Desserts

Cranberry Lemon Bars

Chef Olivia

December 2, 2025
4 min read

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why make this recipe

Cranberry Lemon Bars are a delightful combination of tart cranberries and zesty lemon, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. They are refreshing and flavorful, ideal for a snack, dessert, or even a holiday gathering. With layers of buttery crust and sweet-tart filling, these bars are sure to impress both family and friends.

how to make Cranberry Lemon Bars

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

Directions:

Rinse and pick through the cranberries, discarding any that look bad or squishy.
In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, water, and 6 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover with a splatter screen, and stir constantly to prevent burning. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes until all cranberries are broken down. Allow to cool for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring there are no gaps. Leave a little overhang for easy removal later. Coat the parchment well with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
In a medium bowl, mix the melted butter, vanilla, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and salt until combined. Add in 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon of flour and mix well. Press the thick dough firmly into the prepared pan evenly.
Bake for 16-18 minutes until lightly browned. Remove from the oven and poke all over with a fork. Turn off the oven and let the crust cool for about 20 minutes.
While the crust cools, combine 3 tablespoons of flour and 1 cup of granulated sugar in a medium bowl. Whisk in the eggs and then add the lemon juice. Set aside.
Once the crust is cool, pour the cooled cranberry filling over it, spreading it to the edges without gaps. Refrigerate for 45 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Carefully pour the lemon layer on top of the cranberry layer. Bake for 43-45 minutes until the center is set and doesn’t jiggle. Cool on a wire rack in the baking pan at room temperature for 1 hour, then refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
To serve, lift the parchment out of the pan and place it on a cutting board. Dust with powdered sugar and cut into squares. Wipe the knife off between cuts for clean slices.

how to serve Cranberry Lemon Bars

Cranberry Lemon Bars are best served chilled. You can cut them into squares or bars, and they look lovely dusted with powdered sugar. They are perfect for coffee breaks, dessert after dinner, or even as a sweet treat for lunchboxes.

how to store Cranberry Lemon Bars

Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.

tips to make Cranberry Lemon Bars

Make sure to cool the cranberry filling completely before pouring it on the crust. This helps to keep the layers distinct.
You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar to the lemon layer according to your taste.
For a smoother texture, you can blend the cranberry filling before pouring it onto the crust.

variation

You can substitute the cranberries with raspberries or blueberries if you prefer. The lemon layer pairs well with various berries, providing a different but delicious flavor profile.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought cranberry sauce instead of fresh cranberries?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe since store-bought sauces can be sweetened.

2. How can I tell when the lemon bars are done?
The lemon bars are done when the center is set and doesn’t jiggle. You can also insert a toothpick; it should come out clean.

3. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.