Lemon Cranberry Bars Dessert is the perfect treat to brighten any day. These bars are a delightful combination of tangy lemon and sweet cranberries, creating a truly irresistible flavor. Lemon Cranberry Bars Dessert are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, making them an ideal dessert for any occasion.
Growing up, my grandmother always had a batch of lemon bars ready whenever we visited. This recipe is my own twist, adding the festive and bright zing of cranberries, and it always takes me back to her warm kitchen. Let’s get baking!
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Lemon Cranberry Bars Dessert Recipe
Lemon Cranberry Bars Dessert: Easiest Holiday Recipe!
These Lemon Cranberry Bars are a bright and delicious dessert, perfect for any occasion. Tangy lemon and sweet cranberries come together in a buttery shortbread crust.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour (including cooling)
Yield: 24 bars
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Nutrition:
Protein: 3g
Carbs: 32g
Fat: 10g
Ingredients
- For the Crust:\n1 ½ cups all purpose flour\n½ cup powdered sugar\n¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes\n¼ teaspoon salt\n\nFor the Filling:\n3 large eggs\n1 ½ cups granulated sugar\n¼ cup all purpose flour\n¼ teaspoon baking powder\n½ cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)\n2 tablespoons lemon zest\n1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.\nIn a large bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt for the crust. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.\nPress the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form an even crust. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until lightly golden.\nWhile the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until smooth.\nAdd the flour and baking powder to the egg mixture, whisking until well combined.\nStir in the lemon juice and lemon zest until the filling is smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the chopped cranberries.\nPour the cranberry lemon filling evenly over the baked crust.\nReturn the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly golden on top.\nLet the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh lemon juice and zest. You can also add a glaze of powdered sugar and lemon juice for extra sweetness. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
This cranberry lemon bars recipe is truly special. The combination of juicy cranberries and zesty lemon creates a perfectly balanced sweet and tart flavor profile that’s unbelievably delicious. The buttery shortbread crust adds a touch of comfort, making each bite a delightful experience.
Not only is this dessert delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. It requires minimal effort and uses simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Perfect for a quick treat or a potluck!
Follow us on Pinterest for more delicious and easy dessert recipes! I think you’ll also enjoy our Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins.Ingredients Needed for This Lemon Cranberry Bars Dessert Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful treat:
For the Crust:- 1 ½ cups all purpose flour
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¼ cup all purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries, roughly chopped
How to Make This Lemon Cranberry Bars Dessert Recipe
Ready to bake? Follow these simple steps to create your Lemon Cranberry Bars Dessert:
- 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- 2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt for the crust. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- 3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form an even crust. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- 4. While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until smooth.
- 5. Add the flour and baking powder to the egg mixture, whisking until well combined.
- 6. Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest until the filling is smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the chopped cranberries.
- 7. Pour the cranberry lemon filling evenly over the baked crust.
- 8. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly golden on top.
- 9. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired.
How to Serve This Lemon Cranberry Bars Dessert Recipe
These bars are perfect on their own, but you can also serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A sprinkle of lemon zest adds a pop of color and enhances the lemon-y flavor. They also pair nicely with a cup of hot tea or coffee. Consider serving these at your next brunch or holiday gathering for a festive touch.
How to Store This Lemon Cranberry Bars Dessert Recipe
To keep your Lemon Cranberry Bars Dessert fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the bars for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer safe container. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and enjoy chilled or at room temperature.
Tips to Make This Lemon Cranberry Bars Dessert Recipe
- For a richer crust, use brown butter instead of regular butter
- Ensure the butter is very cold when making the crust for the best texture.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the most vibrant flavor.
- Don’t overbake the bars or the filling will become tough. Remove them from the oven when the center is just set.
- For a sweeter finish, drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.
Helpful Notes for This Lemon Cranberry Bars Dessert Recipe
Make sure to use a good quality lemon because the zest adds a ton of flavor. If you only have frozen cranberries, don’t thaw them before using. Using them frozen will prevent the filling from becoming too watery. A 9×13 inch pan will yield about 24 bars, depending on how you cut them.
Variation of This Lemon Cranberry Bars Dessert Recipe
For a seasonal twist, try adding a hint of orange zest to the filling during the holiday season. You could also substitute the cranberries with other berries, such as blueberries or raspberries. For a gluten free version, use a gluten free flour blend to make the crust. For extra decadence, add a layer of white chocolate chips to the crust before pouring in the filling.
FAQs About This Lemon Cranberry Bars Dessert Recipe
How do I store Lemon Cranberry Bars Dessert?
Store your Lemon Cranberry Bars Dessert in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. This will help maintain their freshness and prevent them from drying out.
Can I freeze Lemon Cranberry Bars Dessert?
Yes, you can freeze Lemon Cranberry Bars Dessert. Cut the bars into individual pieces, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to two months.
What are some variations I can make to Lemon Cranberry Bars Dessert?
You can add other fruits like blueberries or raspberries, or experiment with different nuts like walnuts or pecans. You can also adjust crust by using gingersnap or shortbread cookies to add flavor.
How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy in Lemon Cranberry Bars Dessert?
To prevent a soggy crust, blind bake it before adding the filling. Also, ensure the filling isn’t too liquidy by following the recipe closely and not over-mixing the ingredients. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting.
Conclusion
These Lemon Cranberry Bars Dessert are truly a delightful treat that you can enjoy any time of year. The combination of tangy lemon and sweet cranberries creates a flavor explosion that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Give the lemon cranberry bars recipe a try soon, and bring a little sunshine into your kitchen with this delightful lemon cranberry bars dessert.