Cranberry Lemon Bars (Printable Version)

Buttery shortbread bars with cranberry filling and lemon custard topping - the perfect balance of sweet and tangy for any occasion.

# Ingredients:

→ For the shortbread crust

01 - Unsalted butter, melted
02 - Granulated sugar
03 - Vanilla extract
04 - Salt
05 - All-purpose flour

→ For the cranberry layer

06 - Fresh or frozen cranberries (not thawed)
07 - Water
08 - Granulated sugar

→ For the lemon layer

09 - Fresh lemon juice
10 - Granulated sugar
11 - Eggs
12 - All-purpose flour

→ For topping

13 - Powdered sugar for dusting

# Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal. In a bowl, mix melted butter, sugar, vanilla, and salt. Stir in flour until a thick dough forms. Press evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 15-18 minutes, until lightly golden. Remove and allow to cool slightly.
02 - Combine cranberries, water, and sugar in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until berries burst and mixture thickens to a sauce-like consistency. Allow to cool briefly before spreading evenly over the baked crust.
03 - In a bowl, whisk together sugar and flour. Add eggs and fresh lemon juice, then whisk until completely smooth. Carefully pour this mixture over the cranberry layer, ensuring even distribution.
04 - Return the pan to the 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the center is just set and no longer jiggles when gently shaken. Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for clean slices.
05 - Using the parchment overhang, lift the bars from the pan. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving. Cut into squares with a sharp knife, wiping the blade between cuts for pristine edges.

# Notes:

01 - Use only fresh lemon juice for optimal flavor intensity
02 - Frozen cranberries work perfectly without thawing first
03 - Chill thoroughly before slicing for clean-edged bars
04 - Consider adding lemon zest to the crust for enhanced citrus flavor

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