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Cranberry Lemon Bars
We like these cranberry lemon bars so much that I load up my freezer with fresh cranberries heading into the holiday season, so this dessert can be enjoyed all year.
Ingredient:
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
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3 tablespoons white sugar
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1 teaspoon almond extract
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1 cup all-purpose flour
Cranberry Layer:
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6 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries
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1/4 cup white sugar
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2 tablespoons water
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1 1/2 tablespoons lemon zest
Lemon Layer:
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2 large eggs
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3/4 cup white sugar
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1/3 cup freshly-squeezed lemon juice
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1/3 cup all-purpose flour
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1 tablespoon lemon zest
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confectioners sugar, as needed
Recipe Direction :
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). Grease an 8x8-inch pan or line with parchment paper on the bottom, leaving a little overhang to easily remove bars.
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Stir melted butter, 3 tablespoons sugar, almond extract, and salt together in a bowl. Add flour, and mix until well incorporated. Press dough mixture into the prepared pan in an even layer.
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Bake in the preheated oven until edges start to turn a light brown, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from the oven, and set aside.
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Meanwhile, combine cranberries, 1/4 cup sugar, water, and 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon zest in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring often. Once cranberries start to pop, mash down with the back of a spoon, until cranberries break down into a smooth consistency, 9 to 12 minutes. Set aside.
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Whisk eggs, 3/4 cup sugar, lemon juice, flour, and 1 tablespoon lemon zest in a bowl until well combined.
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To assemble, spread the cranberry mixture evenly over the crust, and pour the lemon layer mixture over the cranberry layer.
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Return to the oven and bake until filling is set, 20 to 25 minutes.
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Cool completely in the pan, and run a knife around the pan edges. Cut into squares and dust with confectioners sugar right before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container.