A tart and sweet dessert often enjoyed during the holidays, these lemon bars with cranberry make an excellent addition to any table. Bright and flavorful, they balance acidity and sweetness for a refreshing treat.
Why you’ll love this dish
These bars offer a zesty lemon punch paired with the tartness of cranberries, creating a vibrant flavor profile. The creamy, buttery filling contrasts beautifully with the crunchy crust.
“The perfect balance of tart and sweet. Everyone loved them!”
The balance of flavors and textures makes them a standout dessert for gatherings or quiet evenings.
The cooking process explained
This recipe consists of a buttery crust and a smooth lemon-cranberry filling baked until set. Once cooled, the bars can be sliced for serving.
Prep Time: 15 min | Cook Time: 25 min | Total Time: 40 min
What you’ll need
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
Note: For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend.
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, combine flour, powdered sugar, and butter until crumbly. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, cranberries, baking powder, and salt.
- Pour filling over the pre-baked crust. Bake for an additional 20 minutes, until set.
- Allow to cool completely before slicing into squares.
Best ways to enjoy it
Serve these bars dusted with powdered sugar. Pair them with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added richness. They make a delightful dessert for any occasion.
Storage and reheating tips
Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Helpful cooking tips
- Make sure to zest the lemon before juicing it to keep the flavors strong.
- Ensure the bars cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling.
- Adjust sugar levels if you prefer a sweeter or more tart filling.
Recipe variations
- Replace cranberries with blueberries for a different taste.
- Add a layer of white chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
- Use lime juice and zest for a citrus variation.
FAQ
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Yes, but fresh lemon juice provides a brighter flavor.
What if I don’t have fresh cranberries?
Frozen cranberries work well and do not need to be thawed before using.
How can I tell when the bars are done baking?
The filling will be set and slightly puffed. Use a toothpick to check; it should come out clean.
Lemon Cranberry Bars
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A tart and sweet dessert combining zesty lemon and tart cranberries, perfect for holidays.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan.
- Combine flour, powdered sugar, and butter in a bowl until crumbly. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
- Whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, cranberries, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Pour filling over the pre-baked crust. Bake for an additional 20 minutes, until set.
- Allow to cool completely before slicing into squares.
Notes
Serve dusted with powdered sugar; pairs well with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: lemon bars, cranberry dessert, holiday treats, tart dessert, sweet bars