Cranberry Lemon Bars

Cranberry Lemon Bars are a delightful blend of sweet and tart flavors, making them the perfect dessert for any occasion. These bars are not only visually appealing but also incredibly easy to make. With a buttery shortbread crust, a gooey cranberry layer, and a luscious lemon custard topping, they’re sure to impress your family and friends during the holidays or at summer gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredible Flavor: The combination of fresh cranberries and zesty lemons creates a refreshing taste that tantalizes the palate.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, you can whip up these bars in no time, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for holiday celebrations, picnics, or just a sweet treat at home, these bars suit any occasion.
• Make Ahead Option: These bars can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making them an excellent choice for busy days.
• Beautiful Presentation: A dusting of powdered sugar adds elegance, making them a show-stopping dessert on any table.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delicious Cranberry Lemon Bars, you’ll need some essential tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9-inch square baking dish
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Saucepan
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• 9-inch square baking dish: Ensures even baking and proper size for cutting bars into perfect squares.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes it easy to lift out the cooled bars for slicing.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without mess.
• Saucepan: Ideal for cooking down the cranberries to create a smooth filling.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 8 ounces fresh cranberries (or frozen not thawed)
– 1/2 cup water
– 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter (melted)
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup + 1 tablespoon all purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
– 3 large eggs
– 1/2 cup lemon juice (fresh, about 3 lemons)
– optional: powdered sugar sprinkled on top

How to Make Cranberry Lemon Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Cranberries

1. Rinse and pick through the cranberries. Discard any that look bad or squishy.
2. In a medium saucepan, add in cranberries, water, and 6 tablespoons granulated sugar.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
4. Reduce heat to medium-low and cover with a splatter screen. Stir occasionally at first and then constantly to prevent burning.
5. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until all of the cranberries are broken down. Set aside to cool for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a 9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper ensuring no gaps or spaces remain. Leave a little overhang for easy removal later.

Step 3: Make the Shortbread Crust

1. In a medium bowl, combine melted butter, vanilla extract, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and salt.
2. Once combined, mix in 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon of flour.
3. Press this thick dough firmly into the prepared pan in an even layer.

Step 4: Bake the Crust

Bake for 16-18 minutes until lightly browned. Remove from oven and poke all over with a fork. Turn off oven and let cool for about 20 minutes.

Step 5: Prepare the Lemon Filling

While the crust is cooling:
1. In another medium bowl, combine together 3 tablespoons of flour and 1 cup of granulated sugar.
2. Whisk in eggs and then add lemon juice. Set aside.

Step 6: Assemble Layers

Once crust is cool:
1. Pour cooled cranberry filling over the crust spreading it evenly to edges without gaps.
2. Place in refrigerator for 45 minutes.

Step 7: Bake Again

Preheat oven to 350°F again after chilling:
1. Carefully pour lemon layer on top of cranberry layer.
2. Bake for about 43-45 minutes until center is set and doesn’t jiggle.

Step 8: Cool Completely

Cool on wire rack in baking pan at room temperature for one hour before refrigerating for another one to two hours.

Step 9: Serve

To serve:
Lift parchment out of pan onto cutting board; sift powdered sugar on top before cutting into squares. For clean slices, wipe knife between cuts.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Cranberry Lemon Bars!

How to Serve Cranberry Lemon Bars

Cranberry Lemon Bars are a delightful treat that can be served in various ways to elevate your dessert experience. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering or a simple family dinner, these bars can be paired with complementary flavors and textures.

With Fresh Whipped Cream

• Light and airy whipped cream adds a creamy contrast to the tangy bars. Simply whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar until soft peaks form.

Alongside Vanilla Ice Cream

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream balances the tartness of the cranberry lemon bars. The cold creaminess enhances each bite.

Garnished with Fresh Berries

• Top your bars with fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries for added color and flavor. Their natural sweetness pairs well with the tartness.

Drizzled with Lemon Glaze

• A simple lemon glaze made from lemon juice and powdered sugar can add an extra layer of citrusy goodness. Just drizzle it over the bars before serving.

Paired with Herbal Tea

• Serve alongside a steaming cup of herbal tea, such as chamomile or mint, for a cozy dessert experience. The warmth of the tea complements the coolness of the bars.

How to Perfect Cranberry Lemon Bars

Creating the perfect Cranberry Lemon Bars requires attention to detail and technique. Here are some tips to ensure your dessert turns out just right.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh cranberries and lemons when possible. They provide the best flavor and brightness to your bars.
• Pre-cool Your Crust: Allowing your crust to cool fully before adding layers prevents sogginess and keeps textures distinct.
• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on the oven as baking times can vary. The center should be set without any jiggle when done.
• Sift Powdered Sugar: For a beautiful presentation, sift powdered sugar over the bars just before serving to create an elegant finish.
• Refrigerate Before Cutting: Chilling your bars in the fridge helps them set better, making them easier to cut into neat squares.

Best Side Dishes for Cranberry Lemon Bars

When serving Cranberry Lemon Bars, consider these side dishes that complement their sweet-tart flavor perfectly.

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing blend of seasonal fruits like melons, berries, and citrus can enhance the dessert experience.
2. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses such as brie or goat cheese balances out the sweetness and adds richness.
3. Spinach Salad: A light spinach salad with citrus vinaigrette provides a fresh contrast that pairs well with rich desserts.
4. Chocolate Covered Almonds: Nutty chocolate-covered almonds add crunch and richness that pairs beautifully with tart desserts.
5. Lemon Sorbet: This light, frozen treat echoes the lemon flavor in your bars while refreshing the palate.
6. Toasted Coconut Macaroons: These chewy cookies provide a lovely coconut flavor that goes well with both cranberry and lemon notes.
7. Pistachio Cookies: Their nutty taste offers a delightful contrast while echoing some flavors found in traditional desserts.
8. Herbed Crostini: Serve small slices of toasted bread topped with cream cheese or ricotta mixed with herbs as a savory counterpoint to sweet treats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Cranberry Lemon Bars can be delightful, but some common mistakes can ruin the experience.

• Not rinsing cranberries properly: Ensure you rinse and pick through your cranberries to remove any bad ones. This prevents off-flavors in your bars.
• Skipping the cooling step: Allow the cranberry mixture to cool for at least 30 minutes. Skipping this can result in a soggy crust.
• Incorrect baking temperatures: Always preheat your oven to the correct temperature. An oven that is too hot or too cold can affect the texture of your lemon bars.
• Overmixing the batter: When combining ingredients for the lemon layer, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough bars rather than a smooth custard.
• Cutting too soon: Allow your bars to cool completely before cutting them. This ensures cleaner edges and better presentation.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Cranberry Lemon Bars

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Cranberry Lemon Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 15-20 seconds or until warm.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently, checking frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Cranberry Lemon Bars.

Can I use frozen cranberries in my Cranberry Lemon Bars?

Yes, frozen cranberries work well without thawing. Just rinse them before use.

How do I know when my lemon bars are done baking?

The center should be set and not jiggle when you gently shake the pan.

Can I customize my Cranberry Lemon Bars?

Absolutely! You can add zest from lemons or substitute cranberries with other berries for a different flavor.

What should I serve with my Cranberry Lemon Bars?

These bars pair wonderfully with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.

Final Thoughts

Cranberry Lemon Bars offer a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, making them an ideal dessert for any occasion. Feel free to customize by adding nuts or swapping fruits according to your preference. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to impress!