Get ready to transform your dessert game with these mouthwatering Tart and Tangy Cranberry Bars that are about to become your new obsession! Imagine biting into a perfectly balanced treat that combines a buttery, crisp crust with a vibrant, zesty cranberry topping that'll make your guests beg for the recipe. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, these bars are your ticket to dessert superstardom - easy to make, impossible to resist, and guaranteed to impress!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and mix until a crumbly dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, creating a firm and compact base. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to ensure an even layer.
- Bake the crust for 15 minutes until it turns light golden around the edges. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- In a small saucepan, combine fresh cranberries, remaining 1/4 cup sugar, orange juice, and lemon zest. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until cranberries begin to burst and the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes.
- Pour the cranberry mixture evenly over the partially baked crust, spreading it to cover the entire surface.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cranberry topping is set and slightly bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan at room temperature, approximately 1 hour.
- Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the bars out of the pan and transfer to a cutting board. Slice into 12 even bars using a sharp knife.
- For best flavor and texture, store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Tips
- Use fresh cranberries for the most vibrant flavor and texture. Frozen cranberries can work in a pinch, but fresh is always best.
- Make sure to zest your lemon carefully, using only the bright outer layer and avoiding the bitter white pith underneath.
- When pressing the crust into the pan, use the back of a measuring cup or a flat-bottomed glass to create an even, compact layer.
- Keep an eye on the cranberry mixture while cooking - you want it to thicken but not become too dry. The berries should just start to burst and create a jammy consistency.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean, neat slices. Chilling them in the refrigerator for an hour can make cutting even easier.
- For an extra touch of elegance, dust the cooled bars with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving.
- These bars are versatile - serve them as a dessert, a breakfast treat, or a delightful afternoon snack with a cup of tea or coffee.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
