieving that signature sweet-tart goodness.
Storing Tips & Variations for Cranberry Lemon Bars
To keep your Cranberry Lemon Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. They can also be frozen! Slice the bars before freezing and place them in a single layer within a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight. For a healthier twist, you could substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or use a sugar alternative to reduce calories without sacrificing taste!
Conclusion for Cranberry Lemon Bars
Cranberry Lemon Bars are not just a dessert; they are a sensory triumph that brings joy to your table. With their bright, vibrant flavors and simple preparation, this recipe is one you’ll want to try immediately. Your family and friends will delight in the sweet-tart combinations, making it a perfect addition to any occasion. Don’t wait – make these scrumptious bars today and enjoy a refreshing treat!
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen cranberries can be used as a substitute! Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess moisture.How can I make these bars gluten-free?
You can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is suitable for baking. Ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.Can I add other fruits to the mixture?
Absolutely! Blueberries, raspberries, or even diced apples can be excellent additions to the filling, creating your unique variation.What if I don’t have lemon juice?
In a pinch, you can substitute lemon juice with lime juice for a different twist, though the flavor profile will slightly change.How do I know when the bars are done?
The bars are done when the edges are set, and the center has a slight jiggle but is not liquid. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
Cranberry Lemon Bars
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cranberry Lemon Bars excite the taste buds with their perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors, featuring a buttery crust topped with a luscious cranberry and lemon filling.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and powdered sugar. Cut in the softened butter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Bake the crust for 15 minutes until lightly golden brown.
- Mix together fresh cranberries, granulated sugar, eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and baking powder in another bowl until fully combined.
- Pour the cranberry mixture evenly over the hot crust and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until the filling is set and slightly golden.
- Allow to cool, then slice into squares and dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
For added flavor, consider adding nutmeg or cinnamon. Use fresh lemons for the best flavor. These bars can be enjoyed with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
