Cranberry Lemon Dessert Bars: Easiest Recipe EVER!

Cranberry lemon dessert bars are pockets of sunshine, bursting with tart cranberries and zesty lemon flavor. These delightful treats transport me back to cozy holiday gatherings and the warmth of my grandmother’s kitchen. Imagine a buttery shortbread crust topped with a tangy, sweet filling, speckled with ruby red cranberries. Cranberry lemon dessert bars are more than just a dessert; they are a memory, a tradition, and a guaranteed crowd pleaser.

Why You Will Love This cranberry lemon dessert bars Recipe

These lemon cranberry squares are not only incredibly delicious, but they are also surprisingly easy to make. They offer the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, making them utterly irresistible. The buttery shortbread crust practically melts in your mouth, while the cranberry lemon filling provides a delightful burst of flavor.

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This recipe is also relatively quick to prepare, perfect for those times when you need a last minute treat but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Plus, these cranberry lemon squares travel well, making them ideal for potlucks, picnics, or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients Needed for This cranberry lemon dessert bars Recipe

For the Shortbread Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

For the Cranberry Lemon Filling:

• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup all purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, coarsely chopped

How to Make This cranberry lemon dessert bars Recipe

1. 1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.

1. 2. Make the Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

1. 3. Press the Crust: Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.

1. 4. Bake the Crust: Bake the crust for 1820 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.

1. 5. Prepare the Filing: While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt.

1. 6. Add the Lemon: Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest.

1. 7. Add Cranberries: Gently fold in the chopped cranberries.

1. 8. Pour and Bake: Pour the filling over the prebaked crust.

1. 9. Bake Until Set: Bake for 2530 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

1. 10. Cool Completely: Let the cranberry lemon squares cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. For best results, chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before cutting.

How to Serve This cranberry lemon dessert bars Recipe

These cranberry lemon dessert bars are delicious served chilled or at room temperature. Sprinkle with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Consider serving them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat. Tea or coffee pair perfectly with the bright, citrusy flavor of these squares. Alternatively, try a small glass of chilled Moscato.

You could also create a beautiful dessert platter featuring these with other complementary treats like shortbread cookies or small tarts.

How to Store This cranberry lemon dessert bars Recipe

To store these lemon cranberry squares, place them in an airtight container.

Refrigerate for up to 5 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze these squares for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer safe container or bag.

To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature.

Tips to Make This cranberry lemon dessert bars Recipe

• For an extra burst of lemon flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon extract to the filling.
• If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw them before adding them to the filling.
• Don’t overbake the crust or the filling, this will help prevent the crust from becoming dry or the filling from cracking.
• Line the baking pan with parchment paper with overhang for easy lifting of the cooled bars.
• Use fresh lemon juice for the optimal taste. Don’t be tempted to use bottled juice.

Helpful Notes for This cranberry lemon dessert bars Recipe

The type of flour used will impact the texture of the shortbread crust. All purpose flour is recommended, but you can also experiment with using pastry flour for a more tender crust.

Be sure to use fresh, high quality lemons for the best flavor. Look for lemons that are heavy for their size, with smooth, bright yellow skin. Want more lemon desserts? Try our easy lemon poppy seed cake recipe!

When chopping the cranberries, aim for a coarse chop rather than a fine mince. This will allow them to retain more of their texture and flavor when baked.

Variation of This cranberry lemon dessert bars Recipe

Consider adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the crust for added texture and flavor.

For a festive twist, use sugared cranberries.

You can also experiment with using different types of citrus, such as orange or grapefruit, in place of the lemon.

Add a cream cheese layer on top of the crust before adding the filling.

Conclusion

These cranberry lemon dessert bars are a delightful treat that everyone will enjoy. The bright, tangy flavor of the lemon and cranberries combined with the buttery shortbread crust makes for an irresistible combination. I’m certain these lemon cranberry squares will be a hit! Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think in the comments below!

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