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Cranberry Curd Bars with Walnut Shortbread Crust

Cranberry Curd Bars with Walnut Shortbread Crust to Wow Your Guests

A delicious and vibrant dessert featuring cranberry curd layered atop a walnut shortbread crust, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 24 bars
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

For the Crust
  • 1 can Cooking Spray Prevents sticking during baking for easy removal.
  • 1 cup Walnut Pieces Provides a nutty flavor and texture; substitute with almonds if desired.
  • 1.5 cups All-Purpose Flour Forms the structure of the crust.
  • 0.5 cup Powdered Sugar Sweetens the crust.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon Adds warmth to the flavor profile.
  • 1 pinch Salt Enhances overall flavor.
  • 0.5 cup Unsalted Butter Provides richness; use dairy-free butter for a dairy-free version.
For the Cranberry Curd
  • 3 cups Fresh or Frozen Cranberries The star of the show, giving the curd its tangy base.
  • 0.5 cup Water Used to cook the cranberries until they burst.
  • 1.25 cups Granulated Sugar Sweetens the cranberry curd.
  • 3 large Eggs Binds the curd together.
  • 2 large Egg Yolks Delivers extra richness to the curd.
  • 1 tablespoon Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice Adds acidity to balance sweetness.
For Garnishing
  • 0.25 cup Powdered Sugar For dusting on top for decoration.
  • Candied Citrus Zest Optional, for extra flavor.

Equipment

  • Food Processor
  • 9x13-inch baking pan
  • saucepan
  • wire rack
  • Fine mesh sieve

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later. Lightly coat the parchment and sides with cooking spray.
  2. In a food processor, pulse 1 cup of walnut pieces until they resemble coarse crumbs. Add 1.5 cups of all-purpose flour, 0.5 cup of powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Process until finely ground.
  3. Add 0.5 cup of unsalted butter to the food processor. Pulse until the mixture forms moist clumps, then transfer to the prepared pan and press down firmly.
  4. Refrigerate the pressed crust for 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the crust for 20-25 minutes until lightly golden.
  5. In a saucepan, combine 3 cups of cranberries with 0.5 cup of water over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the cranberries burst, about 10 minutes. Strain the mixture to collect the puree.
  6. In a medium bowl, mix the cranberry puree with 1.25 cups of granulated sugar, 3 large eggs, 2 large egg yolks, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until well combined.
  7. Pour the curd mixture into a saucepan over low to medium heat, stirring continuously for about 5-11 minutes until it thickens and reaches 150°F (65°C).
  8. Remove the curd from heat and stir in 0.5 cup of unsalted butter until melted. Pour the curd over the baked crust and smooth it out evenly. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until set.
  9. Allow the bars to cool on a wire rack for about an hour. Transfer to the refrigerator and chill until thoroughly chilled, preferably for a couple of hours. Dust with powdered sugar before serving and cut into 24 bars.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 50mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

Continuously whisk the curd mixture to avoid burning. Strain the curd mixture for smoothness. Adjust sweetness to taste and allow bars to cool completely before refrigerating for best results.

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